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Ohio Swine Flu Cases Confirmed By CDC
By: News Releases, Tim Sharp
Posted on:
The Ohio Department of Health has announced additional cases of swine flu have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of those cases has been linked to swine exposure at the Ohio State Fair.
So far 14 humans cases of Influenza A variant H3N2 have been identified in Butler County, linked to swine exposure at the Butler County Fair.
Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 3 and 36 years old, so far none of the cases have required hospitalization.
On Monday, ODH hosted a statewide conference call with all local health departments to provide an update on the situation.
Local health departments have been urged to work with agriculture and fair officials to post signs and to speak with those working in livestock facilities to ensure care is taken to avoid further transmission of the virus.
ODH is working with local health departments and health care providers to report influenza-like illness.
Those who have reported close contact with swine and are exhibiting flu-like systems will undergo testing.
Samples will be sent to the ODH laboratory for preliminary testing and then to CDC for confirmation.
ODH will provide notice of any additional H3N2v human case confirmations.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is working to increase the number of hand sanitation stations available at county fairs.
ODA will make contact this week with each upcoming fair veterinarian instructing them to post signs for both the exhibitors and the public, to monitor swine health and to take temperatures of any ill swine and notify ODA immediately of the results.
ODA will continue to swab and test animals as needed throughout the fair season.
With county fairs running into the first week of October in Ohio, ODA and ODH remind residents and visitors that fair attendance is safe.
Those attending the fair should remember:
To wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.
To never take food or drink into animal areas.
Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals.
Watch your animals for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.
Avoid contact with animals that look or act ill.