8 Sickened with Swine Flu at Michigan County Fairs

LANSING, MI — Eight human cases of swine flu have been reported in Michigan after people came into contact with infected pigs at county fairs, public health officials said Friday.

All eight people tested positive for the influenza A H3NS variant. One person was hospitalized and has since been released, according to a joint statement from the Michigan Departments of Health and Human Services and the Agriculture and Rural Development.

The eight were exposed in July and August at county fairs in Muskegon, Cass and Ingham counties, where sick pigs had also been identified.

Both the health and agriculture departments are working with local health departments, the healthcare community in general and county fair officials to protect swine exhibitors and the public, as well as to identify any additional cases.

Swine will be exhibited at the Michigan State Fair, which will be held in Novi Sept. 1-5.

Human infection is believed to occur when a sick pig coughs or sneezes and droplets with influenza virus land in someone’s nose or mouth, or are inhaled. There also is some evidence that the virus might spread by someone touching something that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Symptoms are generally mild and similar to those experienced with seasonal flu viruses, but as with the seasonal flu, complications can lead to hospitalization or death. People who have swine flu may experience respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, as well as body aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Some populations are at higher risk than others, including children under the age of 5 and adults 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions.

The incubation period for swine flu is typically about two days but could be up to 10 days. There is currently no vaccine for the swine flu, and the seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t protect against it. Early treatment works best and may be especially important for people at higher risk.

In 2012, there were six confirmed swine flu cases in Michigan, and in 2013, there were two.

Below are some steps that you can take to protect yourself and prevent the spread of any illness:

• Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications and planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns.
• Do not eat or drink in livestock barns or show rings.
• Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
• Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. Wait seven days after your illness started or until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information about swine flu.

Image: muffinn via Flickr Commons