2 Swine Flu Cases Confirmed in Monroe County - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

WTRF.com UPDATE

The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed two cases of H3N2v influenza, also known as "swine flu", in Monroe County, within the WTRF broadcasting area.

In addition, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Department of Health have launched an outreach plan to increase awareness of the H3N2v flu virus at county fairs.  A representative from ODA and ODH, or a local designee such as the fair veterinarian or health commissioner, will visit every fair.  That person will make personal contact with swine exhibitors and reinforce the importance of preventing the spread of flu.  ODA has also set guidance for fair boards.

ODH has confirmed six additional cases of Influenza A variant H3N2 in Ohio, bringing the current number of H3N2v cases statewide to 36. At this time, surveillance indicates that the individuals most likely became ill with the flu virus after exposure to swine.  One person required hospitalization, but has been treated and released.

While health officials view this variant of flu as comparatively mild, they wish to emphasize the importance of basic sanitation practices to prevent its spread, such as hand washing.  They also said the number of cases may climb as the virus circulates between swine herds.  ODH continues to send suspected H3N2 cases to the Centers for Disease Control for confirmation, and assisting in tracking the illness.

Health officials also wish to emphasize that fair attendance is safe.  Visitors should remember to always wash their hands after being in close-proximity to livestock, as well as to keep food and drink out of animal exhibits. All fair animals, especially pigs, receive checks from veterinarians to monitor for illness and signs of flu-like symptoms every day they are at the fair. This protects the health of both the people visiting the fair, and the other animals in the barns.

Influenza viruses such as H3N2v and its variants are typical in swine.  These viruses may be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine in the same way that all viruses may be transmitted between people. When humans are in close proximity to live infected swine, such as in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs, movement of these viruses can occur back and forth between humans and animals. Influenza viruses cannot be transmitted by eating pork or pork products, however. 

Individuals should always wash hands with soap and water before and after petting or touching any animal.  Never eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth in animal areas.  Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions around animals.

Chronology (Updated)

• August 8: ODH confirms 30 cases of H3N2v in Ohio.
  
• August 7: ODA distributes communication to fair exhibitors and county fair boards across Ohio reiterating the importance of good hygiene to prevent the spread of influenza viruses.
• August 6: ODH holds statewide conference call with local health departments to provide an update on the situation; ODA holds statewide conference call with state fair boards. Click Here for the story at the state level.  D. K. Wright's story about Belmont County's response is here.
  
• August 5: The Centers for Disease Control confirms additional human cases of H3N2v, bringing the total to 15. 
  
• August 2: Two swine sent home from Ohio State Fair after showing flu-like symptoms.
• August 2: CDC confirms nine individuals who had direct contact with swine at Butler County Fair have Influenza A variant H3N2. 
  
• August 1: ODA asks fair exhibitors to take precautions and alerts attending veterinarians to closely monitor swine as they arrive on the fairgrounds for signs of influenza; ODA also works with the Ohio Expo Commission on hand sanitation stations and informational signage at the Ohio State Fair.
• August 1: ODH investigates flu illness from Butler County fair. Preliminary positive results indicate H3N2v strain of influenza.  Click here for WTRF.com's initial story.
  
• July 31: ODH notifies local health departments and health care providers in Ohio to monitor influenza-like illness in their area.

ORIGINAL STORY

Multiple Ohio health authorities have concerns an outbreak of swine flu may have occurred at a county fair.

Three agencies, the Ohio Departments of Health (ODH) and Agriculture (ODA), along with the Butler County Health Department, have started to look into human illnesses associated with the Butler County Fair. Initial laboratory results on ten samples indicate similarities to the influenza virus of H3N2 type. All individuals in Butler County's investigation had direct contact with swine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not yet finished an analysis to issue a final determination on any of the cases.

Health officials wish to emphasize that fair attendance is safe.  Visitors should remember to always wash their hands after being in close-proximity to livestock, as well as to keep food and drink out of animal exhibits. All fair animals, especially pigs, receive checks from veterinarians to monitor for illness and signs of flu-like symptoms every day they are at the fair. This protects the health of both the people visiting the fair, and the other animals in the barns.

Influenza viruses such as H3N2 and its variants are typical in swine.  These viruses may be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine in the same way that all viruses may be transmitted between people. When humans are in close proximity to live infected swine, such as in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs, movement of these viruses can occur back and forth between humans and animals. Influenza viruses cannot be transmitted by eating pork or pork products, however. 

Individuals should always wash hands with soap and water before and after petting or touching any animal.  Never eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth in animal areas.  Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals.

People who have direct, routine contact with swine, such as working in swine barns or showing swine at fairs, and have experienced cough or influenza-like illness, should contact their health care provider or local health department.  Symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, body aches, and possibly other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.