CDC issues fair warning about swine flu - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

It's the season for state and county fairs, and health officials are reminding fairgoers to be careful around pigs because of a new flu spreading from the animals to people.

Officials say 29 human cases of the new strain of swine flu have been confirmed in the last year, including 12 this week. Ten were linked to the Butler County Fair in southwest Ohio, which ended last weekend.

Health officials say it matches the virus that recently infected four people at an Indiana fair. In Monroe County, the hogs were sent home after some displayed symptoms of swine flu. Some children who came into contact with the animals also became ill. The stalls are being cleaned with a bleach solution to disinfect the area.

The new flu has a gene from the 2009 pandemic strain that might make it more contagious. But so far, the strain hasn't spread easily among people, and recent cases have been mild.

Fairgoers should wash their hands and avoid taking food and drinks into barns. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems should be extra careful.

The Indiana State Fair is taking new precautions after positive cases of swine flu at the LaPorte County Fair, and sick hogs in Monroe, Hendricks and Jackson Counties. They will be testing the temperature of all hogs brought into the fair, and livestock will be monitored closely for signs of illness.

CDC information on swine flu

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