Experts urge fairgoers to wash your hands, don’t eat in barns

By Annette Newcomb~Editor

The Kenosha County Health Department has issued a warning to residents about a virus that has been linked to contact with swine.

Multiple infections with variant influenza A (H3N2v) viruses have been identified in three states in recent weeks. From July 12 through Aug. 3, the KCHD reports 16 cases of H3N2v were reported and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including one case at the Illinois State Fair.

There have been no reports made in Wisconsin as of press time. However in each of the 16 cases identified since July 12 all patients reported they had come into contact with swine prior to becoming ill.

More importantly, in 15 cases, contact occurred while attending or exhibiting swine at an agricultural fair.

While the viruses identified in these cases are genetically nearly identical, separate swine exposure events in each state were associated with human infections. There is no indication that the cases in different states are epidemiologically related and cases have been identified in Ohio and as far away as Hawaii.

At the Kenosha County Fair hand sanitizers are located near the livestock barns and have been for several years.

“We have always made the sanitizers readily available to the fairgoers to assure a safe and enjoyable fair experience,” said Corey Herreid at the county fair office Tuesday morning.

Herreid said before any livestock is allowed onto the fairgrounds, owners must submit paperwork from a veterinarian certifying the animals have a clean health record.

“We also have several vets that are readily available to us, should a need arise,” she added.

Experts advise fairgoers to wash their hands before and after entering any livestock barn and don’t bring food into the barns or eat near livestock.

The Kenosha County Division of Health is recommending the following precautions:

• those who are at high risk for influenza complications (e.g., underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions, or who are pregnant or younger than 5 years, older than 65 years of age or have weakened immune systems) should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and swine barns this summer, especially if ill pigs have been identified;

• those engaging in activities that may involve swine contact, such as attending agricultural events or exhibiting swine, should wash their hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals; avoid eating or drinking in animal areas; and avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill;

• patients who experience influenza-like symptoms following direct or close contact with pigs should inform a pulmonologist from the likes of Gwinnett Pulmonary Group or a similar health care provider about the exposure;

• patients with influenza-like illness who are at high risk for influenza complications (e.g., underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions, or who are pregnant or younger than 5 years, older than 65 years of age or have weakened immune systems) should see their health care provider promptly to determine if treatment with antiviral medications is warranted.

• influenza viruses have not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs.

Avoid getting sick:

• wash hands with soap and water before and after exposure to animals;

• avoid eating, drinking or putting anything in the mouth in animal areas;

• don’t take food or drink into animal areas;

• pregnant women, young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses should avoid exposure to animal areas;

• if you develop flu symptoms after attending an agricultural fair, tell your doctor;

• Avoid sick pigs. How do you know whether a pig is sick? Look for “a pig that’s got a runny nose, goop in their eyes or they’re standing away from other pigs in the enclosure,” says Lisa Ferguson, a veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Policy Program.

H3N2v is different enough from seasonal human flu that flu vaccine won’t provide protection. A possible human vaccine for H3N2v has been prepared, and clinical trails are being planned.

For more information, call the Kenosha County Division of Health at (262) 605-6700, (800) 472-8008, or log on to www.co.kenosha.wi.us/dhs/Divisions/Health/.