Wisconsin Ag Connection - Fourteen Fair Visitors Confirmed to Have Had Influenza From Pigs

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Fourteen Fair Visitors Confirmed to Have Had Influenza From Pigs
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/04/2012

The total number of visitors who attended Wisconsin fairs last month and have contracted the H3N2 influenza virus now totals 14. According to state health officials, all of the patients had contact with pigs or came close to pigs at either the state fair, or Kenosha, Dodge or Manitowoc County fairs. The majority of cases are children, with an average age of 10-years-old.

"While this strain of influenza appears to cause an illness similar to seasonal strains, keep in mind that any influenza can cause very severe illness in certain people," said Dr. Henry Anderson. "Because H3N2v infections have been associated with four Wisconsin fairs already, we are recommending that older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions should avoid entering swine barns at fairs this season."

Symptoms of H3N2 include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also have reported runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

As a result of the latest epidemic, the Wisconsin Division of Public Health is asking fairgoers to use caution when entering pig farms. They should also wash their hands often with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs.

Dr. Anderson says all of the individuals who were infected with the virus have recovered or are recovering from their illnesses. One child was hospitalized briefly, he said.

As of this past weekend, there have been 276 cases of the H3N2 virus reported in 10 states since July. Although most have involved exposure to pigs, three appear to have spread from one human to another.

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