With a new strain of swine flu connected to direct contact with pigs at fairs across the country, county fairs are taking precautions to contain any possibility of the virus.
"Yes, I think it is perfectly safe to attend a fair," said Dr. Gerald Vallee, Gallia County, Ohio, Health commissioner.
Vallee confirmed four swine flu cases in Gallia County. He said the virus H3N2, although prevalent in hogs, can be carried by other mammals.
"In almost every case it's been from pig to person transfer," Vallee said. "If you go to the fair, I think it's OK to walk through the animal barns. You should wash your hands thoroughly. You shouldn't eat food. You shouldn't take drink in there.
Vallee advises those with low immune systems to be especially careful in animal barns at fairs. Symptoms include headache, coughing and muscle aches.
"The severity of human illness associated with this virus continues to resemble that of seasonal flu. Most of the cases are mild and health limited and resolve on their own. Most cases have occurred in children," according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
"You're always concerned with any outbreak," Vallee said. "However this outbreak is not showing any significant tendency to become a pandemic or destructive flu."
If you are concerned about eating pork because of the possibility of swine flu," It's perfectly safe to eat pork. You cannot get this flu from eating pork whatsoever," said Vallee.
Vallee said there's no indication of the virus spreading through person-to-person contact. He adds the key to staying swine flu-free is washing your hands.
For more information on swine flu and fairs:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/safe-fair-going.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/index.htm
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WOWK. All Rights Reserved.
