3 cases of 'swine flu' confirmed in WV - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

3 cases of 'swine flu' confirmed in WV

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The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources said today it has confirmed three cases of H3N2v, sometimes called swine flu, in the state.

Officials with the DHHR Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services said they found the three cases in Mason County.

H3N2v is a form of influenza that normally circulates in swine and is a combination of avian, swine and human viruses, according to the news release. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been monitoring outbreaks in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

The recent outbreaks have been linked to summer agricultural fairs. The Mason County Fair, which included livestock shows, wrapped up last week.

"The CDC has reported that more than 90 percent of the H3N2v cases to date have occurred in children, all of whom have had exposure to swine, mostly at agricultural fairs or festivals," Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Marion Swinker said in the news release. "West Virginia has confirmed three cases of H3N2v in Mason County also linked to attendance at the Gallia County Fair in Ohio where swine were present."

DHHR is telling people to be sure to wash their hands, and those with health issues - especially children - to avoid swine at fairs.