The Allen County Health Department is working with the Ohio Department of Health and the Allen County Fair Board to monitor the H3N2v influenza that has been identified in the United States and Ohio.
At this point, all reported cases have had close contact with swine, such as working in barns or in livestock exhibits at fairs. To date, few hospitalizations have been reported and all cases have since recovered.
The Allen County Health Department and the Allen County Fair Board are reminding residents to take a simple, common sense approach to protect both humans and animals from the spread of influenza.
"Influenza viruses such as H3N2 and its variants are not unusual in swine and can be directly transmitted between swine and humans and vice versa. Simple actions can help assure that everyone stays healthy during and after the Fair," says Kathy Luhn, Allen County Health Commissioner.
These common sense actions can help stop the spread of germs:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.
Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in animal areas, and don't take food or drink into animal areas.
Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals and may consider avoiding exposure to pigs and swine barns, especially if ill pigs have been identified.
If you have animals - including swine - watch them for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect that they might be sick.
Avoid contact with swine if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Hand washing stations are located near the livestock barns at the Allen County Fair. If you are unable to locate the stations or if soap and water is not available, alcohol-base sanitizers may be used; dispensers are located throughout the Fair Grounds.