The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced a human case of swine flu was detected in an Ionia County resident who had close contact with pigs at a county fair.
The resident was found to have a case of influenza A, H1N2 variant, after being a swine exhibitor at the Kent County Youth Fair. The age of the person was not released.
The fair took place Aug. 3-8 at the Grand Agricultural Center of West Michigan in Lowell. The case initially tested position of the health department’s lab, and was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday.
The state health department said in a release it has been working with the Kent County Health Department to contact those who were exhibitors or visitors to the swine barn at the county fair to find out if there are additional cases.
Symptoms of H1N2 variant swine flu are similar to other respiratory and flu illnesses, and include fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe illness is also possible.
“While the risk to the general public remains low, we want visitors who attended the Kent County Youth Fair to be alert to symptoms and take appropriate precautions,” Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said. “Anyone who develops flu‑like symptoms after possible exposure should contact their health care provider and let them know about their recent contact with pigs at the fair. Individuals who are sick should stay home until they have fully recovered.”
Steps for prevention of swine flu, according to the release, including getting an annual influenza shot, not eating or drinking in a livestock barn or show area, and avoiding taking children’s items like bottles, pacifiers and toys into livestock areas. Proper handwashing is also highly recommended after contact with any animal.
For more information, visit CDC.gov/Swine-Flu.
jpignolet@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Swine flu found in Ionia County resident who was county fair exhibitor
Reporting by Jennifer Pignolet, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Jennifer Pignolet, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
