Texas & Ohio Quietly Reach End Of Ebola Contact Monitoring

Credit CDC PHIL

 

 

# 9295

 

This week marks the end of Ebola contact monitoring in the states of Ohio and Texas, as 21 days have now passed since the last known exposure to an infected patient.   The vigil in Ohio ended mid-week, while the one in Texas will end later today.

Since the majority of those being monitored were extremely `low risk’ contacts, the risks to the community were always considered small. This should, however, offer some reassurance to those who were worried that Ebola might quickly spread in the United States.

New York state continues to monitor contacts of Dr. Spencer, but thus far the new is very encouraging, as there are no indications that he transmitted the virus to anyone else.

 

Despite the media hysteria and the internet conspiracy predictions of doom, the evidence continues to mount that Ebola infected individuals – at least early in the symptomatic phase of their illness – are less infectious than many people originally feared.

 

While this phase of America’s Ebola experience draws to a close, the evidence suggests we’ll see more imported cases of Ebola (or MERS, Avian Flu, etc.) in the future, which will prompt similar public health responses.  Many of the lessons learned in Ohio and Texas will no doubt help other states when it becomes their turn to deal with a local case.

 

Two press releases follow:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 5, 2014
Contact: Ohio Department of Health Public Affairs, (614) 644-8562

FINAL OHIO DAILY EBOLA CONTACT REPORT

11-05-14
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Health reported this morning in its Daily Ebola Contact Report that there are currently:

• 0 confirmed cases of Ebola in Ohio;
• 0 people under quarantine;
• 0 contacts statewide;
  

Tuesday was the last day of monitoring all contacts as their 21 days exposure has ended. ODH officials and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ohio team members worked together to identify anyone who may have had contact of some type with the Dallas nurse who was in Northeast Ohio, Oct. 10-13. No individuals have shown any symptoms.

The ODH call center will also go back to operating only between business hours of 8am-5pm. During the Ebola response effort, the call center saw 2404 calls. Ohioans can still call the number if they have any questions about Ebola. The number to call is 1-866-800-1404.

(Continue . . .)

 

Texas Reaches Ebola Monitoring Endpoint

News Release
Nov. 6, 2014

The last person being monitored in connection with the state’s three diagnosed Ebola patients will be cleared from twice-daily monitoring by the end of the day Friday after reaching the 21-day mark, the longest incubation period for the disease.

No additional cases of the disease have been diagnosed in Texas.

A total of 177 people – a mix of health care workers, household contacts and community members – have been monitored over time because they had contact with at least one of the three Texas Ebola patients, specimens or medical waste. The last person being monitored Friday is a hospital worker who handled medical waste Oct. 17.

“We’re happy to reach this milestone, but our guard stays up,” said Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services. “We reached this point through teamwork and meticulous monitoring, and we’ll continue to be vigilant to protect Texas from Ebola.”

Texas also recently cleared the people who were being monitored in Texas because they were passengers on one of the Dallas-Cleveland flights that carried a Dallas health care worker before she was diagnosed with Ebola.

State and local health officials worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to closely monitor people since the first patient was diagnosed Sept. 30.

Health officials continue to monitor all travelers who return to Texas from countries with widespread Ebola outbreaks. The CDC has identified about 50 people who have returned to Texas from those areas. One of those travelers, a Central Texas nurse who cared for Ebola patients in Sierra Leone, is considered to be at “some risk” of exposure to Ebola and has agreed to stay home until she reaches the 21-day mark. The rest are considered to be “low risk” contacts and are being monitored for symptoms.

Ohio Announces Stricter Ebola Quarantine Protocols

 

 

# 9205

Given the expanding epidemiological investigations into contacts of those who were potentially exposed to Ebola in Dallas, the State of Ohio has released a new set of stringent quarantine protocols for anyone who may have had contact with an Ebola infected individual.

 

These guidelines are far stricter than those released last August by the CDC (see Interim Guidance for Monitoring and Movement of Persons with Ebola Virus Disease Exposure), where asymptomatic household contacts or other close contacts with an EVD patient would only be subject to conditional release and controlled movement until 21 days after last known potential exposure.

 

For the state of Ohio, for  any direct physical contact with the index case (including brief contact such as a handshake without personal protective equipment), ODH recommends quarantine for 21 days.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2014
Contact: State Joint Information Center (614) 799-6480

Ohio Issues Enhanced Ebola Quarantine Protocols

COLUMBUS – Today the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) issued new, stronger recommended quarantine protocols for local health departments responding to suspected or confirmed Ebola cases in Ohio. The ODH guidelines were developed in consultation with Ohio infectious disease experts and build on guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ODH issued the new guidelines to Ohio's local health departments and health care providers via its Ohio Public Health Communications System.

“The ODH guidelines are being recommended out of an abundance of caution to take strong measures to protect Ohio residents,” said Dr. Mary DiOrio, state epidemiologist and interim chief of the ODH Bureau of Prevention and Health Promotion. “It has become clear that we cannot be too careful in efforts to contain the spread of this deadly disease.”

Here are the ODH guidelines for local health departments:

• For individuals with any direct physical contact with the index case (including brief contact such as a handshake without personal protective equipment), ODH recommends quarantine for 21 days after the last contact in conjunction with public health officials.
• For individuals without direct contact, but within a three foot radius of the index case (such as adjacent passengers in an airplane or car) for a prolonged period of time, ODH recommends twice-daily temperature-taking and symptom check (one observed by a public health official) for 21 days after the last contact with the index case.
• For individuals without direct contact but in the vicinity of the index case as indicated by a public health official, notification and self-monitoring is recommended.

Individuals in any of the above categories who have an oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater, or develop symptoms including muscle aches, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea or bruising/bleeding, should seek medical evaluation and testing.

Ohio public health officials were alerted by the CDC Wednesday morning that a Dallas nurse who tested positive for Ebola was in Ohio Oct. 10-13.

ODH has activated a 24-hour-a-day call center to answer questions about Ebola and Ohio’s response. The telephone number is 1-866-800-1404. Information about Ebola is also available on the ODH website at www.odh.ohio.gov  and the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

###

CHRONOLOGY

• Oct. 16: ODH in consultation with infectious disease experts across the state issues enhanced Ebola quarantine protocols for individuals in proximity of index cases.
• Oct. 15: CDC responds to Gov. John R. Kasich’s request by agreeing to send staff to Ohio to help support Ohio’s state and local Ebola response efforts.
• ODH deploys state epidemiologist Dr. Mary DiOrio and other staff to Summit County to assist with its efforts; participates in Summit County Public Health’s news conference.
• Gov. Kasich talks with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell, as well as CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden. Kasich requests CDC staff to be deployed to Ohio to assist with patient contact work.
• ODH notified by CDC that Dallas nurse who tested positive for Ebola was in Summit County Oct. 10-13.
• Oct. 14: Ohio conducts a tabletop exercise and preparedness seminar with health care partners representing hospitals, physicians, nurses, EMS responders and local health departments.
• July-Pres.: ODH shares Ebola preparedness guidance with health care providers and local health departments.

CDC Expands Passenger Notifications Over Ebola Concerns

Credit Wikipedia

 

# 9204

 

Overnight – based on new information that Dallas nurse Amber Vinson might have been mildly symptomatic as early as Saturday – the CDC has decided to expand the scope of their airline passenger notifications to include those on her flight to Ohio last Friday along with her return flight.

 

• Frontier Airlines flight 1142 Dallas/Fort Worth to Cleveland on Oct. 10
• Frontier Airlines flight 1143 from Cleveland to Dallas/Fort Worth on Oct. 13

Media reports suggest that nurse Vinson was presenting with `atypical’ symptoms even on the 14th, when she was admitted, casting some doubt as to precisely when she may have become symptomatic.  Local health officials and the CDC are now looking at her contacts in Ohio, including on Saturday when she visited a Bridal shop.

From the Summit County Health Department (Ohio), we get the following update on Amber Vinson’s close contacts while in Ohio.

 

(Excerpt)

Based on the current information Summit County Public Health is not advocating for the closure of schools or the cancelling of public events. However, we are asking that individuals who visited Coming Attractions Bridal & Formal, Inc. located at on 1220 East Tallmadge Ave. on October 11, 2014 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. to call (330) 926-3939.

The healthcare worker infected with Ebola arrived at Cleveland Hopkins Airport on October 10, 2014 and left out of Cleveland Hopkins on October 13, 2014. During her stay in Ohio she had very limited contacts and only visited Coming Attractions Bridal & Formal, Inc. All identified contacts (6 in Summit County and 2 in Cuyahoga County) have self quarantined and are being monitored by the local health department. All questions should be direct to the Summit County Ebola Information Line at (330) 926-3939.

 

Meanwhile, the AP is reporting that Frontier Airlines is notifying passengers on 7 flights – the two that nurse Vinson rode on  - and 5 other flights that occurred before the airline took the plane out of service to decontaminate it.   The airline is reportedly replacing seat covers, carpeting and air filters around Vinson's seat.

Some of this may seem a bit of overkill, but from both a public health and a public relations standpoint – after the lapses in Dallas that allowed two nurses to become infected – doing anything less and seeing another case arise because of that would be a disaster. 

 

Here then is the CDC’s statement released last night. 

 

CDC Expands Passenger Notification

Based on additional information obtained during interviews of close contacts to the second healthcare worker from Texas Presbyterian Hospital who tested positive for Ebola, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expanding its outreach to airline passengers now to include those who flew from Dallas Fort Worth to Cleveland on Frontier flight 1142 on Oct. 10.

CDC is now asking passengers on Frontier Airlines flight 1142 Dallas/Fort Worth to Cleveland on Oct. 10 and passengers on Frontier Airlines flight 1143 from Cleveland to Dallas/Fort Worth on Oct. 13 to call 1 800-CDC INFO (1 800 232-4636). Public health professionals will interview passengers about the flight, answer their questions, and arrange follow up if warranted. Individuals who are determined to be at any potential risk will be actively monitored.

On the morning of Oct. 14, the second healthcare worker reported to the hospital with a low-grade fever and was isolated. The CDC confirmed that the second healthcare worker who tested positive for Ebola Oct. 14 had traveled by air Oct. 10 and again Oct. 13, the day before she reported symptoms.

CDC is reaching out to passengers who flew on Frontier Airlines flight 1142 Dallas/Fort Worth to Cleveland in addition to Frontier flight 1143. Frontier is working closely with CDC to identify and notify passengers who may have traveled on flight 1142 on Oct. 10.  Passengers who may have traveled on flight 1142 or flight 1143 should contact CDC at 1 800-CDC INFO (1 800 232-4636).

Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with blood or body fluids of an Ebola-infected person.  Direct contact means that body fluids (blood, saliva, mucus, vomit, urine, or feces) from an infected person (alive or dead) have touched someone’s eyes, nose, or mouth or an open cut, wound, or abrasion. Ebola is killed with hospital-grade disinfectants (such as household bleach). The airline used appropriate measures to thoroughly clean the plane consistent with our guidelines.

MMWR: H3N2v Related Hospitalizations In Ohio – Summer 2012

Credit Wikipedia

 

 

# 6590

 

During this summer’s outbreak of H3N2v swine-origin influenza that infected at least 305 people across 10 states, only Indiana (n=138) reported more cases than did Ohio (n=106).

 

While the number of new cases being reported has declined dramatically over recent weeks, the epidemiological investigation continues. For earlier reports on this outbreak, see HERE, HERE, and HERE.

 

Today the CDC’s MMWR presents an overview of 11 patients from Ohio that required hospitalization, which represents nearly 70% of all those hospitalized with the virus across the country, and the nation’s only H3N2v related fatality.

 

It’s a long report, providing extended case histories on two of the patients (including the fatality), and providing (via a chart) basic information on all 11 cases – including likely route of exposure.

 

Of the 11 cases reported on, only one did not report direct or indirect exposure to swine; a 6 year old that reportedly had:

 

No contact. No attendance at fairs. Saw grandmother on Aug 23, who works with horses on a farm where pigs are also kept. Grandmother had no recent illness. No known illness in pigs.

 

Follow the link to read it in its entirety, but I’ve posted a few excerpts.

 

Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Virus-Related Hospitalizations — Ohio, 2012

Weekly

September 28, 2012 / 61(38);764-767

Since July 2012, 305 cases of infection with influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) virus containing the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 M gene have occurred in multiple U.S. states, primarily associated with swine exposure at agricultural fairs (1). In Ohio, from July 28 to September 25, 2012, a total of 106 confirmed H3N2v cases were identified through enhanced surveillance. Whereas most H3N2v patients experienced mild, self-limited influenza-like illness (ILI), 11 of the Ohio patients were hospitalized, representing 69% of all H3N2v hospitalizations in the United States. Of these hospitalized H3N2v patients, six were at increased risk for influenza complications because of age or underlying medical conditions, including the only H3N2v-associated fatality reported in the United States to date. This report summarizes the epidemiology and clinical features of the 11 hospitalized H3N2v patients in Ohio. These findings reinforce the recommendation for persons at high risk for influenza complications to avoid swine exposure at agricultural fairs this fall (2). In addition, persons not at high risk for influenza complications who wish to reduce their risk for infection with influenza viruses circulating among pigs also should avoid swine and swine barns at agricultural fairs this fall.

<SNIP>

Case Reports

Patient A. A woman aged 61 years with type 2 diabetes, congestive cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and a past history of B-cell lymphoma, experienced cough and sneezing on August 10 (Table, patient 11). Beginning 6 days earlier, she spent 4 days at a county fair where she visited a swine barn and had direct swine contact. Over the next 2 weeks, she experienced cough and fever and was treated with antibiotics for a sinus infection. On August 25, she sought care at an emergency department with worsening symptoms. The patient was transferred to a tertiary care center with hemodynamic instability and respiratory distress, and required mechanical ventilation. Her condition deteriorated, and she died on August 26. Blood cultures obtained on August 25 yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a nasopharyngeal swab was positive for H3N2v virus by rRT-PCR at ODH. Genetic sequencing of H3N2v virus from a clinical specimen from this patient at CDC was nearly identical to sequencing from several nonfatal H3N2v cases in Ohio, and from H3N2pM* viruses identified among pigs at fairs in Ohio.

(Continue . . .)

 

 

The MMWR report provides a summary of the findings, which reads:

 

What is already known on this topic?

Beginning in the summer of 2012, CDC reported increases in numbers of cases of human infections with influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) viruses associated with swine exposure at agricultural fairs. Nationwide, 305 cases, 16 hospitalizations, and one death across 10 states have been reported since July 2012.

 

What is added by this report?

 

Of 16 patients hospitalized with confirmed H3N2v virus infection, 11 were Ohio residents, including the only H3N2v-associated fatality to date. All but one of the Ohio patients were children, and six were considered high-risk for complications of influenza because they were aged <5 years or had underlying medical conditions; four high-risk persons became ill after indirect contact with pigs. These findings support current CDC recommendations that persons at high risk for complications of influenza should avoid exposure to swine at agricultural fairs this fall.

 

What are the implications for public health practice?

County and state fairs in the United States continue to occur through the month of October, highlighting the potential for continued cases of H3N2v virus infection. Persons at high risk for complications of influenza should avoid exposure to swine at agricultural fairs. Patients with suspected influenza, including H3N2v, who are hospitalized or at increased risk for influenza complications, should receive antiviral treatment with oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir as soon as possible. Antiviral treatment also is encouraged for outpatients with suspected H3N2v who are not at increased risk for influenza complications.

Ohio Updates Their H3N2v Numbers

 

 

# 6482

 

Earlier we learned of a major increase in the number of confirmed H3N2v cases in the state of Indiana, and now we have an update from the Ohio Department of Health indicating a doubling (to 30) of confirmed cases since Monday.

The announcement appears on their Health Tips For Ohio Fairs webpage.

Health Tips for Ohio's Fair Season

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) along with local health departments have identified several human cases of Influenza A variant H3N2 in Ohio. There are currently 30 cases of H3N2v statewide; all individuals had direct contact with swine at fairs and no human-to-human passage of the virus has been confirmed.

The case breakdown per county is as follows:

• Butler: 16
• Clark: 3
• Gallia: 4
• Greene: 4
• Hamilton: 3

Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 6 months and 36 years old. To date, one of the confirmed cases was hospitalized as a precaution, but they have since been treated and released.

(Continue . . .)

As with the earlier announcement out of Indiana, there are more cases being tested, and these numbers are likely to climb.

 

Ohio: CDC Confirms Additional Cases Of H3N2v

 

Cases in Butler County (14) & Clark County (1)

# 6477

 

This afternoon the Ohio Health Department announced that five more people, who were exposed to pigs, have tested positive for the swine H3N2v virus. 

 

Fourteen cases have now been identified in Butler County, and one in Clark County.  Their ages range from 3 to 36. None of these cases have required hospitalization.

 

Of note, the single case from Clark county is associated with the Ohio State Fair – which closed on Sunday - while all of the others are associated with the Butler County Fair.  

 

Last Friday we learned that 2 hogs from the Ohio State fair had tested positive for swine influenza, and had been sent home (see 2 pigs at state fair have swine flu – Columbus Dispatch). So far, the Clark county case is the only infection to be traced to that fair.

 

Here is the press release from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH)

 

ADDITIONAL H3N2v CASES IN OHIO CONFIRMED BY CDC

Ohioans Encouraged to Take Precautions, Prevent Spread of Influenza

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) today announced that additional cases of Influenza A variant H3N2 have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are currently 14 humans cases identified in Butler County, linked to swine exposure at the Butler County Fair; and one confirmed human case in Clark County, linked to swine exposure at the Ohio State Fair. Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 3 and 36 years old, and to date, none of the confirmed cases have resulted in hospitalization. 

On Monday, ODH hosted a statewide conference call with all local health departments to provide an update on the situation.  Local health departments have been urged to work with agriculture and fair officials to post necessary signage and to speak directly with those working in livestock facilities to ensure necessary care is taken to avoid further transmission of the H3N2v strain.

 
ODH continues to partner with local health departments and health care providers across the state on any reports of human influenza-like illness. Individuals who have reported close contact with swine and are exhibiting flu-like systems will undergo testing. Samples will be sent to the ODH laboratory for preliminary testing and then to CDC for confirmation. ODH will provide notice of any additional H3N2v human case confirmations.

 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is actively working with industry partners to assist with public education efforts and to increase the number of hand sanitation stations available at county fairs.  ODA will make contact this week with each upcoming fair veterinarian instructing them to post signage for both the exhibitors and for the visiting public, to closely monitor swine health and to take temperatures of any ill swine and notify ODA immediately of the results.  ODA will continue to swab and test animals as needed throughout the fair season.

 

With county fairs running into the first week of October in Ohio, ODA and ODH remind residents and visitors that fair attendance is safe. Those attending the fair should remember:

• 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.
• If you have animals – including swine – watch them for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.
• Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill, when possible.
• Avoid contact with swine if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

More information is available from ODH at: http://bit.ly/OhioH3N2vUpdates.

 

 

It is likely, as these epidemiological investigations continue, that we will hear of additional infections with this emerging variant virus.

 

So far, the CDC has not found evidence of sustained and efficient human-to-human transmission of this swine variant virus, and all of the recent cases have involved direct contact with pigs.

 

You’ll find additional information on the CDC’s  H3N2v Webpage:

 

Information on Influenza A (H3N2) Variant Viruses (“H3N2v”)

 

 

Ohio’s State Health Department has also put up a webpage on this variant flu, with advice on how to stay healthy while visiting county fairs this fall.

 

Health Tips for Ohio's Fair Season

 

For more background on swine variant viruses, you may be interested in reading these recent blogs:

 

A Variant Flu Review

Novel Viruses & Chekhov’s Gun

Indiana: Swine Flu Information Call Center To Open

 

 

# 6470

 

This morning the ISDH (Indiana State Department of Health) announced that a telephone call center will open this afternoon to field questions about the small number swine H3N2v influenza infections reported around the state (see ISDH: Fifth H3N2v Case In Indiana).

 

Here is the official press release:

 

State Health Department to Open Call Center for Influenza Questions

INDIANAPOLIS—A call center will open this afternoon from 1-4 p.m. to answer questions regarding influenza infection, the Indiana State Department of Health announced today. Beginning next week, the call center will be open from 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The call center telephone number is (877) 826-0011.

 

Five confirmed cases of variant influenza A have been identified in Indiana since mid-July.  Laboratory testing is pending on potential additional cases. To date, all cases have had contact with swine.  The State Health Department continues to monitor influenza activity statewide.

 

To avoid influenza and other respiratory infections, Hoosiers are reminded to follow these simple practices:

• Wash your hands frequently, including before and after touching animals.
• Never eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth when visiting animal areas. 
• Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals. 
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. 
• If possible, avoid contact with those who are ill. 
• Stay home if you develop influenza symptoms and contact your health care provider. 

Additional information regarding influenza can be found at the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.in.gov/isdh/25462.htm.

 

 

Neighboring Ohio confirmed 9 cases of H3N2v influenza yesterday, and more tests are pending (see CDC Confirms H3N2v In Butler County Outbreak).

 

Overnight media reports indicated that 2 hogs from the Ohio State fair had tested positive for swine influenza, and had been sent home (see 2 pigs at state fair have swine flu – Columbus Dispatch).

 

The State Fair in Columbus, Ohio closes this weekend ending a two week run (July 25th- Aug. 5th).

 

Epidemiological investigations continue in both states looking to determine how many cases of human (and swine) infections with the H3N2v virus have occurred, and the manner in which it is being transmitted.

CDC Confirms H3N2v In Butler County Outbreak

 

 

 

# 6468

 

Not unexpectedly, we’ve received confirmation this afternoon that at least 9 of the 10 suspected flu cases from the Butler County, Ohio (see Ohio Investigating Possible H3N2v Outbreak) have tested positive for the H3N3v swine flu virus. 

 

This outbreak comes on the heels of three other reports over the last week - two from Indiana and one from Hawaii - where a number of people who have been in close contact with pigs recently contracted the virus.

 

There are anecdotal reports of additional flu-like illnesses associated with county fairs in Indiana and Ohio, but we don’t have verification by lab tests on those.

 

For those wishing more background on this virus, earlier today I wrote A Variant Flu Review, which chronicled the history of H3N2v outbreaks since last summer. 

 

Here is the Press Release from Ohio’s Department of Health.

August 2, 2012
For Immediate Release

HEALTH OFFICIALS CONFIRM FLU VIRUS STRAIN FROM BUTLER COUNTY FAIR

Columbus, OH —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today confirmed that nine of 10 suspected influenza cases in Butler County have tested positive for the H3N2v strain.  The 10th case is still being tested.  The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Butler County Health Department are actively investigating human illnesses associated with the Butler County Fair.

 

The strain matches the flu virus that recently infected four people with swine exposure at a county fair in Indiana.  All individuals in Butler County’s investigation also had direct contact with swine but none are currently hospitalized.

 

Butler County Health Department continues to collect information and is working with ODH and CDC to determine the extent of the illnesses.  The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is asking fair exhibitors to take precautions and is alerting attending veterinarians to closely monitor swine as they arrive on the fairgrounds for signs of influenza.

 

Fair attendance is safe; visitors should remember to always wash their hands after being in close-
proximity to livestock and to keep food and drink out of animal exhibits. All fair animals, especially pigs, are monitored for illness and signs of flu-like symptoms and are checked by veterinarians every day they are at the fair. This is to protect the health of both the people visiting the fair and the other animals in the barns.

(Continue . . .)

 

 

The CDC offered advice last week for those frequenting county fairs - or raising pigs - to help avoid or reduce the risks of transmission of the virus (see H3N2v: CDC Offers Advice To Fair Goers).

 

For more on human infection by novel swine flu viruses, you may wish to visit the CDC’s Swine Flu Information page.

 

Key Facts about Human Infections with Variant Viruses (Swine Origin Influenza Viruses in Humans)