Eight Human Cases Of Swine Flu Confirmed In Michigan

LANSING (WWJ) - The state health department says eight human cases of swine flu have been reported in Michigan.

Authorities say all eight patients have tested positive for influenza A H3N2 variant. One person has been hospitalized and since released.

All of the confirmed cases had exposure to swine at county fairs in Muskegon, Cass, and Ingham counties during July and August where sick pigs had also been identified, officials said.

The state is working closely with local health departments, the healthcare community, and fairs to protect swine exhibitors and the public, and to identify any additional cases.

Human infection is thought to happen when an infected pig coughs or sneezes and droplets with influenza virus land in someone's nose or mouth, or are inhaled. There also is some evidence that the virus might spread by someone touching something that has virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Symptoms of infection are usually mild and similar to those of seasonal flu viruses. But as with seasonal flu, complications can lead to hospitalization and death. Symptoms include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, as well as body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Some populations are at higher risk of developing complications if they get influenza, including children younger than five years of age, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions.

The time it takes from exposure to illness for swine flu is typically about two days, but may be up to 10 days. Currently there is no vaccine, but antiviral drugs are effective in treating swine flu infections. Early treatment works best and may be especially important for people with a high risk condition.

Below are some steps that you can take to protect yourself and prevent the spread of any illness:

• Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications and planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns
• Do not eat or drink in livestock barns or show rings
• Don't take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into pig areas
• Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. Wait seven days after your illness started or until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over