Lake County General Health District Monitoring H3N2v Virus

Given the recently confirmed cases of Variant Influenza A H3N2v Virus -- sometimes called swine flu -- in people who attended county fairs around the state of Ohio, the Lake County General Health District reminded Lake County residents that with proper hygiene and safety precautions, attendance at upcoming county fair is safe.

While the H3N2v virus is not unusual in swine, the virus can also be transmitted from swine to humans with direct contact with an infected animal.

Swine who are infected may have runny noses, mucus in the eyes, cough (bark) and tend to stay away from other animals.

When humans are in close contact with infected swine, such as in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs, transmission may occur. The virus cannot be transmitted by eating pork or pork products.

The Lake County General Health District has been in contact with the Lake County Fair Board, the Fair’s onsite veterinarian and the Ohio State University Extension to review procedures and work with exhibitors to protect public safety.

Fair animals, especially pigs, are closely monitored for illness and signs of flu-like symptoms on a daily basis.

Veterinarians and healthcare providers have been informed of surveillance and reporting procedures if H3N2v is suspected. Information on H3N2v will be available to fair-goers and signs to promote frequent hand-washing will be visible. There are steps the public can take to reduce the risk of transmission:

• Wash hand frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to any animals
• Never eat or drink around animals, or bring any outside foods into animal areas
• Young children, older adults, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems should take extra care around animals
• Those experiencing flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with animals
• Avoid contact with animals that appear or act ill.

Those that have had direct, routine contact with swine and develop flu-like symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

Symptoms may include cough, sore throat, fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The Lake County General Health District will continue to monitor information from the Center for Disease Control, the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

The most updated information can be found on the Lake County General Health District’s website www.lchgd.org.