LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) -- The state Department of Health and Human Services is testing to see if people who attended the Fowlerville Family Fair contracted swine flu from infected pigs.
The state and the Livingston County Health Department have confirmed two people who were exposed to pigs at the fair have come down with Influenza A. Other people who were at the fair have reported flu-like symptoms and are being tested. The county confirmed on July 27 that multiple pigs tested positive for swine flu. At the time there were no reports of human cases.
Anyone who was in the pig barns at the fair should see a doctor immediately if they start feeling sick. Swine flu symptoms can appear within ten days of infection. They are similar to season flu: fever, cough, body aches, and nausea. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk but the disease can be dangerous even for healthy people. There is no vaccine for swine flu. Anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza can help reduce the symptoms. Anyone with questions can call the Livingston County Health Department's Nurse on Call line at (517) 552-6882.
The Department of Health and Human Services says the following steps can help protect you:
• Refrain from eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings.
• Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
• Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications and is planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over.
• 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 and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
