COLUMBUS -- The Ohio Department of Health says that additional cases of a swine flu variant (H3N2) have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control.
According to the CDC, 14 human cases of the H3N2 virus have been identified in Butler County linked to exposure to pigs at the county fair. In addition, there is one confirmed human case in Clark County linked to exposure to swine at the Ohio State Fair.
The cases involve people ages 3 to 36 and none of the cases have required hospital treatment.
The Ohio Department of Health has asked local agencies to work with agriculture and fair officials to help ensure against further transmission of the virus.
The Cuyahoga County Fair has stopped all pig exhibitions and competitions at this year's fair as a precaution.
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.
- void close contact with animals that look or act ill, when possible.
- Avoid contact with swine if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
WKYC-TV