Swine Flu Outbreak Traced to Fairs: First Cases of the Year
The first two cases of swine flu in humans this year have been linked to county fairs in Michigan. Both individuals, a child and an attendee, developed symptoms after exposure to pigs at the fairs. No human-to-human transmission has been detected. The pigs in the fair's swine barn tested positive for influenza. Swine flu, caused by strains of influenza different from human strains, can be transmitted to people when pigs cough or sneeze. The CDC recommends precautions such as refraining from eating or drinking around pigs, avoiding sick pigs, and washing hands before and after contact with pigs. Proper handling and cooking of pork products do not transmit swine flu.