Grant County Fair attendees reminded about swine flu

MOSES LAKE - With the Grant County Fair around the corner, the Grant Health District is sharing information about swine flu for the safety of fairgoers and youths who raise pigs for show.

People may have questions due to the recent news reports on swine flu cases in people, according to Grant County Health's Theresa Fuller. Sixteen cases of swine flu were confirmed by Centers for Disease Control from July 12 to Aug. 13.

All 16 cases had contact with pigs. Some of that contact occurred at fairs in the Midwest.

People may have little to no protection against most swine flu viruses, Fuller said. Human flu vaccines do not offer protection against the viruses that are found in pigs. Fuller suggests:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after handling animals.
• Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in animal areas, and don't take food or drink into animal areas.
• Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill, when possible.
• Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

- Staff report