H3N2 VIRUS: Fair Officials Aware, Prepared, Not Scared

Iowa State Fair officials say they’re on alert, but not overly worried about a new swine flu strain that is being passed from animals, to humans.

More than two dozen human cases of the new strain have been confirmed in the U.S. in the past year.   Ten of those cases are being linked to an Ohio County Fair held just last week.

Iowa State Fair officials say the state veterinarian is checking fairground preparations.

About 3,500 pigs began arriving Tuesday.  Each animal must have papers from its local veterinarian.  Officials say any pig that appears to be sick will be sent home.

This flu strain is different from the H1N1 that first began circulating in 2009.   This strain is called H3N2.  The most notable difference is that it doesn’t appear to spread well from person to person.

Officials say the best way to avoid it is to wash your hands.  Another suggestion, keep your food and drinks out of the fair barns.