State health officials: 14 confirmed swine flu cases in Wisconsin

MADISON -- Wisconsin health officials say there are now 14 confirmed swine flu cases in the state. All cases occurred in individuals who were exposed to or in proximity to pigs at either the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, or county fairs in Kenosha, Dodge and Manitowoc counties.

Officials say the majority of cases are children, with an average age of 10-years-old.

All affected individuals recovered or are currently recovering from their illnesses.  One child was hospitalized briefly.

Due to the strong correlation between these cases and exposure to swine exhibits, health officials urge caution for people attending county fairs. 

“Because (swine flu) infections have been associated with four Wisconsin fairs already, we are recommending that older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions should avoid entering swine barns at fairs this season," Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer said in a statement.

Symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also have reported runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Most cases have resolved without treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 276 cases of human infections with swine flu since July, with 10 states now affected. 

While nearly all of the human infections occurred in individuals directly or indirectly exposed to pigs, mostly in agricultural fair settings, the CDC is also reporting three instances of likely human-to-human spread of the virus during the current outbreak. However, there is currently no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission within communities. Also, influenza has not been shown to be transmitted by eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs.

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health and the CDC recommend these precautions to avoid infection:

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