Four cases of influenza H3N2 in Gallia County
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has confirmed four cases of influenza H3N2 in Gallia County.
Other cases of H3N2 have been reported in Butler County, Clark County, Greene County and Hamilton County.
The ODH reports there have been 30 confirmed cases of H3N2 across Ohio. Of those cases, one person has been treated at a hospital as a precaution, but was released.
"There has been a tremendous increase in surveillance across the state,” said Dr. Ted Wymyslo, Director of the Ohio Department of Health. “We are not surprised by this increase in confirmed cases. We are also aware the flu viruses are not uncommon in swine. Even as we identify additional illnesses, this strain appears to remain mild and does not seem to be any more severe than what we see during most flu seasons."
Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 3 and 36 years old, and to date, none of the confirmed cases have resulted in hospitalization.
On Monday, ODH hosted a statewide conference call with all local health departments to provide an update on the situation. Local health departments have been urged to work with agriculture and fair officials to post necessary signage and to speak directly with those working in livestock facilities to ensure necessary care is taken to avoid further transmission of the H3N2v strain.
With county fairs running into the first week of October in Ohio, ODA and ODH remind residents and visitors that fair attendance is safe.
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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 don¹t 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.
• Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill, when possible.
• Avoid contact with swine if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
More information is available from ODH at: http://bit.ly/OhioH3N2vUpdates.