Georgians who plan to attend state fairs and agricultural events this fall are being urged to wash their hands after being near or touching swine after confirmed reports of swine flu in other states.
Roughly 225 cases of swine flu, or H3N2v, have been reported in the United States so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those cases were reported in Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois. Most infections resulted from swine to human transmission.
"Georgia has not had a confirmed human case of H3N2v, and I'd like to keep it that way," said Brenda Fitzgerald, head of the state Department of Public Health. "There are simple measures -- like hand washing -- everyone can take to stay safe."
There have been no reported deaths as a result of H3N2v. Most infections have occurred in children and have been mild with few hospitalizations.
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