Health News
With cases of swine flu popping up in adjoining states to the north, officials are taking precautions to prevent the disease from spreading at the Kentucky State Fair's Swine Pavilion. The fair starts Thursday. (Photo by Kristin Sherrard, Carrollton News-Democrat: Turner Slaton of Madisonville wins the reserve light crossbred champion ribbon at the Kentucky State Fair in 2009.)
University of Louisville epidemiologist Forrest Arnold has advice for fairgoers:
The state veterinarian's staff will be inspecting all swine ? between 650 and 675 pigs ? and looking for signs of flu, which includes coughing, sneezing and labored breathing. Animals showing symptoms will be evaluated and tested for the disease. Exhibitors coming from out of state must show a certificate of veterinary inspection with 72 hours of arrival, The Courier-Journal reports.
"We are certainly prepared for the slightest sign of any outbreak, and of course, the public will be notified immediately should anything occur," said Harold Workman, president of the Kentucky State Fair Board.
This year has seen 158 reported cases of swine flu, 130 of which were in 19 counties in Indiana. There have been 30 cases in Ohio and one each in Indiana and Hawaii. The disease is spread by pigs coughing or sneezing in the proximity of humans. Symptoms in humans, which can last from three to eight days, include coughing, fever, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, nausea and diarrhea. (Read more)
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Health News
State Fair taking precautions to prevent spread of swine flu
University of Louisville epidemiologist Forrest Arnold has advice for fairgoers:
- ?Stay out of the face of a sick pig.? The flu is transmitted most often via the eyes, nose or mouth, so keeping your face out of a pig?s face is advised.
- ?Wash your hands frequently.? Always a good recommendation to prevent illness, washing your hands is especially important after you have been around pigs.
- ?Be sure your children limit exposure to pigs? faces and wash their hands immediately after viewing them.? Children especially enjoy the livestock shows at the state fair, so it is important that they follow precautions as well.
- ?Be aware if you are at a greater risk.? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn people at high risk of contracting any flu, such as those 65 or older, pregnant or with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, to avoid contact with pigs entirely.
- ?Continue to enjoy eating pork and pork products.? Swine flu is not transmitted by eating pork that has been cooked to a temperature of at least 170 degrees.
The state veterinarian's staff will be inspecting all swine ? between 650 and 675 pigs ? and looking for signs of flu, which includes coughing, sneezing and labored breathing. Animals showing symptoms will be evaluated and tested for the disease. Exhibitors coming from out of state must show a certificate of veterinary inspection with 72 hours of arrival, The Courier-Journal reports.
"We are certainly prepared for the slightest sign of any outbreak, and of course, the public will be notified immediately should anything occur," said Harold Workman, president of the Kentucky State Fair Board.
This year has seen 158 reported cases of swine flu, 130 of which were in 19 counties in Indiana. There have been 30 cases in Ohio and one each in Indiana and Hawaii. The disease is spread by pigs coughing or sneezing in the proximity of humans. Symptoms in humans, which can last from three to eight days, include coughing, fever, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, nausea and diarrhea. (Read more)
- Flu Makes Uk Healthcare Tighten Visitation Rules
UK HealthCare has temporarily changed its visitation policy to help protect its patients and health care workers during the flu season, the University of Kentucky said in a news release. The measures include: No visitors under the age of...
- Respiratory Virus That Is Sweeping Midwest Has Found Its Way To Kentucky; Frequent Handwashing Remains Best Defense
The respiratory virus that has been hospitalizing children in the Midwest has come to Kentucky, reports Chris Kenning of The Courier-Journal: "Kraig Humbaugh, deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Public Health, said the Centers for Disease...
- First Cases Of Flu Reported In Kentucky; Not Swine-related
By Tara Kaprowy Kentucky Health News Kentucky has its first confirmed cases of flu for the year, and officials are urging residents to get their vaccinations. (WYMT-TV photo) The Department for Public Health reports six confirmed cases in Boyd County...
- As "swine Flu" Excitement Fades, Hand Washing Should Still Remain
by: John Cmar, MDFaculty, Division of Infectious DiseasesSinai Hospital of Baltimore Good news, everyone! We have not seen the End of Days due to pandemic "swine flu" in the past week, and society still stands! What we have seen is the expected progression...
- "swine Flu" Is No Cause For Panic, But A Good Cause To Wash Your Hands
by: John Cmar, MD Faculty, Division of Infectious Diseases Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Anyone exposed to the media reporting on "swine flu" this past week could come away with the impression that the whole of civilization is soon to collapse under the...