H3N2 precautions before Minnesota State Fair - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ALDEN, Minn. (FOX 47) -- The Minnesota Department of Health is working with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the Minnesota State Fair to prevent the spread of a new strain of swine flu.

Unlike its more well-known relative H1N1, H3N2 can be transmitted from swine to human.

"Of the 80 million people that have been out there going to state fairs, really only 250 have had any kind of influenza from the swine, so it's a relatively small number and the cases have been mild," said Dr. Ed Ehlinger, Minnesota Commissioner of Health.

There have been documented cases of H3N2 from other state fairs including Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In Minnesota, there has been one confirmed case of H3N2 and one probable case.

Health officials are taking precautions at the Minnesota State Fair.

"Veterinarians are going to be checking all of the animals to see if there's any symptoms in the animals, there's going to be lots of education in the barn," said Ehlinger.

A letter was sent to all 4-H swine exhibitors and families advising them on how to keep themselves and fairgoers safe. The most important thing to note is that while those measures are being taken, they are just for precaution at this time.

"Wash your hands, you know, don't bring food in," said Ehlinger. "Don't pet the animals, just observe."