Swine Flu Case Confirmed In Washtenaw County

ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - The first case of a new strain of influenza has been reported in Washtenaw County.

It's called H3N2v and most infections have occurred following direct contact with pigs. The child in Washtenaw County had been exposed to swine at the Ingham County Fair, had a mild illness but did not need to be hospitalized.

According to Angela Minicucci, with the Michigan Department of Community Health, H3N2v comes over people like any other type of flu.

"They're the same type of flu symptoms that anyone would experience with any type of seasonal flu situation, and that involves just mild fever, feeling a little bit under the weather -- the typical signs and symptoms that you would see," Minicucci said.

If you're visiting fairs or zoos, Minicucci suggests you wash your hands with soap and warm water after contact with any animals -- and never eat, drink or put things in your mouth while in the animal area.

Michigan is now part of the national investigation of recent H3N2v cases where 153 have been reported in the last month. Swine exhibitors, fairs, and veterinarians are asked to use precautionary measures to prevent spreading illnesses.