Swine flu detected at Oakland County Fair: Precautions urged for fairgoers

Aurora Sousanis, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·2 min read

Swine flu has been detected in pigs at the Oakland County Fair.

The fair ran from July 7 to July 16. According to a news release from Oakland County, several pigs began showing symptoms on July 14. The swine barn was then closed to the public.

Currently, exhibitors and fair management who were exposed to the sick pigs are being monitored by the Oakland County Health Division and state partners, and fair management is helping to do contact tracing.

In the news release, Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County medical director, warned fairgoers who may have been exposed to the virus to watch for respiratory issues.

Swine flu symptoms in humans are similar to seasonal flu symptoms, and can include fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In rare cases, swine flu in humans can become severe enough to cause pneumonia and even death.

The disease is caused by type A influenza viruses for which there is no vaccine, and is only passed from contact with a sick pig. A person cannot be infected through eating properly prepared pork or handling pork products.

While humans are usually unaffected, cases have been reported. High-risk groups include children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune symptoms, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

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In Michigan, the first human case of swine flu was reported in 2022 after a fairgoer came in contact with an ill pig at the Berrien County Youth Fair. After that incident, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advised fairgoers to take certain precautions:

  • Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications and is planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns.

  • Refrain from eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings.

  • Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

  • Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. This includes being in a swine barn if you are ill as influenza can be spread via respiratory droplets.

  • If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over.

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Swine flu detected at Oakland County Fair