Michigan confirms its first case of the H3N2 swine flu.
It's been spreading across the Midwest and now Michigan has it's first case of a new type of swine flu .
Michigan's Department of Community Health says a child from Washtenaw County tested positive for the virus after petting pigs at the Ingham County Fair.
Cute and pink and dangerous?
Nancy Frank, Assistant State Veterinarian, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: "It can go from pigs to people and people to pigs."
The new H3N2 flu virus an illness just confirmed in a child who played with pigs at the Ingham County Fair.
Frank: "If you had your hands on something that had the virus in it and then you got the virus into your mouth or your nose or your eyes -- you could pick it up that way."
Now you're probably thinking about the 2009 swine flu pandemic that killed thousands in the U.S. alone but the State Department of Community Health says, don't' panic.
Angela Minicuci, Public Information Officer for the Michigan Department of Community Health: "They should be as worried as they are about any typical flu."
Because unlike H1N1 3 years ago, the Department of Community Health says it seems this one, isn't highly contagious.
Minicuci: "It's not direct human to human contact - it really is, so far, only documented cases of people who have come in contact with pigs."
Meaning it's unlikely to be a repeat of '09, unless it does begin to transfer between people.
Minicuci: "Then it would become a bigger concern, we haven't seen any evidence of that-- neither in Michigan or at the national level."
Frank says those who really need to pay attention now-- are farmers.
Frank: "You just want to make sure that after you touch animals or clean their stall or feed them or water them, you wanna make sure that you do wash your hands real well."
And as far as food goes don't worry.
Minicuci: "Its not something that we consider to be a food safety issue, its not something that someone can contract by eating a pork product."
But if you're going to pet them, play it safe and wash your hands.
The current seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against this new strain of flu.
There are steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of influenza between people and pigs:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.
• Never eat, drink, or put things in your mouth while in animal areas, and don't take food or drink into animal areas.
• Children younger than 5, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions) are at high risk for serious complications if they get influenza. People with these risk factors should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and swine barns this summer, especially if sick pigs have been identified.
• If you have animals – including swine – watch them for signs of illness, and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.
For more information about the investigation and H3N2v, visit the CDC's website.
