Learning more about swine flu

INDIANAPOLIS, IN.(WISH) - There are now 113 confirmed cases of people with the new strain of the swine flu  virus in 18 counties.

No cases have been reported in Marion County.

But, as the number of people getting sick continues to grow.

We wanted to know what makes this virus different than the H1N1 strain several years ago.

You probably remember people wearing masks to keep from getting sick.

We got answers about what makes this virus different.

The H1N1 virus is spread between people.

In these current cases the virus has been spreading from sick pigs to humans or vici-versa.

Health officials said even an over-the-counter medication like tamiflu can take care of the symptons but it's not needed.

At the Indiana State Fair, you can find most of the swine barn empty.

Caution tape is now up warning visitors not the enter.

Fair officials are calling it a precautionary measure.

On Monday, they dismissed most of the pigs from the barn after six hogs developed temperatures over 105 degrees, an indicator of a potential illness.

"If they were at that temperature, then that was certainly a point where we would excuse those participants, those animals and have them return back home," said Dr. Jim Weisman, Director of Animal Wellness.

The move comes as State Health Officials confirm a rise in a strain of flu in Indiana.

"This particular strain has been related to having direct contact with ill swine, hogs or pigs that happen to be ill themselves with the same virus," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Gregory Larkin.

Dr. Larkin said there are no documented cases of people spreading the virus between each other.

"Theoretically it could very well be possible because these viruses mutate all the time and develop different characteristics," he said. Dr. Larkin stressed the usual simple steps can help you avoid getting the virus.

That includes frequent hand washing before and after touching animals.

Never eat, drink or put anything in your mouth when visiting animals.

And if you sneeze or cough, do it into your sleeve or elbow.

"This is a virus that's obtained by ill swine and so people quote it as the swine flu, but when we say that, we want people to understand it has nothing to do with eating pork or anything like that. it's direct contact with an ill pig, hog or swine," he said.

Dr. Larkin also said the precautionary steps should also be taken in your home if you have pets.

The State Health Department has set up a call center.

The number is 877-826-0011 and it's open from 8:15 to 4:45 Monday through Friday.