Health Officials Raise Awareness Following Swine Flu Detection in Pigs at the Kent County Youth Fair
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (August 10, 2026) — The Kent County Health Department (KCHD), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), is advising people who may have had contact with pigs at the Kent County Youth Fair to monitor for influenza-like symptoms due to a detection of swine influenza.
On Friday, August 7, a pig at the Kent County Youth Fair died suddenly, and several other pigs developed signs of illness. The sick pigs were isolated, and the swine barn was immediately closed to the public. However, as a precaution, the KCHD is investigating reports of influenza-like illness among individuals who had contact with pigs at the fair.
“While we do not have confirmation of human infection at this time, we are taking this situation seriously and want people who may have been exposed to know what symptoms to watch for and what to do next,” said Kent County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Adam London. “Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after having contact with pigs at the fair should contact the Kent County Health Department and let their health care provider know about their exposure.”
Signs and Symptoms in Humans
Symptoms of swine flu can be similar to the seasonal flu and may include:
- Fever
- Lethargy (tiredness)
- Lack of appetite
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Eye irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Anyone who had contact with pigs at the fair should monitor for these symptoms for 10 days. Those who develop symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or their local health department for testing. The KCHD Communicable Disease Unit can be reached at 616-632-7228.
Protecting Animal and Human Health at the Fair
While the Kent County Youth Fair has ended, people who plan to attend other agricultural fairs or have contact with animals should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of influenza and other diseases that can spread between animals and people:
- Avoid interacting, touching, or petting animals if you have an increased risk for severe influenza complications.
- Don't eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth in areas with animals.
- Don't take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into areas with animals.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after exposure to pigs or other animals, using hand-sanitizer if water and soap are not available.
- Change and wash clothing and clean footwear or equipment after visiting animal areas, particularly if you have livestock at home.
- Avoid close contact with animals that appear sick, including animals showing loss of appetite, fever, tiredness, eye redness, discomfort, coughing, or a runny nose.
- If you must come in contact with animals that may be ill, then wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes protective clothing, gloves, and a well-fitting mask that covers your mouth and nose and immediately contact the fair veterinarian. Parents and caregivers should review considerations for specific groups of people when selecting a respirator or mask for children.
- Stay home and away from others, including animals, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms
Pork Remains Safe to Eat
Swine flu in pigs is not a food safety concern, and people cannot contract influenza by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products. Consumers should continue to follow standard food-safety practices when handling and preparing pork.
For more information about preventing swine flu, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
###
|
