The Swine Flu has struck citizens in several states and two deaths have been reported in the United States to date.

While the World Health Organization elevated the pandemic threat level to five, officials in West Virginia advise residents to continue to be vigilant, but not to panic. State officials are anticipating finding Swine Flu in WV, but as yet, there are no reported cases.

Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is assuring West Virginians that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is closely monitoring the Swine Influenza evolving situation after receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens.

“The WVDA is in constant contact with the USDA as this issue develops and, in addition, WVDA’s Animal Health field staff is increasing surveillance to quickly identify any health-related changes to West Virginia’s pig/hog industry,” West Virginia Commissioner Douglass, said.

Commissioner Douglass also noted that Swine Influenza is not spread by food.

According to scientists at USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food so you cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills viruses and other foodborne pathogens.

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

Notably, confirmed cases in the United States are considerably milder than those in Mexico. This anomaly is being investigated by the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO).

None of those diagnosed for swine flu have had any contact with pigs or birds, indicating human-to-human transmission.

“Most importantly, we are urging people to take care of themselves. Keep your hands clean, eat well, drink plenty of fluids, use steps you would take to keep any illness at bay,” said Commissioner Douglass.

Information on the flu, also known as H1N1 is changing daily.

“This is a new influenza virus that is causing illness in humans,” said Mike Vickers, of the Boone County Health Dept. “It is spreading from person to person the same way as seasonal influenza does. Even though it is called Swine Flu, you cannot get it from eating pork or pork products.”

Vickers continued, “This virus is spread by person to person contact, sneezing and coughing. The best way not to get the virus is to wash your hands and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. If you or your child is sick, stay home.”

For more information on H1N1 please call the Boone County Health Dept. at 304-369-7967 or by checking the Internet at www.cdc.gov.