MN records 1st cases of new swine flu strain - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

MN records 1st cases of new swine flu strain

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WXOW) -- Minnesota has recorded its first confirmed case and a second probable case of a new flu strain that people can catch from pigs.

Health officials said Monday the cases are both in siblings who most likely were exposed when their family visited a live animal market in Dakota County on Aug. 10. Neither child required hospitalization, and both are recovering.

People usually get the new flu strain from pigs rather than people. Over 200 cases have been reported in eight other states, including Wisconsin, mostly in children who exhibited pigs at state or county fairs, or people who visited swine exhibits. 

Health officials emphasize this strain does not pose any food safety risk -- there's no evidence anyone can get it by eating pork. The illness also tends to be relatively mild.

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