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New Strain of Swine Flu in US

As people gear up for state fairs, dozens across the US have fallen ill with a new strain of the swine flu. That includes a boy in Illinois who contracted the disease after having contact with a pig at a fair in Coles County.

Doctor LaMar Hasbrouck, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said the new version of the flu causes symptoms similar to that of the regular seasonal flu.

"If you are in a high-risk group -- meaning someone who would have worse complications from getting any type of flu including seasonal flu, that is the very young, the very old, folks with chronic illnesses -- then they might consider just avoiding these areas all together," said Hasbrouck. 

Hasbrouck said everyone who goes to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield should take precautions and be sure to keep food and drinks away from livestock.

Fair organizers are monitoring swine and watching for signs of illness.

Thanks to Illinois Public Radio

Rich is TSPR's News Director.