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Number of Ohio swine flu cases doubles

The number of confirmed Ohio swine flu cases has doubled to 30, and health officials say the people affected had direct contact with hogs at fairs.

 The state Department of Health said Wednesday there's been more surveillance and the increase isn't surprising. Officials haven't confirmed any Ohio cases of the virus spreading from person to person instead of from hogs to humans. One person who was hospitalized as a precaution has been released.  Half of the cases are in Butler County in southwest Ohio and were linked to the fair there. Officials say the current strain of the virus appears mild and
is similar to a seasonal flu that responds quickly to treatment.  They've been urging people to take precautions such as washing their hands after contact with hogs. 

A native of Chicago, naturalized citizen of Cincinnati and resident of Columbus, Alison attended Earlham College and the Ohio State University. She has equal passion for Midwest history, hockey and Slavic poetry.
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