CDC: New Strain of Swine Flu Spreading through Midwest

According to the CDC, a new strain of swine flu in humans is spreading - right here in the Midwest. Since mid-July, 152 cases of the illness have been found: 120 in Indiana, 30 in Ohio, one in Illinois and one in Hawaii. The CDC expects that this number will continue to rise.

In Indiana, the illness is mostly being seen in people 16 years old and younger. According to the state's health commissioner, these cases are largely tied to close or indirect exposure to swine, often at state or county fairs. In other instances, the illness was spread from the swine to farmers or veterinarians.

Swine flu is spread like any other flu: when someone coughs or sneezes, droplets are spread onto surfaces. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways of preventing transmission.

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