Illinois sees 3rd case of new strain of swine flu

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A 5-year-old girl has contracted a new strain of swine flu, becoming the third Illinois case of the illness.

The Logan County girl came into direct contact with hogs at the Logan County Fair and the Illinois State Fair. She developed flu symptoms on Monday.

Logan County health officials say the girl was not hospitalized and is recovering at home.

The Illinois Department of Health has confirmed two other cases of the new flu strain, also called H3N2v influenza. Those cases also involved children who attended agricultural fairs in central Illinois.

The health department and state agriculture department have added hand-washing stations on the state fairgrounds where the Illinois State Fair closes this weekend.

Federal health officials are reporting approximately 225 cases of swine flu in nine states.