By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-861871.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Preparations are underway at Fair Park in Dallas for the 2009 State Fair, which opens Friday. KERA's BJ Austin says Fair officials have added a new item to their checklist this year: hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of swine flu.
In addition to the usual safety and security plans orchestrated by Dallas Police and Midway ride inspectors, the Fair is emphasizing flu prevention through hand-washing sanitizer. All food vendors and exhibit locations will have hand sanitizer available, and signs with FLU prevention reminders will be posted throughout the fairgounds.
Dr. John Carlo, Dallas County Medical Director, says flu is usually not a community-wide concern at fair time.
Carlo: Unfortunately we are going to see H1N1 circulate thru the October and November season here in the fall. If the severity were to change we would have to take additional measures. But at this point, the good news is while flu is circulating, the severity of illness is not causing an increase in hospitalization.
Dr. Carlo says the presence is swine flu is NOT a reason to forgo the State Fair UNLESS you are sick.