Can people become infected with the 2009 type A H1N1 flu virus by handling raw pork?
A. No. There is no evidence to suggest that touching raw pork can lead to influenza infection. However, the following precautions should always be taken whenever meat is handled: • Clean – Before and after preparing pork, wash hands, cutting boards, knives and countertops with warm soapy water. • Separate – Keep raw pork and pork products – and their juices – separate from foods that won’t be cooked. • Cook – Cook pork and pork products to safe temperature. Health Canada recommends cooking pork to a temperature of 71° C (160° F). • Chill – Keep food cold to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Put leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of eating. Q. Should people be avoiding exposure to pigs? A. No. Canadian swine herds are not a risk for 2009 type A H1N1 Flu Virus infection. We know that this 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus is spreading between humans – not directly from pigs to people. As a result, there is no risk from proximity to pigs. However, because humans can spread the disease t
