Amid peak county fair season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the year’s first human infection with a flu virus that usually spreads in pigs.

The person who was infected had direct contact with pigs at an agricultural fair in West Virginia, the CDC confirmed on Aug. 5.

The individual — who was younger than 18 — was not hospitalized and is recovering, health officials said. Pigs at the same fair tested positive for flu A.

While saying that public health risk from these types of infections was low, the CDC recommended precautions that include frequent hand washing and not eating or drinking in the area around pig exhibits at seasonal fairs.

County fairs have already happened this summer in Monmouth and Middlesex counties, while the New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County is wrapping up this weekend — along with fairs in Atlantic, Cumberland and Passaic counties.

Swine flu viruses change constantly, much like flu viruses in humans and other animals, the CDC said, and pigs can also be infected by avian flu and human flu viruses.

In 2009, a new H1N1 virus with genes of avian, swine and human origin emerged to cause a global flu pandemic.

That strain of flu has since been included in the annual flu vaccine.

Since roughly 2005, a total of 501 variant flu virus infections (of different flu A virus subtypes) have been identified in the U.S. and reported to CDC ranging from a high of 321 variant flu virus infections during the 2011-2012 flu season to a low of one during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons.

During the 2011-2012 season, more than 90% of those infections were associated with attendance and exposure at agricultural fairs, the CDC added.

Erin Vogt is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at erin.vogt@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

LOOK: What are the odds that these 50 totally random events will happen to you?

Stacker took the guesswork out of 50 random events to determine just how likely they are to actually happen. They sourced their information from government statistics, scientific articles, and other primary documents. Keep reading to find out why expectant parents shouldn't count on due dates -- and why you should be more worried about dying on your birthday than living to 100 years old.

Here's where NJ legal weed is sold

The number of recreational cannabis dispensaries continues to grow, with close to two dozen state approvals given since the first adult recreational sales in the state back in April. Here is where the open sites are located.

See the Must-Drive Roads in Every State

Netflix’s Most Popular English-Language TV Shows Ever

These are the most popular TV shows ever on Netflix (in English), based on hours viewed in their first 28 days on streaming.

Beautiful sunflower fields to visit in NJ 2022

Among reasons why the “Garden State” remains a fitting nickname for New Jersey — late summer means the arrival of sunflower season.

There are at least six fields, spanning the state. Some are in bloom as of early August, while others are planned to peak from late August to late September.

Calling or emailing before heading out is always advisable if weather appears to be an issue. 

More From 92.7 WOBM