The Minnesota State Fair, in partnership with Minnesota 4-H and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), has canceled the remainder of the 4-H Arts-In and Ambassador programs scheduled for the 2009 state fair because of confirmed cases of H1N1.

Out of a total of 120 4-H participants in these two groups, 17 developed flu-like symptoms and were sent home earlier during the fair, while four of the cases have been confirmed as novel H1N1 influenza, according to fair officials.

The remaining participants in the two 4-H programs were sent home earlier Thursday to limit additional transmission and suppress possible new illness among 4-H members arriving Thursday, fair officials said.

Melissa Koch, Mower County’s 4-H program coordinator, said no local 4-H participant had been affected with the H1N1 flu as far as she knew.

Mower County had 71 participants in the livestock category, which has already finished and sent 50 4-H youth up Thursday for exhibits that included motocross safety, photography and clothing.

Koch said there were no local 4-H participants in the Arts-In category, which includes drama, but said Mower County is represented by a state ambassador, Rose Creek’s Liz Meany.

Koch said state ambassadors have a variety of duties that include helping with judging during the state fair as well as doing public relations work for state 4-H.

Calls to Meany’s residence were not returned by presstime.

The Minnesota Department of Health recommended sending the 4-H youth in the two programs home to help reduce the cycle of infection among the 4-H program participants.

“Our commitment is to keep our 4-H youth safe,” said 4-H state program leader Dorothy McCargo Freeman. “Minnesota 4-H is very concerned about the health and well-being of its members. We will continue to monitor our youth very closely and will take appropriate action when necessary. With the exception of some leadership and performing arts programs, all other 4-H activities will continue as originally scheduled.”

“It is important to point out that it is perfectly safe for people to come to the State Fair,” said John Stine, assistant commissioner of health at MDH. “We do want to remind people that if you are sick you should stay home. It is also a good idea to wash your hands frequently and cover any coughs or sneezes.”

“The 4-Hers are very disappointed with our decision,” said Jerry Hammer, executive vice president of the fair, “but we would rather err on the side of caution than to take a chance with the health and well being of these young men and women.”

Further information on the novel H1N1 virus is available on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Web site at www.health.mn.state.us. MDH can also be reached at (651) 201-5414.