August 29, 2024
Really, it's already the end of summer?
Wow, that was fast. Of course, we’ve had a cool August here in the Pacific Northwest. It made Centralia Campout bearable, but we’ve already put heavier blankets on our beds to keep off the chill when we sleep. I know the rest of the country has been battling the heat, but we’ve had a reprieve.
And the Chinook (King Salmon) are running! We saw them at the Locks a few days ago
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Before the long weekend coming up, I want to give you some updates and reminders, including about other infectious diseases causing issues across the country and world.
In particular, mosquito related infections are important to be aware of, especially in the Northeast and Southeast. Using a good insect repellent and wearing permethrin treated clothes can be lifesaving this weekend.
In case you haven’t heard, 82 year-old Dr. Fauci was hospitalized with West Nile virus which he caught from a mosquito bite at his DC area home. He says it was the sickest he’d been in his life! He is expected to recover fully, but as we age those infections become more dangerous.
For those in the northeast, Massachusetts is having a different mosquito born infection: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). State officials are spraying to kill mosquitos in two counties due to increased risk. EEE can infect all ages and be deadly so protecting yourself from bites is key.
Dengue Fever, another mosquito born illness, is active in Puerto Rico and Oropouche or Sloth Fever, is causing outbreaks in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Cuba. Pregnant women, in particular, are advised to avoid travel to those areas.
We also have to remain aware of bird flu and prepare for flu season. The new flu vaccine is becoming available and an updated COVID vaccine has been approved. When to get those are flexible, mostly depending on travel plans and outbreaks where you live, and when/if you’ve had COVID or when you had your last vaccine. Masking, especially while flying, seems like a good plan if you have risk factors.
Writing this, I am struck with the fact that climate change is affecting the whole world. Not just weather, but the spread of diseases. Ignoring it is not an option.
Fortunately, for now at least, dedicated employees in the federal government are analyzing what is happening, looking at predicted changes, searching for mitigation strategies. We ignore it at our peril.
I have a difficult time understanding why people supporting the former president are in denial about it. Voting for Harris/Walz is the only viable way to make a difference. Project 2025 calls for eliminating climate change positions, or even mentioning it, as well requiring civil servants to be loyal to the president rather than the constitution. Dangerous changes for our country. Dangerous changes for the world.
Make sure you are registered to vote, check your registration if you are already registered, and vote in the Tuesday, November 5th election.
And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available. Thanks for reading.
Share this post if you know of others who may be interested. All links are listed at the bottom of this post. The New York Times articles have links that are gift links, allowing you to read the article for free.
https://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Locks-and-Dams/Chittenden-Locks/
https://www.statnews.com/2024/08/24/fauci-recovering-follow-hospitalization-for-west-nile/
https://wapo.st/3XivQM8
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/well/mosquitoes-west-nile-virus-symptoms.html
https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-announce-plans-to-spray-for-mosquitoes-in-sections-of-worcester-and-plymouth-counties-due-to-eee
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/covid-and-bird-flu-are-rising-heres-how-to-keep-yourself-safe/
https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/new-covid-vaccine-shot-approved-fda-timing-mrna/
https://resilience.climate.gov/pages/about#user-types
https://resilience.climate.gov
https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/assessment-tool/home/
https://toolkit.climate.gov/steps-to-resilience/steps-resilience-overview
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/14/travel/masks-covid-flights-trains.html
https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/