Zika virus 'to spread across Americas'
BBC News By James Gallagher46 mins ago (8:00 A.M. 01 25 2016) (Did this part on the 25th)
The Zika virus is likely to spread across nearly all of the Americas, the World Health Organization has warned.
The infection, which causes symptoms including mild fever, conjunctivitis and headache, has already been found in 21 countries in the Caribbean, North and South America.
It has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains and some countries have advised women not to get pregnant.
No treatment or vaccine is available.
The virus is native to Africa and was first found to be spreading in the Americas in Brazil in May 2015.
The lack of any natural immunity in the Americas is thought to be helping the infection to spread rapidly.
Zika is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, which are found in all countries in the region except Canada and Chile. Would suspect Canada to cold and the Andes stop the mosquito from crossing into Chile?
In a statement, The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of the WHO, said: "PAHO anticipates that Zika virus will continue to spread and will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found."
It also confirmed the virus had been detected in semen and there were was "one case of possible person-to-person sexual transmission" but further evidence was still needed. Earlier report said the disease could not be transferred except by infected mosquitoes.
Around 80% of infections do not result in symptoms.
But the biggest concern is the potential impact on babies developing in the womb. There have been around 4,000 cases of microcephaly - babies born with tiny brains - in Brazil alone since October.
PAHO warned pregnant women to be "especially careful" and to see their doctor before and after visiting areas affected by the virus.
© BBC Graphic showing babies' head size Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador and Jamaica last week recommended women delay pregnancies until more was known about the virus. I did not (obviously) copy that chart. Some ladies maybe would rather not see it?
Although officially PAHO says "any decision to defer pregnancy is an individual one between a woman, her partner and her healthcare provider".
It is advising people to protect themselves from the mosquitoes, which also spread dengue fever and chikungunya.
PAHO advice is to ensure all containers that can hold even small amounts of water should be emptied and cleaned to prevent mosquitoes breeding.
And that people should protect themselves by using insect repellent, covering up and keeping windows and doors closed
Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador and Jamaica last week recommended women delay pregnancies until more was known about the virus.
Am going to ask some questions on the ongoing budget presentation concerning Tents versus Shelters?
1. What are the actual configurations for the new/ rebuilt shelters at the three locations?
2.Are they all enclosed or is one or more sides open?
3.Could they not be constructed that way to have one side partially or completely open?
4. Could they not be used for Tree Lighting and other events so as to give "shelter" to people and equipment against the weather?
5.If the above are viable, than why do we need to buy two new tents? The rational for these is do to the inclement weather that cancelled the Tree Lighting Ceremony this past year?
6. What if any is the actual interface between the City Departments in these types of planning/ purchases? I know all has (or is supposed too), go through the Purchasing Department, but what about the so called Civic Events and Parks?
It seems that some of the above if addressed would get the desired results and save some dollars? As is my habit, I am making suggestions and asking questions; nothing cast in concrete
As I watched the clean up in New York from our recent storm, I noticed an interesting thing? Some of the clean up crew were wearing what I would call Green Coats/ Vests (?) with Silver Stripes (?) on them. I guess one could call them a Safety Coat/ or vest? And then it hit me that the guy out cleaning the driveways for some of the elderly on the street was wearing the same clothing. And his wife was wearing what looked like a Volunteer Fire Department Coat? Now if hers as an Auxiliary Member of the VFD or her spouses, I don't know? Would hope the City or VFD is not spending money to buy the Auxiliary Members Fire Department Items? Just how extended is their Purchasing Regime?
But WHAT did hit me was why were they wearing " Official" looking clothing? Were they out in a semi-official capacity for the City/ VFD? Or actually directed to be out? Was this an Election Year gimmick by the City/ VFD? I know they were not out over the past two years in this neighborhood when we had some pretty heavy storms over a period of months; yet this year they are out?
IF and I repeat IF this was an actual "neighborly" thing only, than why the City/ VFD apparel on what would be called "private/ personal time". And again where did the Snow Blowers come from? As an update (Tuesday A.M.), I was watching the 5:30 News and saw some of the Ohio guys wearing the Green Coat with Silver Stripes, so now know what he was wearing. Questions still stand?
Helping out some of the older folks is for sure a good thing. But I would think it should be an "Every Year" thing if the City/ VFD is doing it on as an Official process.
If it is a cheap re-election ploy, than it is a blatant misuse of people/ equipment. And if the "double time and half" pay schedule was in play- WOW. But for sure not clear on that as the missus was out too?
And almost as if on schedule, the City Truck was at the home again Monday during a "lunch" period. BUT, it was only about the normal 30 minute time frame less driving time. Still I question yet again the "Taxi Cab" usage of City Equipment?
Could the above be all well and good? I would like to think so; but the antics/ tactics I am seeing so far in possible free Election coverage and attempted vote buying makes everything look suspicious?
Would like to think that a City Election could be clean and above board?
Got to thinking some more on the Neale Cemetery where I asked about "Annexing" it into a City Property? Now the City gets really big on semantics so I will also ask "why not a quit claim" from the remaining Trustee to the City if viable? 'nuff said.
(Paid for by the Candidate. Lawrence Wilson for Mayor of Vienna).