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new podcast episode discusses how you can stay safe if you encounter one this spring, summer and fall – The Fort Morgan Times

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Rattlesnakes have a lot of misconceptions or folklore surrounding them because they are often perceived as mysterious and are generally misunderstood. Colorado Parks and Wildlife species conservation coordinator Tina Jackson has spent the last 20 years learning about snakes, and she shared her knowledge of rattlesnakes in the latest Colorado Outdoors podcast, episode No. 28, released Wednesday.

Click here to listen to the podcast episode on rattlesnake

Colorado is home to about 30 species of snakes. Of these, only three snakes are a risk to humans; the prairie rattlesnake, the Western rattlesnake and the massasauga rattlesnake.

Western and prairie rattlesnakes are widespread through Colorado and found in most terrestrial landscapes below 9,000 feet in elevation. The massasauga rattlesnake is found on Colorado’s southeastern plains, restricted to dry grasslands and sandhills below 5,5000 feet in elevation.

Learn more about rattlesnakes from this blog post Jackson penned on rattlesnakes.

  • Rattlesnakes have a distinctly triangular head that is much broader than the neck. They have thick bodies, whereas non-venomous snakes with a few exceptions, are lithe and slender. (Photo courtesy of D. Herasimtschuk/Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

  • Rattlesnake on a rock

    Rattlesnakes have a distinctly triangular head that is much broader than the neck. They have thick bodies, whereas non-venomous snakes with a few exceptions, are lithe and slender. (Photo courtesy of D. Herasimtschuk/Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Rattlesnakes have a distinctly triangular head that is much broader than the neck. They have thick bodies, whereas non-venomous snakes with a few exceptions, are lithe and slender. Bullsnakes, corn snakes and the western hognose snake are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because they possess similar color patterns and will mimic the defensive behavior of a rattlesnake. Look for the sharply pointed tail, round pupils and oval-shaped head to distinguish these species from native rattlesnakes.

If you encounter a rattlesnake, your first step should be to freeze in place. Snakes are often heard before they are seen. Freezing movement will reduce the threat you pose to the snake and help you assess the situation. Slowly back away from the snake once you locate it.

Rattlesnakes can strike to a distance of half their body length, and a good rule of thumb is to put at least five feet between yourself and the snake. Most often, rattlesnake bites to humans occur when people try to handle them or move them out of the way. It is best to keep your distance from them – move around them instead of actually moving them yourself.

As temperatures warm and people tend to spend more time outside, more encounters with rattlesnakes will occur. It is best to stay alert, keep your earbuds out and music off so you can hear their warning, and keep your dogs on a leash.

Extra caution is needed in the mornings and evenings when snakes are most active and visible. They have a fairly predictable pattern of activity – cool spring and fall temperatures require the snakes to bask in the sun on warm surfaces early in the day, which often includes pavement or trails that humans frequent. Rattlesnakes usually hunt at night after they have become warm enough for such activity.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, move carefully away to a safe location. Remain calm and allow the bite to bleed freely for 30 seconds. Cleanse and disinfect the bite area with iodine, or soap and water. Call ahead to the nearest hospital so they can plan accordingly for your visit.

Rattlesnakes are a regulated species and cannot be killed when you come across one on a hike. The legal take of a prairie rattlesnake requires the individual to possess a small game hunting license and its open season runs June 15-Aug. 15, annually.

Remember, snakes are an important part of our ecosystem. Visit us online to learn more about rattlesnakes in Colorado and also see our Quick Key To Amphibians and Reptiles of Colorado.

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Philadelphia School of Circus Arts Launches Outdoor Flying Trapeze Lessons

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Philadelphia School of Circus Arts has announced the return of outdoor flying trapeze classes and workshops starting just in time for the warm weather season. Flying Trapeze Director Al Firstenberg will take the lead on bringing back Philadelphia’s only flying trapeze program. After more than a two-year break due to the pandemic, flying trapeze returns on grand opening weekends, May 6-May 8th and May 13-15th. Adults and children as young as six years old can fly through the air on the outdoor rig at PSCA’s beautiful circus campus (6452 Greene Street). During the lesson, students will learn all the techniques of the circus act, including taking off from the platform, swinging, transferring to the catcher and dropping to the net. The classes are two hours long and are offered multiple times a day. Don’t forget your camera! For more information and to book, visit: ww.phillycircus.com/flying-trapeze/

Get your feet off the ground! Philadelphia’s only permanent outdoor flying trapeze school will offer two-hour outdoor flying trapeze lessons at Circus Campus, 6452 Greene Street in West Mt. Airy – conveniently directly next to the Upsal SEPTA Station. Lessons are $65 each and class cards are also available.

“We are ecstatic to restart one of our most popular family programs with Al Firstenberg at the helm,” said PSCA Executive Director Kitsie O’Neill. “We couldn’t think of a better way to return to normal than to take the leap and fly 25 feet above the ground – and right into the arms of the giant net.”

O’Neill added, “This is one of the most spectacular and recognizable circus disciplines in the world, and involves a lot of specialty rigging and staffing. We have ample outdoor space at Philadelphia’s Circus Campus. Anyone in the region can have the experience of flying through the air – kids included!”

Philadelphia and circus have a very special history. The city of Brotherly Love was the birthplace of the American circus. Philadelphia for many years was also home to one of the country’s only recreational schools of circus arts. Philadelphia is currently home to the first and only school in the country that offers a three-year education program and diploma in circus arts through Circadium School of Contemporary Circus. Now, circus history goes sky high as the city’s only permanent outdoor flying trapeze school comes back after the pandemic.

Set next to the historic former St. Madeleine Sophie Church, students will ascend the outdoor rig in the beautiful setting that features mature lush trees, expansive lawns and historic architecture. PSCA is one of the only schools in the country that is set in an urban setting with such a magnificent view. SEPTA riders already are getting an unexpected birds eye view of the action as trains are arriving just feet from the trapeze rig at the Upsal station.

Adults and children are invited to celebrate the empowerment, confidence and freedom found in doing the unexpected. Students will soar to new heights during two-hour high-flying class. Students of various ages and abilities will learn the art of flying trapeze on a full-scale outdoor flying rig on Philadelphia’s Circus Campus. Learn all the techniques of the art form – including taking off from the platform, the swing, the transfer to the catcher and the dropping to the net.

“Flying trapeze is perhaps the most popular circus discipline for new students,” said O’Neill. “It is exhilarating! And it’s one of the most fun and adventurous experiences you’ll ever have. And what’s more, it’s extremely safe. Beginner students are always harnessed in with safety belts and working over a net. It is the easiest way to experience the joy and challenge of circus arts on your very first day.”

Philadelphia flying trapeze lessons will run under direction of Flying Trapeze Director Al Firstenberg. Firstenberg has been teaching flying trapeze for seven years at seven different rigs on the East Coast. They have worked with flyers of all backgrounds including Alex Wong of So You Think You Can Dance, Ella Emhoff, Kamala Harris’s daughter, and Gigi Hadid, where Al can be seen catching her in V Magazine’s 134th edition.

Firstenberg began their training at the Espana-Streb Trapeze Academy in Brooklyn, NY. After 4 years, they moved from that small rig to a full-sized rig in Pennsylvania. From there they have changed locations each season to coach at various schools. In 2018, Firstenberg helped with the installation of the brand new flying trapeze rig at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. In 2019, they became the youngest lead instructor at TSNY-DC. They then went to the New England Center for Circus Arts to train as part of the Fly Team where they performed for Senator Bernie Sanders in a winter 2019 performance. In 2020, Firstenberg returned to NYC to coach at TSNY-NY, the flagship location of Trapeze School World Corporation. After a few months, Firstenberg stepped into the role of General Manager where they implemented Covid-19 safety practices, ensured fair pay for staff, and fostered a positive and caring community.

Firstenberg is excited to return to PSCA as the Flying Trapeze Director for the 2022 fly season. Their goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment for ALL people and to integrate the flying trapeze program with the aerial programming already present at the school. They are hopeful and thrilled to see where this season leads. Firstenberg has already seen an incredible outpouring of excitement for flying trapeze in Philadelphia and the flying trapeze instructors have stepped up to the plate and are ready to coach each and every student!

Opening weekend schedule is listed below. Classes run 2 hours with a max of 10 participants for $65.

Friday, May 6
4:00-6:00pm
6:30-8:30pm

Saturday, May 7
10:00am-12:00pm
12:30-2:30pm
3:00-5:00pm

Sunday, May 8 *Special 1 hour classes for $30
* These are a special trial for opening weekend only
12:00-1:00pm
1:30-2:30pm
3:00-4:00pm
4:30-5:30pm

After the grand opening weekend, lessons will be every Thursday and Friday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm and 6:30pm to 8:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am to 12:00pm, 12:30pm to 2:30pm and 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Other times for private and group lessons are also available upon special request.

There are no weight limits for flying trapeze but the largest harness size we have fits a circumference of 46″ at the narrowest part of the torso. All participants ages 18+ must provide proof of vaccination by sending a photo of their vaccination card to [email protected] or showing their card when checking in for class. Participants under 18 are not required to be vaccinated. Masks are required when inside our building but are optional when outside participating in the class.

Registration in advance is required www.phillycircus.com/flying-trapeze/

For more information, visit www.phillycircus.com or call 215-849-1991.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL OF CIRCUS ARTS

Philadelphia School for Circus Arts, “Best of Philly Winner” for kid’s classes, is the region’s center of contemporary circus arts. PSCA presents professional and student productions during the year. Seasoned faculty lead a curriculum featuring aerials (static trapeze, sling, aerial silks and lyra), juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling, acrobatics, and physical conditioning. In addition to ongoing classes, PSCA also offers introductory workshops, birthday parties, rental space, summer camp and special guest performances. Students are all ages and all levels. PSCA has a Health and Safety Plan that follows CDC and Philadelphia Department of Public Health guidelines for social distancing, face coverings, hand washing and disinfecting. For more information, visit www.phillycircus.com.


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New study proves correct dosage for ultraviolet disinfection against COVID

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Newswise — BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in early 2020, ultraviolet radiation became one of the go-to methods for preventing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, along with facemasks, hand sanitizer and social distancing.

The problem: There was little research showing what UV dosage kills the virus. What wavelength? How long? And could UV systems be installed in public places such as airports, bus stations and stores without causing long-term damage to people?

In a newly published study, researchers from Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science answer many of those questions and lay the foundation for health standards about what offers true disinfection.

The paper, titled “Systematic evaluating and modeling of SARS-CoV-2 UVC disinfection” and published in Scientific Reports, is written by Distinguished Professor Kaiming Ye, chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering; BME Associate Professor Guy German and BME Professor Sha Jin, along with PhD student Sebastian Freeman; Zachary Lipsky, PhD ’21; and Karen Kibler from the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University.

The idea for the research came when shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) early in the pandemic inspired Ye, German and Binghamton University staff members to quickly build UV disinfection stations for hospitals in the region, so that N-95 masks and other items could be reused.

“There is a lot of research on UV dosages in the scientific literature, but not in a systematic way,” Ye said. “When we started this project, there were really no data or experiments that had been done because the pandemic happened very quickl

Ye and German received funding to pursue their questions through a mid-2020 grant for $182,728 from the National Science Foundation. The Binghamton team added a retrovirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 to three different media (a cell-culture medium, water and an artificial re-creation of human saliva) and exposed them to three different wavelengths in the UVC range. UVC kills viruses and other microorganisms by damaging their DNA and RNA, which are the bioorganic building blocks for life.

“The disinfection efficiencies are greatly influenced by the media where the virus is,” Ye said. “We used the same dosage, the same light intensity and the same wavelengths when the virus was suspended in saliva, water and a cell-culture medium, but the efficiency was completely different.”

The best results during the study came from a range of 260 to 280 nanometers, which is commonly used in LED UVC lights. Wavelengths below 260 nanometers can be deployed only in unoccupied spaces because they can damage human skin and eyes.

“There are so many companies that are purporting to say their products completely disinfect and are completely safe,” German said. “However, in this article, we demonstrate that both far (222 nanometers) and regular UVC light (254 nanometers) degrade the mechanical integrity of the stratum corneum, the skin’s top layer, causing higher likelihood of cracking. That means nasty bacteria and other microorganisms can get into and potentially infect your skin.”

Based on the results of the research, Ye and German have designed an LED light disinfection system that should cause less damage to human skin. They are doing additional testing before applying for a patent on it.

“We are waiting for the data, and then we are pretty much finished. We know it will work,” Ye said.

Also, the Binghamton team found that two amino acids (L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine) and a vitamin (niacinamide) are strong absorbers of UVC, and that discovery could lead to lotions that would block exposure and prevent skin damage if UVC disinfection becomes more prevalent in public spaces.

Ye believes the most important part of this research is that it offers a scientific basis for standardizing and regulating claims from manufacturers of UV disinfectant devices.

“The system we came up with can become the model for anybody who wants to standardize the dosage,” he said. “This is how to determine the eradication of SARS-CoV-2 using UVC — maybe also SARS-CoV-3, SARS-CoV-4, SARS-CoV-5. We hope we never get there, but we need to be prepared.”

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McBride Fire claims lives of elderly couple

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Fire Information and Activity In the Eagle Creek and Gavilan closure areas, fire crews are mopping up and identifying and removing hazard trees. They are working to cool burning stump-holes and other heat sources in a concentrated effort to prepare for lifting the remaining evacuations. Currently, both the gas and power companies are working in the Gavilan area to ensure utilities are working before home owners can safely return. Firefighters will work all along the fire perimeter with a focus of securing the rugged, western edge of the fire. They are locating heat sources and scouting to tie in pieces of fire line. Due to diminishing winds, low fire activity is expected today. However, those in the surrounding area may see smoke as fire moves through unburned vegetation. These smokes are well within the interior of the fire and are not a threat to the fire line at this time. As fire activity decreases, resources are being made available for initial attach in the surrounding area should a new fire occur. Helicopters are available to assist ground crews for water drops to cool hot spots. FatalitiesAn elderly couple is dead after the McBride fire burned their home in Ruidoso.New Mexico State Police say firefighters responded to a house fire at 569 Gavilan Canyon Road in Ruidoso on Tuesday afternoon. Later that evening, the Ruidoso Police Department received information about an older couple who attempted to evacuate the McBride fire and were unaccounted for by family members.On Wednesday, Ruidoso police, state police and fire crews located the remains of two individuals at the Gavilan Canyon Road residence. EvacuationsAll evacuations have been lifted. Water AdvisoryThe New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health have issued a precautionary water advisory for the following areas of Lincoln County:Canyon Hideaway and EscapeLa Vida BuenaR&R RV ParkThe state environment department says significant damage to the infrastructure caused by the McBride Fire prompted the advisory. State officials say those who get their water from the public water systems listed above should seek alternate sources of water for the protection of public health.The New Mexico Environment Department also recommends those who own a well in the area to take these steps once it is safe to do so:Step 1: Well inspection and repair – check for damage to well components, including electrical systems and remove debris.Step 2: Flush the well until the water runs clear (approximately 30 minutes to one hour) and check water pressure. This may best be done by a well contractor.Step 3: Test your well water for Coliform bacteria including E. coli, nitrate, other contaminants of concern.Step 4: Disinfect your well if water tests positive for bacteria (E. coli) or repairs were done. This may best be done by a well contractor.Road ClosuresRoad closures are in place at Gavilan Canyon from Meander to Hull Road, Warrior from Hull to Gavilan and Roads East of Hull from Warrior to Gavilan Canyon. Power OutagesPNM has cut power to areas of Ruidoso due to the fire. Crews are making repairs to equipment damaged by strong winds and fire. Power poles, lines and other equipment needs to be replaced or repaired. Power is being restored in phases. About 10,000 PNM customers remain without power. Water IssuesThe Village of Ruidoso is asking residents to conserve water at this time. Due to power outages in the area, water production efforts are limited. The village warns parts of town may experience loss of pressure or total outages as crews work to fight the fire. School ClosuresRuidoso Schools will be closed through April 14 due to the fire. Ruidoso Municipal Schools expects schools to open up on April 19. Fire InformationSize: 6,159 acresContainment: 56% Cause: Unknown, Under InvestigationDate/Time Detected: April 12, 2022, 2:45Location: Ruidoso, NM Fuel Type: Grasses, timberStructures: Multiple structures lost including homes in Ruidoso. Stay with KOAT.com for the latest information.

RUIDOSO, N.M. —

Fire Information and Activity

In the Eagle Creek and Gavilan closure areas, fire crews are mopping up and identifying and removing hazard trees. They are working to cool burning stump-holes and other heat sources in a concentrated effort to prepare for lifting the remaining evacuations. Currently, both the gas and power companies are working in the Gavilan area to ensure utilities are working before home owners can safely return. Firefighters will work all along the fire perimeter with a focus of securing the rugged, western edge of the fire. They are locating heat sources and scouting to tie in pieces of fire line. Due to diminishing winds, low fire activity is expected today. However, those in the surrounding area may see smoke as fire moves through unburned vegetation. These smokes are well within the interior of the fire and are not a threat to the fire line at this time. As fire activity decreases, resources are being made available for initial attach in the surrounding area should a new fire occur. Helicopters are available to assist ground crews for water drops to cool hot spots.

Fatalities

An elderly couple is dead after the McBride fire burned their home in Ruidoso.

New Mexico State Police say firefighters responded to a house fire at 569 Gavilan Canyon Road in Ruidoso on Tuesday afternoon. Later that evening, the Ruidoso Police Department received information about an older couple who attempted to evacuate the McBride fire and were unaccounted for by family members.

On Wednesday, Ruidoso police, state police and fire crews located the remains of two individuals at the Gavilan Canyon Road residence.

Evacuations


All evacuations have been lifted.

Water Advisory

The New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health have issued a precautionary water advisory for the following areas of Lincoln County:

  • Canyon Hideaway and Escape
  • La Vida Buena
  • R&R RV Park

The state environment department says significant damage to the infrastructure caused by the McBride Fire prompted the advisory. State officials say those who get their water from the public water systems listed above should seek alternate sources of water for the protection of public health.

The New Mexico Environment Department also recommends those who own a well in the area to take these steps once it is safe to do so:

  • Step 1: Well inspection and repair – check for damage to well components, including electrical systems and remove debris.
  • Step 2: Flush the well until the water runs clear (approximately 30 minutes to one hour) and check water pressure. This may best be done by a well contractor.
  • Step 3: Test your well water for Coliform bacteria including E. coli, nitrate, other contaminants of concern.
  • Step 4: Disinfect your well if water tests positive for bacteria (E. coli) or repairs were done. This may best be done by a well contractor.

Road Closures

Road closures are in place at Gavilan Canyon from Meander to Hull Road, Warrior from Hull to Gavilan and Roads East of Hull from Warrior to Gavilan Canyon.

Power Outages

PNM has cut power to areas of Ruidoso due to the fire. Crews are making repairs to equipment damaged by strong winds and fire. Power poles, lines and other equipment needs to be replaced or repaired.

Power is being restored in phases. About 10,000 PNM customers remain without power.

Water Issues

The Village of Ruidoso is asking residents to conserve water at this time. Due to power outages in the area, water production efforts are limited. The village warns parts of town may experience loss of pressure or total outages as crews work to fight the fire.

School Closures

Ruidoso Schools will be closed through April 14 due to the fire. Ruidoso Municipal Schools expects schools to open up on April 19.

Fire Information

Size: 6,159 acres

Containment: 56%

Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation

Date/Time Detected: April 12, 2022, 2:45

Location: Ruidoso, NM

Fuel Type: Grasses, timber

Structures: Multiple structures lost including homes in Ruidoso.

Stay with KOAT.com for the latest information.

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Business piles up for Maine company that rids yards of dog poop

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LEWISTON, Maine — This year’s spring thaw brought eager customers to Carey Zembas’ Scoop 4Paws business when the melting snow exposed heaps of unwanted dog lawn ornaments.

By mid-March, Zembas had a backlog of 150 people wanting her company to clear their yard from months of dog poop buildup over the winter. Almost all are residences where dog owners are too busy or infirm to handle cleanup. She will also clean barns and other animal messes.

“This isn’t about lazy people,” said Zembas, who started the Lewiston-based business three years ago. “It’s a service of convenience, like a housekeeper.”

Demand for servicing the business end of canines is mounting. A handful of companies have sprung up throughout New England with playful names including Poopah Scoopah, Turd Herders and Dog-Gone-It.

As word got out about her business, including her membership in the local chamber of commerce, Zembas saw Scoop 4Paws grow quickly. It had $2,500 in sales in its first year, 2019. That doubled the next year and quintupled in 2021. She expects sales of $40,000 this year. So far this spring, she’s been making $1,000 per month more than last spring.

She attributes some of the growth to the puppy adoption boom earlier in the pandemic, when more people worked from home and wanted a companion animal. She charges a minimum of $60 for a spring cleanup, which includes raking up leaves and other debris, but that could be up to $250 for a large dog or a home with multiple dogs. She typically puts the refuse in bags for regular trash pickup, as the dog poop cannot be recycled.

Zembas also offers weekly yard cleaning starting at $20 per visit for smaller yards. She has 40 regular customers who want weekly or biweekly service that she handles herself. The business is seasonal, running from March through November and servicing people within a 20-mile radius of Lewiston. She got the idea about eight years ago when she saw an ad from a man in Florida with a year-round business.

Carey Zembas, owner of Scoop 4Paws. a Lewiston-based business that cleans up dog poop for homeowners. Credit: Lori Valigra / BDN

She has six employees, mostly family members and friends, who work full-time in the spring and earn $18 to $2o per hour..

“The spring cleanups are hard,” she said. “Dog poop is heavy and we can have 10 to 20 bags of waste and leaves in a yard.”

Dog waste can pile up quickly. Most dogs poop 14 times per week and they don’t like going where there is a lot of poop piled up, Zembas said. Having a clean yard also means they won’t track a mess back into the house. She said most of the time the poop is dried and doesn’t smell too strong.

“But sometimes there are some ripe ones and ‘woof,’” she said.

The crew cleans with buckets and rakes that they disinfect between jobs. They wear booties to keep their shoes clean from job to job.

Zembas, who also has her own building cleaning company, hopes to expand the scooping business by getting municipal clients that need areas of the city cleaned up.

One of the best parts of the job is when the dogs are in the yard she is cleaning.

“I bring homemade dog treats that my mother makes to them,” she said.

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Household Products That Are A Waste Of Money

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With prices on the rise these days, we need to save money wherever we can. And if you’re trying to stick to a budget, smart shopping is essential. We all have to buy household staples, but the thing to remember is that they’re not all created equally.

It turns out some products we buy to tidy up at home are a flat-out waste of money, some are unnecessary and others could potentially cause damage to your home or health. These are some common household items you may want to cross off your shopping list:

  • Detergent pods – We all have to wash clothes and these little laundry pods are advertised as an easy option, but they’re significantly more expensive than other detergents. And on top of that, some research has shown the pods don’t even clean clothes as well as traditional detergents.
  • Dusting and cleaning wipes – Remember at the start of the pandemic when you couldn’t find a disinfecting wipe in stores for months? It was good for Clorox sales, but some cleaning wipes have been found to actually spread viruses around instead. But a cloth rag is great for dusting and with a bottle of disinfectant, you can easily clean any surface at home.
  • Oven cleaners – When a product manufacturer recommends against using something, listen up. That’s the case with oven cleaners, which some major appliance companies say not to use because they can actually damage the appliances they’re supposed to clean. Plus, no one wants to be breathing in the fumes from those cleaners anyway.
  • Electronic screen cleaners – These specialty cleaners for our tablets, TVs and phones tend to be overpriced, plus they’re really unnecessary. You can get the same result with a microfiber cloth and a little water.
  • Paper towels – They make a big dent in your budget as well as the environment, so you could skip paper towels and just use kitchen rags and cloth napkins instead.

Read the article at GoBankingRates

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Respiratory tract infections – Portugal Resident

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We are all happy with the fact that European countries are lifting restrictions for Covid-19, but humans must not forget that although the Covid-19 virus caused a dramatic worldwide pandemic, many other respiratory diseases are caused by other viruses and bacteria that affect the respiratory system.

The story is the same and repeats itself in a similar way. Like different versions with a different leading character, some more friendly, some more nasty.

Covid-19 is a nasty one, but there were many other viruses before, many others continue to exist (including the Covid-19 virus), and new ones will certainly appear.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are infections of parts of the body involved in breathing, such as the sinuses, throat, airways, or lungs.

Most infectious respiratory diseases (like with Covid-19) are spread from person to person, which means that if one person in a school, workplace, home, or community gets an infectious respiratory disease, they can spread it to others. The spread may occur through the air or from direct or indirect contact with an infected individual.

Many of the germs that cause respiratory (breathing) diseases are spread by droplets that come from coughing and sneezing. These germs usually spread from person to person when uninfected persons are in close contact with a sick person.

Viral pathogens are the most common cause of respiratory infection; causative agents include rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus, measles, mumps, adenovirus, and coronaviruses.

Viral respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing an enormous economic and disease burden.

With the pandemic, people have learned that viruses replicate in the respiratory tract, are transmitted by the respiratory secretions and that transmission depends on many variables such as environmental factors like humidity and temperature, crowding of people and host factors.

Respiratory tract infections may range from asymptomatic to acute life-threating disease, posing a major health threat to young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. Now that it seems the pandemic is “on the mend”, it is important to keep in mind that, unfortunately, Covid-19 is not the only virus that kills…

General rules for prevention of ALL infectious respiratory diseases

▪ Get vaccinated. It is always better to prevent a disease rather than treat it after it occurs.
▪ Wash your hands. Handwashing with soap is always preferred, but hand-sanitiser works well when needed.
▪ Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover the mouth with a tissue and throw it in the bin. And wash your hands.
▪ Stay home while sick. Staying home and away from other members of the household as much as possible will help stop the infection from spreading to others.
▪ Keep your home clean. Prioritise cleaning for health, not appearance. Disinfecting doorknobs and other high touch surfaces, replacing used hand towels and keeping physical distance from sick individuals will help stop the spread of disease.
▪ Additional protective measures. In some instances, additional preventive measures, such as wearing face masks and social distancing are required to help stop widespread community transmission of the infection and protect more susceptible individuals like patients with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases.

Recent studies found that personal measures to protect against Covid-19 (including wearing facemasks, hand hygiene and physical distancing) prevented not only the Covid-19 transmission, but the transmission of acute respiratory infections as well, during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 flu seasons.

Findings suggested that personal protective measures with high feasibility and acceptability could be implemented during the influenza epidemics to reduce transmission, particularly in populations at the highest risk of developing severe complications. Therefore, the utility of these measures in people who are at risk of severe complications should be seriously considered in the future.

High compliance to the use of personal preventive measures in public might reduce the incidence of all respiratory viral infections and hospitalisation rates, with no need for additional quarantine, isolation, or contact screening.

Is this the end of the Covid-19 pandemic?

“I wouldn’t call it that at the moment. Certainly, we are in a phase of the pandemic where we might try and achieve moving away from the acute emergency that the pandemic has brought, but it will be a long time before we can pretend that the virus isn’t there anymore,” said Dr Catherine Smallwood, WHO’s Covid-19 incident manager for the European region.

“The goal for this year would be to exit that ‘emergency’ phase, but it will depend on how it evolves around the world. In countries that have already lifted measures, the virus will, of course, take advantage of that. There will be an increased incidence and possibly increased mortality,” she added.

Dr Smallwood says that even if there are no red flags at the moment, the World Health Organisation is constantly monitoring changes to the virus.

The current risk is for those in the population who remain vulnerable to the illness, the unvaccinated who have comorbidities and those who are immunocompromised, for whom vaccination does not work.

And Dr. Smallwood continued: “I think that we should all be extremely aware that there remain vulnerable people in our populations that may be extremely anxious by the recent announcements that more of these simple measures have been lifted. I think it’s on each of us to really think about our responsibility towards those people.”

We are all happy to be able to start “forgetting about Covid-19”, but we should keep in mind that the preventive measures that were implemented during the pandemic have also worked to diminish the number of infections, hospitalisations and deaths as a result of seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections.

We should all learn from this and, in the future, use adequate prevention for the circumstances and the characteristics of the individuals involved.

We must not forget that masks continue to be used in healthcare environments, public transports and when dealing with vulnerable people.

Prevention is always better than cure!

Best healthy wishes,
Dra. Maria Alice Pestana Serrano e Silva
|| [email protected]

Dr Maria Alice is a consultant in General and Family Medicine. General Manager/Medical Director – Luzdoc International Medical Service. Medical Director – Grupo Hospital Particular do Algarve/ Hospital S. Gonçalo de Lagos

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New Cleaning Business Opens in Jamestown

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently for the opening of a new cleaning business in Jamestown. Porter-Blair Cleaning & Co., LLC cut the ribbon on its new office in the Medical Arts Building at 500 Pine Street. Porter-Blair Cleaning & Co. offers commercial and residential cleaning, including disinfecting all high-touch surfaces, trash removal, floor cleaning, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Specialized floor care and carpet cleaning is available, as is special event cleaning and vacation property cleaning solutions. The business is a member of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.

Owner Lindsey Smith is a Jamestown native who returned home to launch the business. She says, “The past two years have been challenging for so many, including Porter-Blair Cleaning & Co. I’m happy to be moving forward and serving this community. Not only are we providing valuable cleaning solutions to homeowners and commercial spaces, we are also creating new employment opportunities. We look forward to growing in the Chautauqua County region!”

Smith was joined in the ceremony by Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist, New York State Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, representatives for Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel and State Senator George Borrello, along with the staff of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured, from left to right: Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist; James Feldman, Assistant to Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel; Lisa Vanstrom, representing New York State Senator George Borrello; Porter-Blair Cleaning & Co. Owner Lindsey Smith; Lindsey’s son, Porter; Jamestown Community Chamber Coordinator Carrie Swanson; New York State Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Dan Heitzenrater. Photo by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce

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Beau Rothwell found guilty of murdering his pregnant wife | Law and order

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CLAYTON — A St. Louis County jury on Thursday decided Beau Rothwell deliberated when he killed his pregnant wife, rather than murdering her in what he described as a “red haze” of rage.

After three days of testimony, the jury found Rothwell, 31, guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and abandonment of a corpse. Sentencing will be July 8. First-degree murder carries a sentence of life without parole.

Rothwell testified Thursday that he and his wife had argued at their St. Louis County home on Nov. 11, 2019, about his extramarital affair. He struck his wife in the head from behind with a mallet, he said, followed her as she stumbled toward the garage door and then delivered a fatal blow.

“In the heat of everything, I hit her again,” Rothwell told the jury. “I believe I cracked her skull, she fell unconscious and fell down the stairs.”

He said he never planned to kill his 28-year-old wife, Jennifer Rothwell, who was six weeks pregnant. The deadly encounter arose after he refused to reveal the identity of his mistress. He testified that his wife was angry, told him he could keep his “mystery bitch” and said the pregnancy was the result of an affair with another man.

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“All this happened in just moments,” he said.

The killing set off a series of efforts to clean up the crime scene and conceal what he’d done: buying bleach and paper towels to disinfect the house, driving her body an hour north to an area near Troy, Missouri, wrapping a plastic bag around her head with duct tape, dumping her naked body in the woods and covering her in brush. He said he got the idea to remove her clothes from watching TV crime shows about hiding evidence but couldn’t explain why he did it. He then discarded a tarp he had used to hold her body along with soiled cleaning supplies in a business trash bin off the highway during his early morning drive home from Lincoln County.

He testified to abandoning her car on Olive Boulevard early that morning to make it appear as though she had car trouble on her way to work. He said he sent text messages to her phone that day to make it seem as though he was worried about her. He also participated in search parties with her relatives and co-workers.

Police found multiple bottles of bleach inside the Rothwell home near Creve Coeur, along with a wet, blood-stained carpet. Investigators relied on DNA evidence to confirm the blood belonged to Jennifer Rothwell.

Beau Rothwell testified he was in “panic mode” and trying to appear normal.

“It was this feeling of needing to keep up the facade,” he said.

On Wednesday, the jury was shown multiple text and Facebook messages, some sexually explicit, between Beau Rothwell and his mistress, as well as a list of pros and cons about leaving his wife that he had compiled.

Beau Rothwell’s lawyer, Charles Barberio, said in opening statements Tuesday that the couple began dating while both were studying engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia; they moved to St. Louis for work. They had struggled since 2018 to have a child, then Beau Rothwell lost interest in 2019 and began having an affair. They learned she was pregnant at the end of October 2019.

Jennifer Rothwell was an engineer at MECS Inc. in Chesterfield. Beau Rothwell worked at Ambitech, now called Zachry Engineering, in the St. Louis area.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution sought to portray Beau Rothwell as a meticulous planner in nearly every aspect of his life, eliciting testimony about work and home obligations and methodical planning to achieve a pregnancy. His defense lawyers drew testimony from the couple’s co-workers who said Beau Rothwell was level-headed and that there were never signs of abuse in the couple’s relationship.

Assistant Prosecutor Tom Smith told jurors in closing arguments Thursday that Beau Rothwell’s claim that he killed his wife in a “red haze” was a lie and that the evidence of premeditation and his efforts to cover up his crimes “speaks for itself.” He reminded the jury of a pathologist’s testimony that the force of the second and fatal blow could not have been accidental.

“He deliberated when he got the weapon,” Smith said. “He deliberated when he drew it back. He deliberated when when he brought it down on her head. It was all part of his plan.”

Barberio urged jurors to acquit his client of first-degree murder, while finding him guilty of abandoning her corpse, evidence tampering and voluntary manslaughter. He said Beau Rothwell “clearly” lost control of his actions because he believed his wife’s claim during the argument that the baby was not his after months of a passionless marriage and countless fruitless attempts to get pregnant. A paternity test later confirmed Beau Rothwell to be the father.

”The state is trying to turn this extramarital affair into some sort of motive or deliberation,” Barberio said. “There simply isn’t any evidence that he ever planned to do it.”

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Former President Mwai Kibaki Buried At His Othaya Home In Nyeri County

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The third President of the Republic of Kenya, Emilio Mwai Kibaki was on Saturday evening buried at his Munyange home in Othaya, Nyeri County in an elaborate military ceremony that included a 19-Gun Salute and a Kenya Air Force fly-past.

The former Head of State’s body was lowered to the grave shortly after 5pm by the Kenya Defence Forces officers at the solemn ceremony witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and several national leaders among them Deputy President Dr William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking at the state burial service held at Othaya Approved School Grounds ahead of the former President’s interment, President Kenyatta urged Kenyans to emulate former President Kibaki not just in words but also in thought and deeds.

“As Kenyans, let’s not just say by word of mouth but in deeds and thoughts, let us emulate this elder statesman in all that we do in our lives. I have no doubt if we do that God will continue to bless our nation, the Republic of Kenya,” President Kenyatta said.

The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, also took the opportunity to thank residents of Othaya, and Nyeri County at large, for giving the country former President Kibaki, a great leader who did a lot for Kenya, East Africa, Africa and the world.

“The world will not forget him (President Kibaki). We will always appreciate him and cherish his achievements,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State assured the family of former President Kibaki of his continued support, saying Kenyans of goodwill and friends across the world will always stand with them

“So you are not standing alone. We are together with you and we shall continue to be together with you,” President Kenyatta said.

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria conducted the final requiem mass assisted by Bishop Peter Kihara of Marsabit and Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti.

Family and friends of the late President Kibaki delivered emotional tributes, extolling the former Head of State’s exemplary life.

Archbishop Muheria urged politicians to emulate the late former President by embracing humility and forgiveness, saying the virtues are key in consolidating harmonious co-existence amongst Kenyans.

“God wants to reign in our mouths. He (President Kibaki) never said a remark against his competitors. He always joked but was respectful. We need a special sanitizer to disinfect not our hands but our mouths,” Archbishop Muheria said.

In his remarks, Deputy President William Ruto hailed the late President as the father of modern-day Kenya, saying the former Head of State laid a strong foundation for the country’s economic and social transformation.

“It is true, (President) Mwai Kibaki planted the seeds of what has become the greatest transformation of our infrastructure under him and under our fourth President, President Uhuru Kenyatta,” DP Ruto said.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga eulogized former President Kibaki as a transformative leader whose knowledge and experience in public service was crucial during the 2002 political transition.

“(President) Mwai Kibaki was someone who had a clear foresight, ready to negotiate, a team player and one who was ready to take new progressive ideas to support development,” the former PM said.

Family, friends and relatives of the late former President led by his children Judy and Jimmy Kibaki delivered emotional tributes, saying the departed former Head of State was a devoted family man, loving parent and committed statesman.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Republic of Kenya.

This Press Release has been issued by APO. The content is not monitored by the editorial team of African Business and not of the content has been checked or validated by our editorial teams, proof readers or fact checkers. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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