This photo shows the remains of what once was a home in the Jerseydale area of Mariposa County. That area was hit especially hard by the Oak Fire, which started on Carstens Road on July 22. Photo by Madison Kirkpatrick

Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), as well as Mariposa County Environmental Health, have some advice for county residents who may have had their well water disrupted by the Oak Fire.

HHSA public information officer Lizz Darcy recommended doing a visual inspection of the well upon returning home after a fire.

When reviewing the wells, check for damage to:

• Electrical wires and connectors which supply power to your well.

• Above ground PVC pipes used with the well to bring water to the home.

• Well houses and equipment such as chlorinators, filters and electronic controls.

• Pressure tanks which could have been caused by exposure to excessive heat.

• Storage tanks, vents and overflow pipes.

If any damage is found, contact a licensed contractor or trade worker to repair the damage.

People may notice their water tastes or smells earthy, smokey or burnt.

Darcy said people who notice an off taste or smell should call environmental health or a local well company.

When testing drinking water for the presence of bacteria, it is necessary to collect a sample and deliver it to a certified environmental testing laboratory.

Locations can be found here: mariposacounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/42619/Water-Testing-Labs-07252022-V-20?bidId=.

Laboratories generally charge between $20-$50 for a bacteria test. When collecting a sample, follow these procedures:

1. Write your name, address and phone number on the laboratory form and sample container, using a water-resistant pen. On the form, indicate that you would like the sample analyzed with a drinking water method for total coliform bacteria.

2. Collect the sample from a clean inside faucet.

3. If there is an aerator or screen on the faucet, remove it before you collect the sample and ensure the faucet and sink are clean.

4. Turn the faucet on with a full steady flow of water and let it run for approximately one minute.

5. After the faucet has run for a minute, reduce the flow to a small steady stream. Do not turn off the water.

6. Place the sample container from the laboratory under the stream of water. Be careful not to touch the inside or edges.

7. Fill the sample container to the fill line, immediately seal it and turn off the faucet.

8. Place the sample in the lab container and be sure to follow any sample chilling procedures provided by the laboratory.

While waiting for test results, water can be used for showering and flushing toilets. Be careful not to swallow any water when showering.

Do not use the water for cooking or drinking purposes unless it has been boiled or disinfected. This includes not washing dishes or other cooking utensils in it.

This water is safe for animals.

Here are ways to disinfect the water while waiting for test results:

1. Pour one and a half cups of bleach into the well. Wait 30 minutes.

2. Open the taps at the furthest ends of the system and dead ends until the chlorine is smelled. After, close the taps.

3. Let the well stand 24 hours without pumping.

4. Open the taps and flush the lines until a chlorine odor is no longer detectable.

It is important to check to see if wells and piping systems maintained positive pressure during the fire. This can be done by turning on a faucet in the household to see if any water comes out.

There should not be any air released from the faucet. The flow of water should be steady and uninterrupted.

If there is air escaping from the faucet with water intermittently spurting out when it is turned on, that is an indication the well and household plumbing had a loss of pressure.

People can get answers to any questions by contacting environmental health at (209) 966-2220.

Also, visit mariposacountyrecovers.org for more information.

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As I write this, I can hear a cardinal trilling in the backyard. I don’t have to look out the open window to confirm the source of the sounds that come through it; I’ve come to recognize the songs and their singers. I know it’s the mourning dove whose cooing wakes me in the morning and the sparrow whose repetitive chirps complete the sunrise chorus.

Watching birds perched on a branch or visiting a feeder imparts a certain connection to nature that little else does, and, for me at least, listening to their melodies alleviates stress.

Birds are also the most cost-effective way of reducing the number of pests in your garden. Their young are ravenous consumers of insects, including aphids, whiteflies, cabbage worms, cucumber beetles, grubs, earwigs, stinkbugs and, especially, caterpillars.

Get more from the Citrus County Chronicle

According to Doug Tallamy, a University of Delaware professor of entomology and author of “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants” (Timber Press, 2007), one clutch of chickadees, for instance, requires 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars, delivered by their parents, to sustain them from birth through first flight, which is just over two weeks. That’ll clean up the garden, to say the least.

To attain these pest-control benefits, you don’t have to be an expert birder. All you need to do is create a bird-friendly habitat.

Using native plants in your garden will feed native insects, which, in turn, will attract hungry birds. Select a mix of plants to provide berries, nectar and/or seeds year-round. The Audubon Society’s Native Plants Database is an excellent source of bird-friendly plant suggestions for your region. Just plug in your zip code to get started. (https://www.audubon.org/native-plants)

Allow flowering perennials to stand over winter, when food is scarce; their seed heads will feed non-migratory birds. As a bonus, your garden will retain vertical interest through the winter.

Push autumn leaves under shrubs and trees instead of placing them at the curb. The insects that buckle down under them during winter will sustain ground-feeding birds. And as the leaves decompose, they’ll enrich the soil to give spring plants a nutritional boost.

To supplement the plant buffet, set a bird feeder in the garden. Select one that comes apart for easy cleaning and that is constructed to keep seeds dry.

To avoid spreading diseases that can sicken birds, provide only enough seeds to last a couple of days, and clean feeders at least twice a month with a bottle brush and 1 part bleach diluted in 9 parts water. Rinse well and allow to dry completely before refilling.

Use only high-quality birdseed; as with everything, you get what you pay for. Choose high-energy seeds high in fat and protein, like unsalted peanuts or black-oil sunflower seeds, especially as summer winds down. Migratory birds need to store calories to prepare for their end-of-season journeys.

Avoid seeds that include artificial colors and flavors, and never set out old or rancid food.

Suet, a nutritious cake made from animal fat and often mealworms, seeds or grains, can be hung in a specialized cage feeder designed to keep out other wildlife.

Rotate the location of feeders to avoid the accumulation of discarded seed shells — and bird droppings — on the ground in one area.

Remember to provide fresh water for bathing and hydration, whether in a pond, birdbath or another container. Be sure to clean and disinfect baths and other vessels every week.

Avoid using chemical insecticides, which won’t necessarily kill pests immediately. Insects that consume or come in contact with the product could go on to be eaten by birds, which can be poisoned as a result.

Jessica Damiano writes regularly about gardening for The Associated Press. A master gardener and educator, she writes The Weekly Dirt newsletter and creates an annual wall calendar of daily gardening tips. Send her a note at [email protected] and find her at jessicadamiano.com and on Instagram @JesDamiano.

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Looking to revitalise tired interiors? Before you go ripping out cupboards and repainting walls, consider a super simple, stress-free solution that will make a noticeable difference while saving you a load of cash. Brass doorknobs. Yep, it’s as easy as that. Doorknobs and door handles are too-often overlooked, but it pays to lend them some consideration when refreshing your home. Brass doorknobs will bring a refined classic aesthetic to any room, giving it the subtle lift it needs. Discover our pick of the best brass doorknobs and door handles below.

Why brass?

The beauty of brass is its versatility. You can use this finish on anything from natural wooden doors to brightly coloured cabinets and expect beautiful results. Brass is also incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, meaning brass door knobs will stand the test of time (it’s still common to see original brass fittings on old doors from hundreds of years ago). Another added benefit of brass, a form of copper, is its natural ability to self-disinfect. Studies show that surfaces made of copper kills bacteria and viruses almost immediately on contact. Stylish and safe, what’s not to love?

What to consider:

Style

The style of brass doorknob that you decide to opt for will depend on a host of things, particularly the rest of your home décor. Whether your interiors have a distinctive contemporary, vintage or somewhere-in-between look, have fun experimenting with different styles and appearances of knobs and handles. You may want to contrast antique furniture with modern, minimalist brass doorknobs to balance things out, and vice versa: contemporary-style furniture and furnishings could benefit from the addition of more ornate-style doorknobs to add an element of interest. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal taste and what you think will look best in your home. When in doubt, play it safe so as not to clash with too many items of furniture.

Closing mechanism

There are four main different types of doorknobs: keyed entry knobs, which have a lock and key mechanism on both sides, privacy knobs, which have a twist or button lock that works from only one side, passage knobs, which are non-locking, and dummy knobs, which are purely decorative and sometimes used for doors without a latch.

Price

Brass doorknobs can differ wildly in price, and the cost can add up if you’re buying knobs for every door in your home. But the good thing is that it’s not too difficult to find reasonably priced brass doorknobs of a high quality, if you look carefully. Keep in mind that larger, more ornamental styles will cost more than plain doorknobs.

Best brands for brass doorknobs

Plank Hardware

Plank Hardware is a London-based company founded by husband and wife team Tom Revill and Annie Aveyard. When doing up their new home, the couple struggled to get their hands on affordable, design-led hardware that completed their creative projects to a standard they were happy with. So they created Plank, which offers stylish and responsibly manufactured hardware products including knobs, handles, hooks and levers. High quality materials are at the forefront of the design process. Brass features heavily throughout the Plank collection, so you’ll find an extensive range of brass doorknobs. Choose from a variety of shapes, including hexagonal, circular and spherical, as well as different designs, like the easy-to-grip knurled style or the sleek faceted style. Whether you’re after a traditional look or something more cutting-edge, you’ll find the perfect fit at Plank. The best part? Everything is ultra-affordable, with prices starting at £3.95.

Buster + Punch

Renowned London architect and industrial designer Massimo Buster Minale launched Buster + Punch in 2013 with the goal of transforming everyday functional fittings into extraordinary home details. Drawing inspiration from London’s music, fashion and sub-culture scenes, the brand injects vibrance and attitude into its products, which range from dimmer switches and pendant lamps to cabinet handles and – of course – door hardware. Buster + Punch’s brass doorknobs are sleek and simple, crafted from solid brass and refined by hand. Choose from a diamond-cut cross-knurl pattern or elegant linear knurled detailing.

Nanz

US manufacturer Nanz creates custom handles, hinges, locks and fittings, out of its 50,000 square foot factory on Long Island. With over 3000 products available in a dizzying array of modern and vintage finishes, the combinations are practically endless. But don’t be put off by the overwhelming amount of choice. The company is dedicated to helping each customer find the perfect hardware for their home. If you’re looking for brass doorknobs, Nanz has you sorted. In fact, it offers six different brass finishes, from polished brass to dark antique brass, ensuring you’ll find the perfect style for your space.

Croft

Croft is a fifth-generation family-run British brand that was founded in 1868. With craftsmanship at the heart of its DNA, the company strives for perfection from the very first designs all the way through to production. Choose from a range of doorknob shapes and styles, from Art Deco to oval; legacy to lavant, and request polished brass as the finish. Every item is custom-made, so you’re guaranteed a bespoke fitting that’s tailored precisely to your taste.

Corston

UK-based company Corston specialises in hardware, lighting, switches and sockets. The brand works exclusively with the best manufacturers from around the world, and all finishing touches are done by hand at its factory in Wiltshire. Corston offers two brass finishes across its hardware range: antique brass, which is made to look like an original feature in your home and aged in-house, and unlacquered brass, a brighter golden tone that develops a unique patina over time. For a cohesive feel throughout your home, you can choose matching brass doorknobs, handles, shelf brackets and hooks. The best part is that Corston has a strict environmental policy, meaning that most of its products are made from solid brass, a fully sustainable material that you can recycle again and again.

Discover the best sustainable homeware and interior brands.

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Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas will be speaking at Good Housekeeping Live in partnership with Dyson, a two-day event at Carlton House Terrace, London on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October in celebration of our 100th anniversary.

Join us for some fizz, cake and a chinwag with everyone’s favourite dance guru, as she discusses life being a Strictly judge, as well as her incredible, glittering career as a dancer and choreographer. What’s Shirley’s favourite dance move? What really goes on behind the scenes of the much-loved TV show? Here’s your chance to find out!

Taking place on Friday 14 October at 5.30-6.30pm, those attending Shirley’s talk will take home a signed copy of xxxxINFO NEEDEDxxx, as well as a special 100th anniversary GH goodie bag. Book before August 31 and tickets are only £33.60, thanks to a 20% early bird discount.

BOOK HERE

All ticket holders can also enjoy a full day relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of Carlton House Terrace, grab light refreshments in the GH Cafe, browse the GH Bookshop and have the opportunity to attend the following free workshops and experiences:

• FREE fashion talks – browse the latest looks and learn how to style them with the help of GH fashion director Oonagh Brennan.
• FREE tablescaping demonstrations from the GH Homes team.
• FREE cake and biscuit decorating demos from professional bakers.
• FREE flower-arranging workshop from the experts at Bloom & Wild.
• FREE guided taste test with the Good Housekeeping Institute team.
• FREE guided tour of the Dyson Healthy Home exhibition area, plus floor-care demonstration by experts from Dyson and the GHI.
• FREE mini treatments in The Beauty Parlour in partnership with Absolute Collagen.
• FREE talks by the fragrance and cleaning experts at Zoflora on how to create a beautiful-smelling home.
• FABULOUS live music.
• THE CHANCE TO meet and chat to the GH team about life behind the scenes of your favourite magazine.

Book before the end of August and you can take advantage of a 20% discount on the cost of all full-price Good Housekeeping Live tickets. Tickets for Shirley’s talk are just £33.60.

BOOK HERE

Good Housekeeping Live in partnership with Dyson is a two-day event at Carlton House Terrace, London taking place on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October in celebration of our 100-year anniversary.

We’re delighted to offer you the opportunity to join the Good Housekeeping team for a packed programme featuring some of our favourite stars, experts and authors, which encompass live talks, masterclasses and cookery demonstrations.

Other guests at our two-day event include Monica Galetti, Nadiya Hussain, Fern Britton and Lucy Worsley.

FULL LINE UP

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Updated at 7:02 p.m. Wednesday — Napa County public health authorities are investigating the largest local outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in several years – with one resident dead, others hospitalized, and disease-causing bacteria found in a hotel’s cooling tower.

One local resident has died after contracting the waterborne microbe, and another 11 have fallen ill since July 11, the county announced late Tuesday.

Wednesday evening, Napa County’s Health & Human Services agency confirmed the Legionella bacterium that causes the disease was detected in preliminary samples taken from a rooftop cooling tower at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley, at 1075 California Blvd. in the city of Napa.

None of the people sickened in the latest outbreak, which began July 11, are known to have visited or stayed at the Embassy Suites. All of the patients have been local residents, with most living in Napa in the hotel area but at least one in Calistoga, county Public Health Director Dr. Karen Relucio said. (The Calistoga resident has a history of visiting Napa, she added.)

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Three of the people sickened in the Napa County outbreak are currently hospitalized, one is on a ventilator, and eight have recovered, Relucio told reporters outside the county health department offices.

The patients range in age from 58 to 80 with an average age of 69, and most are men, according to Relucio. Many also had existing health conditions such as lung disease, kidney problems or diabetes, which she said is consistent with patients older than 50 and with weakened immune systems being most vulnerable to contracting Legionnaires’ disease.

“These were not healthy people with no underlying conditions,” she said.

While none of those who have fallen ill are employees or recent guests of the Embassy Suites, Legionella bacteria, which are waterborne, can spread in aerosols for up to a mile from a contaminated water source, according to Relucio.

“The cooling tower has since been taken offline, which mitigates any ongoing risk to public health,” she said, adding that Napa County continues to look into any other artificial water fixtures – such as decorative fountains or cooling towers for commercial air conditioning systems – that may harbor unsafe levels of the bacteria.

“Finding Legionella in one water sample is an important piece of the puzzle, but we must continue to investigate other cooling towers and water sources in the outbreak area, as it is common to find more than one source,” Relucio said Wednesday.

County officials are discussing a targeted outreach to residents of the neighborhood near the Embassy Suites hotel, which is near Highway 29’s interchange with First Street, according to Patty Martinez, a Napa County health education specialist.

Health officials in Napa County first confirmed nine probable Legionnaires’ cases on July 29. One or two cases in Napa County per year are typical, although the risk to residents and visitors remains low despite the recent outbreak, county officials said last week.

The fatality was the first to be recorded from Legionnaires’ disease in Napa County since at least before Relucio’s appointment as public health officer in 2015.

Legionella, the bacterium that causes the disease, grows in warm water. While the microbe naturally occurs in lakes and streams, it can become a health threat when it contaminates artificial water systems such as cooling towers for air conditioning in buildings or decorative fountains. Incubation of Legionella bacteria can take from two to 14 days, according to Relucio.

“Outbreaks are commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, like hotels and resorts, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and cruise ships,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The most likely sources of infection include water used for showering, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and cooling towers.”

Napa County Public Health is working closely with a joint investigation team from the California Department of Public Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Napa County Environmental Health Branch of the Planning Building and Environmental Department, the county said. Authorities are sampling water for Legionella and recommending remediation strategies where appropriate to prevent further transmission.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting muscle aches and cough. It is not transmitted person-to-person, only from breathing in water vapor containing the bacteria. There is no danger from most home air conditioning units, which do not use water vapor for cooling.

People at a higher risk for serious illness include those over 50, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics.

Relucio advised people with possible symptoms and health risk factors to avoid being outside for long periods, and to seek medical attention.

While Legionnaires’ cases are rare, the Napa outbreak is a reminder that the bacteria causing the disease are common in nature and can be found in man-made water systems, Relucio said earlier Wednesday.

“This means it’s very important for owners and managers of water systems that can create aerosols to take steps to prevent Legionella from growing and spreading in water systems,” she said.

Strategies to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria in the home include flushing faucets and shower heads that have not been recently used, as well as cleaning, disinfecting and maintain all devices that use water, such as humidifiers, respiratory therapy devices, shower head and faucet aerators, water heaters, and hot tubs.

“We understand that this information is concerning, and we’re working really hard to get the answers that we need to ensure community safety,” Relucio said of Napa County’s response to the outbreak.

The disease is named after the first reported outbreak, which occurred in 1976 at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia and resulted in about 180 illnesses and 29 deaths. Some 10,000 cases were reported in 2018, but the CDC says the actual number is probably 1.8 to 2.7 times higher because the disease is underdiagnosed.

With reports from The Associated Press and the San Francisco Chronicle.

You can reach Howard Yune at 530-763-2266 or [email protected]

Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.

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Originally Appeared Here

Last month, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global public health emergency. Since then, the outbreak of the virus has pushed states like California, Illinois, and New York to declare states of emergency. CNBC reports that these three states — home to the nation’s largest cities — represent 47 percent of all confirmed monkeypox infections in the country. As of Aug. 3, the US holds the highest number of confirmed monkeypox cases worldwide at 6,326, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The existence of a new epidemic — while we’re still fighting the COVID pandemic — is daunting and leaves many of us wondering how to stay safe.

According to the CDC, monkeypox is spread primarily through close, direct physical contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids. It can also be spread through indirect contact, like touching fabrics and objects that were used by a person with monkeypox, or via exposure to respiratory secretions from a person with monkeypox. It’s also possible for a pregnant person to transmit the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

While the majority of people affected in the current outbreak are men who have sex with men, “anyone can get and spread monkeypox,” says infectious-disease expert Julie Myers, MD, MPH, deputy chief medical officer at MetroPlusHealth. Scientists have not yet collected enough data to confirm if monkeypox can be spread through semen, vaginal fluids, urine, or feces, per the CDC.

Unlike the COVID pandemic, we do not have to wait for a vaccine to be developed. The Food and Drug Administration approved use of the Jynneos vaccine to fight monkeypox, and almost 800,000 additional doses have been made available in the US. Basic protection protocols have also been made available from the CDC. With #MonkeyPoxIsAirborne trending on Twitter and cases rising daily, you’ll want to be informed about best practices and precautions. Be mindful of the safety tips ahead.

Wash Your Hands Often

Like any virus, it’s crucial to wash your hands with soap and water frequently. “Rub your hands together to create a good lather, and scrub under your nails, between your fingers, and the backs of your hands. You should wash for at least 20 seconds — humming the ‘Happy Birthday’ song from start to end twice usually does it,” Sandra Kesh, MD, deputy medical director and infectious-disease specialist at Westmed Medical Group in Purchase, NY, previously told POPSUGAR. If you’re on the go, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer — especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Avoid Contact With People Who Have Monkeypox

The CDC recommends avoiding skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash “that looks like monkeypox.” Monkeypox rashes can be located on or near the genitals or anus, as well as other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash can look like pimples or blisters and usually scabs before healing.

If someone in your household tests positive for monkeypox, you should maintain your distance from them. “People with monkeypox should isolate themselves until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed,” Dr. Myers says. This process typically takes two to four weeks, but the timing of isolation will vary from person to person. They also should avoid touching the rash, or it can spread to other parts of the body and may delay healing.

The CDC recommends covering all parts of the rash with clothing, gloves, or bandages and wearing a mask to prevent oral and respiratory secretions from spreading. Those isolating should not share items with other people or animals, per the CDC. Make sure that items and surfaces that have come in contact with a lesion are washed, including bed linens, clothing, towels, wash cloths, drinking glasses, eating utensils, counters, and light switches.

Get Vaccinated If You Are Eligible and at Risk

The CDC recommends you get vaccinated if you have been exposed to monkeypox or are considered more likely to get monkeypox. The CDC categories for those more likely to get monkeypox include: people who are confirmed by public-health officials to have had contact with someone who has monkeypox, people who have sexual partners that have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the past two weeks, and people who have had sexual partners within the last two weeks in an area with known monkeypox. The CDC also consider people whose jobs expose them to orthopoxviruses more likely to get monkeypox.

There are two vaccination options available to those who are eligible. The Jynneos vaccine is the one you’ve probably heard about the most. “It is a two-dose vaccine; individuals should get the second dose at least four weeks after the first dose,” Dr. Myers says. “They will start to build protection in the days and weeks after the first dose, achieving full immunity two weeks after the second dose.” The other vaccine, ACAM2000, is a single-dose vaccine that’s also available, but it can lead to adverse reactions for people with certain conditions (e.g. eczema, HIV, and more). You should talk to your healthcare provider about which option is best for you.

Follow Safety Precautions With Sexual Partners

Communication is key for any relationship, but especially during a monkeypox outbreak. Keep your romantic or sexual partner(s) up to date on any recent illness or unexplained rashes. If either of you have recently felt sick or have a new rash, the CDC says do not have sex and see your healthcare provider.

If monkeypox is confirmed, the best way to protect yourself and others is to avoid sexual intimacy including kissing, touching, and oral, anal, and vaginal sexual interactions. Avoid sharing items like towels or sex toys. If you think you might have the virus and decide to proceed with sex, consider having virtual sex (no in-person contact), masturbating together at distance (at least six feet), and reducing as much skin-to-skin contact as possible and covering areas where rash is present.

While condoms are used to protect against disease, the CDC says condoms alone are likely not enough to prevent monkeypox — especially if the rash is not confined to the genitals or anus.

Isolate If You’ve Been Exposed and Start Experiencing Symptoms

If you have had contact with animals or people with monkeypox, you should monitor symptoms for 21 days after your last exposure, according to the CDC. If symptoms develop (fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, or a new rash), you should immediately self-isolate and contact the health department for further guidance. Dr. Myers suggests checking your temperature twice daily. “If you are experiencing monkeypox-like symptoms, you can contact your doctor via telehealth to discuss the symptoms, testing, and vaccination options available,” Dr. Myers suggests. “A virtual exam can determine if an in-person visit is necessary.”

It may take three to four days to get ab test results. To keep others from catching monkeypox, you should self-isolate during that time from other family members and pets at home, says Dr. Myers. Routinely clean and disinfect items such as bed linens, clothing, towels, wash cloths, drinking glasses, or eating utensils.

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Originally Appeared Here

Last week’s record rainfall and subsequent flooding dramatically impacted the lives of people in our own community as well as those in eastern Kentucky. Both areas suffered devastating damage and the communities are rallying together to rebound. Raceway Gives, the charitable arm of World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, is collecting donations of cleaning items to send to the flood victims of eastern Kentucky.

While our local community is pitching in to take care of our neighbors in the St. Louis-Metro East region, we want to make everyone aware that what has happened in eastern Kentucky can only be described as devastating. The eastern Kentucky area affected by the deadly flood is the hometown of several current and former members of our WWTR staff, as well as the current home of many of our special-event staff members. As of 12 p.m. today, the death toll in that area stood at 37 with hundreds remaining unaccounted for.

Raceway Gives is working to help our many friends and family in that region. On Friday, August 5, a truck with supplies will leave WWTR to deliver the necessary items collected by our employees, fans, and the racing community.

Items needed include baby formula, disinfecting wipes, chlorine bleach, liquid cleaners, laundry detergent, five-gallon buckets, square shovels, mops, heavy-duty trash bags, and plastic totes with lids.

For those who would like to make a charitable contribution to the relief effort, Raceway Gives will provide a receipt for tax-deductible contributions. Donations may be dropped off at the WWTR ticket office at 700 Raceway Blvd. in Madison. Tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to: Raceway Gives, P.O. Box 200, Madison, Illinois 62060, memo:  EKY Flood Relief Effort.

Donation boxes will be onsite during future WWTR events including the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Weekend for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as well as the NHRA Midwest Nationals on September 30-October 2.

The vision of Raceway Gives’ (racewaygives.org, @RacewayGives) is to capitalize on motorsports technology emphasis and World Wide Technology Raceway facilities to create educational and career opportunities allowing all children in the greater St Louis region to accomplish their dreams while providing long-term regional economic impact. Engage industry stakeholders to broaden the motorsports audience, increase youth and minority participation, introduce career opportunities in the motorsports industry.

WWTR PR

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INFORMATION NOW MINDY. WELL LADIES BY NOW. MOST PEOPLE HAVE HEARD OF MONKEYPOX, RIGHT AND THEY MAY HAVE SEEN THE IMAGES OF THE SKIN LESIONS THAT IT CAUSES. BUT HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE AND HOW YOU CATCH IT? I DON’T FEEL THERE’S ENOUGH INFORMATION OUT THERE. I THINK THE FOCUS HAS BEEN ON COVID. AND THAT’S UNDERSTANDABLE, BUT I THINK THAT WE SHOULD ALSO BE LOOKING AT MONKEYPOX NOW, TOO. A LITTLE BIT MORE. I DON’T REALLY KNOW THAT MUCH ABOUT IT. I KNOW THERE’S SOME VACCINES BECOMING AVAILABLE, BUT THAT’S ALL I PRETTY MUCH KNOW. YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THAT THOSE AT HIGH RISK INCLUDE GAY MEN TRANSGENDER WOMEN SEX WORKERS, BUT IT’S NOT NECESSARILY A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE. ALL YOU NEED IS CLOSE PROLONGED CONTACT WITH AN INFECTED PERSON WHEN WE SAY PROLONGED I WOULD SAY, YOU KNOW MORE THAN 15 MINUTES OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE. I’M A DEER IS A NURSE PRACTITIONER AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERT AT CHASE BREXTON HEALTH CARE. HE SAYS MONKEY POX’S TRANSMITTED NOT JUST BY HAVING SEX, BUT BY KISSING OR HUGGING EVEN CLOSE FACE TO FACE CONTACT. PERHAPS MORE CONCERNING IT CAN LIVE ON SURFACES UP TO 15 HOURS IF SOMEBODY WHO’S INFECTED HAS TOUCHED SURFACES OR SHEETS CLOTHING IF SOMEBODY’S USING THE SAME CLOTHING OR SHEETS, FOR EXAMPLE, IT CAN GET MONKEYPOX VIRUS OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE EVERY DAY THINGS LIKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUSES TRAINS AND PLANES JIMMY QUIPMENT. YES SCHOOL DESKS NURSE PRACTITIONER DEER SAYS IT’S TIME TO ONCE AGAIN EMPHASIZE HYGIENE DISINFECTING. SURFACES IN WASHING HANDS, ESPECIALLY UNTIL MORE VACCINE IS AVAILABLE. IT’S JUST HEARING FROM OTHER COLLEAGUES. PEOPLE ARE MESSAGING CALLING AND TO GET THE VACCINATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YEAH. YEAH, WE NEED MORE VACCINE IS THIS RIGHT? OH, ABSOLUTELY AND WE ARE NOT DOING A GOOD JOB GETTING THOSE VACCINES CDC REALLY NEED TO STEP IT UP. AS WE MENTIONED EARLIER BALTIMORE CITY WILL BE ADMINISTERING MORE VACCINES ON FRIDAY. THEY ARE FOR THOSE AT HIGH RISK OR THOSE WHO HAVE COMING CLOSE CONTACT WITH MONKEYPOX REGISTRATION BEGINS TOMORROW AT 9. AM IT’S ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS THE NUMBERS TO CALL THERE ON YOUR SCREEN FOR THE EASTERN OFFICE FOR 10 3 9 6 9 4 1 0 AND FOR THE DRUID OFFICE. THE NUMBER IS 410 396 ZERO ONE SEVEN SIX IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT THE RESPONSE IS AND IT WILL THERE BE A BIG DEMAND. YEAH, I THINK SO, TOO, BUT JUST TO CLARIFY IT IS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE FATAL. CORRECT. THAT IS CORRECT. THAT IS THE GOOD NEWS IN THIS FORTUNATELY THIS STRAIN THE ONE THAT IS CURRENTLY SO CONTAGIOUS OR APPEARS TO BE CONTAGIOUS IS NOT FATAL. SO THAT IS THE GOOD NEWS HERE. THERE IS ANOTHER STRING OF MONKEYPOX. THAT ISN’T SPREADING THAT IS MUCH MORE SERIOUS.

Monkeypox isn’t just transmitted by sexual contact. See how you could be at risk

Virus isn’t limited to just high-risk people

Updated: 5:40 PM EDT Aug 3, 2022

By now, most people have heard of monkeypox and seen images of the skin lesions it causes. But it seems fewer people know how the virus spreads.”I don’t feel there is enough information out there,” said Rhonda Vanrokel. “I think the focus has been on COVID, and that’s understandable, but I think we should also be looking at monkeypox now, too, a little bit more.””I don’t know that much about it. I know there are some vaccines becoming available, but that’s all I pretty much know,” said Dianna Bevensee.There are currently more than 6,300 cases of monkeypox nationwide with 149 in Maryland. This strain of monkeypox does not appear to be fatal. There are two strains of monkeypox, but the one that’s spreading now does not appear to be deadly.Some people have heard that those at high risk for monkeypox include gay men, transgender women and sex workers. But it’s not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease. All that’s needed to get the virus is close, prolonged contact with an infected person.| LINK: Maryland Department of Health monkeypox information”We say prolonged, I would say, more than 15 minutes of prolonged exposure,” said Amit Dhir, a nurse practitioner and infectious disease expert at Chase Brexton Health Services in Baltimore.Dhir said monkeypox is transmitted not just by having sex, but by kissing or hugging, even close face-to-face contact. Perhaps more concerning is it can live on surfaces for up 15 hours.”Somebody who’s infected (who) has touched surfaces or sheets, clothing, using the same clothing or sheets, for example, can get the monkeypox virus,” Dhir said.Other surfaces include everyday things, like public transportation — buses, trains and planes — gym equipment and school desks.Dhir said it’s time to once again emphasize hygiene, disinfecting surfaces and washing hands, especially until more vaccine becomes available.”(I’m) just hearing from colleagues, people are messaging, calling to get the vaccination as soon as possible,” Dhir said. “We are not doing a good job getting those vaccines. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) really needs to step up.”The Baltimore City Health Department is offering another round of vaccines on Friday for those at high risk and those who have had contact with an infected person. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. For the eastern office, call 410-396-9410, and for the Druid office, the number is 410-396-0176.Monkeypox vaccine in MarylandTo date, the state said the federal government has allocated to MDH enough doses to vaccinate 3,202 patients with the two-dose Jynneos vaccine.Vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, and additional supply may not be available until the fall.Based on CDC guidelines, state and local health officials are prioritizing vaccination courses for:Public health identified close contacts: Known close contacts who are identified by public health via case investigation, contact tracing, and risk exposure assessments.Occupational exposure: Health care workers who may have been exposed to a known case and Laboratory Response Network (LRN) or other laboratory staff working directly with monkeypox testing.In addition, state and local health officials will follow CDC guidelines to make vaccines available to the following categories of individuals based on supply:Self-identified partners of cases: Individuals who are aware that one of their sexual partners from the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox.Affected community members: Individuals in high-risk populations who report any of the following in the past two weeks:Recent group sex or sex with multiple partners.Sex or employment at a venue or in association with an event, venue, or defined geographic area where monkeypox transmission has been reported.The most doses have been made available to jurisdictions that report the highest incidence of known cases and exposures, the state said. Individuals who believe they are eligible for vaccination should contact their local health department.Monkeypox testing in MarylandTesting for monkeypox is available through commercial labs and the MDH state public health laboratory. It is not available to purchase off store shelves.Anyone who believes they were exposed to monkeypox or have an illness that could be monkeypox should contact their medical provider.People without a provider or insurance should visit the MDH website to find contact information for their local health department. Health care providers should educate patients on home isolation while results are pending.MDH and local health departments are conducting contact tracing for all presumed cases. Individuals identified as having close contact with case patients have been offered vaccination through their local health department, in accordance with CDC guidelines.

BALTIMORE —

By now, most people have heard of monkeypox and seen images of the skin lesions it causes. But it seems fewer people know how the virus spreads.

“I don’t feel there is enough information out there,” said Rhonda Vanrokel. “I think the focus has been on COVID, and that’s understandable, but I think we should also be looking at monkeypox now, too, a little bit more.”

“I don’t know that much about it. I know there are some vaccines becoming available, but that’s all I pretty much know,” said Dianna Bevensee.

There are currently more than 6,300 cases of monkeypox nationwide with 149 in Maryland. This strain of monkeypox does not appear to be fatal. There are two strains of monkeypox, but the one that’s spreading now does not appear to be deadly.

Some people have heard that those at high risk for monkeypox include gay men, transgender women and sex workers. But it’s not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease. All that’s needed to get the virus is close, prolonged contact with an infected person.

| LINK: Maryland Department of Health monkeypox information

“We say prolonged, I would say, more than 15 minutes of prolonged exposure,” said Amit Dhir, a nurse practitioner and infectious disease expert at Chase Brexton Health Services in Baltimore.

Dhir said monkeypox is transmitted not just by having sex, but by kissing or hugging, even close face-to-face contact. Perhaps more concerning is it can live on surfaces for up 15 hours.

“Somebody who’s infected (who) has touched surfaces or sheets, clothing, using the same clothing or sheets, for example, can get the monkeypox virus,” Dhir said.

Other surfaces include everyday things, like public transportation — buses, trains and planes — gym equipment and school desks.

Dhir said it’s time to once again emphasize hygiene, disinfecting surfaces and washing hands, especially until more vaccine becomes available.

“(I’m) just hearing from colleagues, people are messaging, calling to get the vaccination as soon as possible,” Dhir said. “We are not doing a good job getting those vaccines. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) really needs to step up.”

The Baltimore City Health Department is offering another round of vaccines on Friday for those at high risk and those who have had contact with an infected person. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. For the eastern office, call 410-396-9410, and for the Druid office, the number is 410-396-0176.

Monkeypox vaccine in Maryland

To date, the state said the federal government has allocated to MDH enough doses to vaccinate 3,202 patients with the two-dose Jynneos vaccine.

Vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, and additional supply may not be available until the fall.

Based on CDC guidelines, state and local health officials are prioritizing vaccination courses for:

• Public health identified close contacts: Known close contacts who are identified by public health via case investigation, contact tracing, and risk exposure assessments.
• Occupational exposure: Health care workers who may have been exposed to a known case and Laboratory Response Network (LRN) or other laboratory staff working directly with monkeypox testing.

In addition, state and local health officials will follow CDC guidelines to make vaccines available to the following categories of individuals based on supply:

• Self-identified partners of cases: Individuals who are aware that one of their sexual partners from the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox.
• Affected community members: Individuals in high-risk populations who report any of the following in the past two weeks:
  • Recent group sex or sex with multiple partners.
  • Sex or employment at a venue or in association with an event, venue, or defined geographic area where monkeypox transmission has been reported.

The most doses have been made available to jurisdictions that report the highest incidence of known cases and exposures, the state said. Individuals who believe they are eligible for vaccination should contact their local health department.

Monkeypox testing in Maryland

Testing for monkeypox is available through commercial labs and the MDH state public health laboratory. It is not available to purchase off store shelves.

Anyone who believes they were exposed to monkeypox or have an illness that could be monkeypox should contact their medical provider.

People without a provider or insurance should visit the MDH website to find contact information for their local health department. Health care providers should educate patients on home isolation while results are pending.

MDH and local health departments are conducting contact tracing for all presumed cases. Individuals identified as having close contact with case patients have been offered vaccination through their local health department, in accordance with CDC guidelines.

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In today’s episode, Chalu Pandey tells that the courier guy is innocent. Roshan tells then the culprit might be the pest controllers for sure. Chalu Pandey tells he will interrogate them. The pest controllers come and Roshan and Anjali identify them. Sodhi angrily asks where’s the gold. The pest controllers tell that they have no idea about what golf they’re talking about. Chalu Pandey tells then they might not be the thieves. Everyone ask him how can he say that. He tells that they come every 4 months to the station. Jethalal asks if they get caught so often. 

Chalu Pandey tells that they come with their pest controlling team to disinfect the station. Roshan asks why did they run away scared then. They tell that Roshan found an alcohol bottle and was very angry so they were scared she will reinforce all her anger at them so they went back. Bheede asks who’s the thief then and requests the police to find the jewellery as Popatlal might return soon. Chalu Pandey asks them to call Popatlal home as he might’ve not kept the jewelleries in the box itself. They tell that they’re sure Popatlal kept it inside the box as they cross checked with him. 

He tells they will have to search their houses then. Goli calls and asks Jethalal if they should come home but Jethalal refuses. Tapu Sena stalls Popatlal by telling that they should walk back to the society. The police checks everyone’s house. They find the gold in Bapuji’s room. Jethalal gets shocked and tells he had no idea about this. 
This episode has been watched on the channel’s OTT platform.

Also Read: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, 2nd August 2022, Written Update: Chalu Pandey starts the investigation

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School Prepared for Monkeypox

As families are preparing to send their children back to school next month the news of another unexpected health risk is a cause of concern.  Siuslaw Schools Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak says Monkeypox is on his mind.  But, he added, they’re already preparing for it.

https://kcfmradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/08-03-andy-g-2.2.mp3

“All of the disinfectants and sanitizers that we use at the school for covid kill it because it’s in the exact same family group.”

That means all of the sanitation guidelines in place because of Covid means everybody, including students already know what to do in order to prevent the spread of any disease.  Doing things like proper handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and staying away from school if you’ve possibly been exposed or infected.

https://kcfmradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/08-03-andy-g-2.1.mp3

“If a child develops any sorts of lesions, then they should stay home and people should contact their medical provider because it’s highly contagious.”

Health experts say any infectious disease can be a real risk in school settings.  That’s why Grzeskowiak says he and all staff members will be paying close attention to preventing the spread of any disease and not just Covid or Monkeypox.

Youth Returned to Camp Florence

A youth that had been missing from Camp Florence since Friday is back in custody at the facility.  19 year old Taylor Pennington ran away from the transitional housing facility at about 4:30 Friday.  Staff conducted a search but were unable to bring him back into custody.  Law Enforcement was notified and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Pennington was returned to custody on Tuesday.  He had been committed to the facility to OYA custody from Coos County.  Camp Florence is one of four step down facilities at OYA designed to prepare youth for a return to the community.

Gas Prices

Oregon gas prices have decreased by another 10 cents since last week.  The average for a price of regular gas is now $5.05.  Florence prices are also down some as well with an 8 cent drop from last week’s average of $4.98.  Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says falling crude prices and a seasonally low demand for gas are the major contributors to the decline.  This week’s decline is the 7th consecutive week of falling prices across the board.

Bridge Work

Three bridges will finish up receiving construction updates this week including the Siltcoos River Bridge, the Siuslaw River Bridge and the Devils Lake Bridge in Lincoln city.  ODOT officials says to expect delays as crews complete the projects.  One other bridge receiving attention from ODOT is at Takenitch Lake.  That bridge is down to one lane regulated by a temporary light installed in May.  Traffic interruptions have been brief but will continue for the foreseeable future.

Book Sale

When does selling off books turn into adding more to the collection?  People regularly donate books to the library, and titles for which there are multiple copies are thinned out as being surplus.  For years, the Friends of the Siuslaw Public Library has offered those books for sale over Labor Day Weekend.  They’’ll do that this year, but with so many books stock piled up, according to “Friends” board member Annie Schmidt they’re holding a “pop up” sale this Saturday in the parking lot. “These are all donations, as well as books that have been culled from the library shelves.   Books are a dollar hard back; 50-cents paperback.”  Schmidt says the sale will be from ten AM until two PM.   She also says not to worry if you miss out this Saturday because there will be many more books available September 3rd and 4th during their annual Labor Day Sale.

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