Avian Influenza Virus Activity Continues in California

Photo credit: CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist Krysta Rogers

As the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to impact wild and domestic birds across the state, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) wildlife disease specialists are reminding the public of steps they can take to help reduce the spread of infection. To date HPAI H5N1 has been detected in 34 wild birds from 13 counties including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Mendocino, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus and Yolo. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has also reported detections of HPAI H5N1 in domestic birds in Butte, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Fresno and Tuolumne counties.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is contagious among birds, and domestic birds such as chickens are especially vulnerable. The strain of Eurasian HPAI H5N1 currently in circulation in the U.S. and Canada has been causing illness and death in a higher diversity of wild bird species than during previous avian influenza outbreaks. In particular, waterfowl, other waterbirds, raptor predators and avian scavengers such as vultures and gulls have been affected. Unfortunately, infection in these species is nearly always fatal, and no vaccines or treatments are available.

Help reduce the spread of HPAI:

• Report dead wild birds to CDFW using the mortality reporting form. While it is not possible to test every wild bird for HPAI, all mortality reports are important and help disease specialists monitor the outbreak.
• Report sick and dead poultry to the CDFA hotline at (886) 922-2473.
• Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds, especially waterfowl.
• Exclude wild birds from accessing chicken or other domestic bird feed and water.
• Do not bring potentially sick wild birds home or move sick birds to another location.
• Before transporting potentially sick wild birds to wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics or other animal facilities, contact the facility for guidance and to determine if the bird should be collected.
• If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic birds.
• Where it can be done so safely, consider disposing of dead birds to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that also may be susceptible to infection.

The Centers for Disease Control considers the transmission risk of avian influenza to people to be low, but as a general precaution recommends limiting contact with wild birds and sick or dead poultry. If there is a need to dispose of a dead bird, wear impermeable gloves or a plastic bag turned inside-out to collect the remains into a plastic garbage bag, which may then be placed in the regular trash collection. Afterwards, wash hands with soap and water and change clothing before having contact with domestic poultry or pet birds. If assistance or guidance is needed with the disposal of dead birds on private property, contact your county environmental health department or animal services for options available in your area.

For more information on HPAI H5N1, check out CDFW’s informational flyer addressing frequently asked questions and links to additional resources. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains the official list of HPAI H5N1 detections on its website. For guidance on keeping domestic birds healthy, please visit the CDFA and USDA websites.

For guidance on orphaned or injured live wild birds, please contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitation center prior to collecting the animal. Be advised that some wildlife rehabilitation centers may have restrictions on the wildlife species they will admit.

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Media Contacts:
Ken Paglia, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

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Originally Appeared Here

Monday, 12 September 2022, 12:24 pm
Press Release: NexDo

After a long and cold winter, it’s time to breathe new
life into your home. Spring cleaning can be a tiring and
tedious chore. However, aside from cleaning up, it’s also
the perfect time where you and your family can take the time
to really take care of areas in your home that need annual
or bi-annual maintenance.

We assume that if you’re
reading this right now, it’s because you’re trying your best
to figure out how to spring clean your home. There’s plenty
of information available to help you out, but it’s important
to get it done effectively and efficiently.

We’d say
that the easiest way to complete all your spring cleaning
tasks would be to pick up your phone, get to the NexDo app and contact
us!

But if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and
tackle the job on your own, we’re here to share the same
handy checklist that our professional cleaners use when
spring cleaning a home.

Before You Start Using Our
Spring Cleaning Checklist

It’s essential to sit down
and jot down all the areas of your home that need attention
and the tools you will need for each room.

A few of
the essentials things you will need to make the most of your
spring cleaning are:

For Dirt Removal – A Vacuum
& Mop

To get rid of dirt and dust in the corners
of your home and cobwebs and to pick up crumbs and dirt from
carpets – you need a vacuum!

Vacuums can also be used
to get to hard-to-reach areas and even remove fine dust from
your window casings.

Always start from the top and
work your way down – this goes for the top floor of your
home, and then in each room, from the highest point (ex: top
of a cabinet) to the bottom.

And one of our tried and
tested methods is to empty dust bags outside the
home!

Make sure you use a good quality mop to wipe
your floors with a floor disinfectant.

For Crystal
Clear Windows – Glass Cleaning Tools

Use a window
wiper and a cleaning solution of your choice to dislodge any
grime, dust and other particles from your window panes. In
some instances, you may even have to use a soft brush to
scrub your window screens.

For Fine Dust Removal –
Feather Dusters

Firstly remove all the items from
your shelves and tables. Then using a soft duster, brush all
surfaces thoroughly.

For Wiping Surfaces – Microfibre
Cloths

Microfibre cloths are great for vinyl, wood,
laminate, marble, linoleum, and tiles. They are also handy
when you need to wipe down any area quickly.

You can
alternatively use plant-based sponges and reusable spray
bottles to lessen your impact on the environment.

For
All Cleaning Purposes – Cleaning Solutions

Make sure
you are all stocked up with your favourite cleaning
solutions for each area of your home. There are plenty of
options available at the supermarket. However, if you want
to go down the natural route, you can make up a batch of
homemade all-purpose cleaners.

Here’s one of our
favourites: Mixing baking soda with white vinegar creates a
cleaning solution that leaves no smell and works brilliantly
on almost any kind of stain!

For
Motivation – Music!

To get you through this task,
it’s essential to make the job as enjoyable as possible. We
suggest putting on your headphones and turning on your
favourite playlist to get you in the zone!

The
Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

Once you have
everything you need, it’s time to go, room by room, and
clean all the areas that need your attention.

Here’s
our quick rundown of the different parts of each room that
you should ensure you cover.

In Bedrooms & Living
Areas:

We always make sure to:

• Keep an
  intense focus on tough grime.
• Clean under &
  around accessible furniture.
• Clean and dust all key
  surfaces – usually using eco-friendly products.
• Pay
  close attention to high-touch areas such as door handles,
  light switches, power points, & remote
  controls.
• Make all the beds (we also change linen at
  an additional cost).
• Clean wardrobes and cupboards
  internally (once emptied).
• Dust furniture &
  electronic devices (once shelves are clear to enable easy
  access).
• Clean all surfaces such as dining tables
  & coffee tables.
• Tidy lounges and sofas. We also
  arrange cushions to boost the aesthetic appeal of the
  room.
• Wipe down wooden doors.
• Wipe down
  window sills.
• Vacuum and mop floors.
• Clean
  all accessible skirting boards.
• Remove cobwebs &
  rubbish.

In Bathrooms and Laundries:

We
always make sure to:

• Remove grime, stains, mould,
  & tile scales (within reason, of
  course).
• Sanitise and disinfect
  toilets.
• Clean and polish basins and
  tapware.
• Clean all surface-level
  areas.
• Clean showers, shower screens, bath walls,
  bathtubs, and mirrors.
• Clean cabinets and cupboards
  internally (once emptied).
• Pay close attention to
  high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, power
  points, & cupboards.
• Wipe down wooden
  doors.
• Clean ceilings and remove moisture and
  mould.
• Mop floors.
• Clean all accessible
  skirting boards.
• Remove cobwebs &
  rubbish.

In Kitchens:

We always make
sure to:

• Remove grime, stains, mould, & tile
  scales (within reason, of course).
• Wipe down
  countertops.
• Clean cabinets, pantries and cupboards
  internally and externally (once emptied).
• Clean
  backsplashes & other surface areas, usually with
  eco-friendly products.
• Clean sink &
  tapware.
• Externally wipe down all appliances,
  rangehood, stovetop, & ovens.
• Pay close
  attention to high-touch areas like kitchen cabinets, door
  handles, power points & light switches.
• Mop
  floors.
• Clean all accessible skirting
  boards.
• Remove cobwebs & rubbish.
• Clean
  all stairs & hallways too.

The Final
Word

After you’ve read our tips and techniques,
tailor this list to suit your home’s needs.

To make
spring cleaning a little bit easier next year, we recommend
establishing a weekly cleaning schedule.

And if you
ever need help, remember us! NexDo offers a variety
of cleaning solutions – to suit any requirement for all
budgets.

Think of it this way; now you’ll have time to
start on that new passion project you’ve been planning for
so
long!

© Scoop Media

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Find more from NexDo on InfoPages.

 

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Originally Appeared Here

When owners of cosmetic manufacturing startup FairyGene first set up shop in Newtown in 2017, they had no idea a global pandemic would nearly derail their efforts before they were able to pour their first batch of customized body creams.

Fortunately, FairyGene’s co-owner and CEO, Yong Liu, has a 20-year background in pharmaceutical chemistry, and he and his team were able to quickly pivot to produce hand sanitizer, helping to buoy FairyGene through the height of the pandemic.

“Our company doesn’t have a long history; we just established (the company) four years ago, almost at the end of 2018,” Liu said, noting the process began a year earlier with the purchase of mixing and testing equipment. “But as soon as we started working with customers in 2020, COVID hit. In the first half of 2020, we had no business.”

“So we had to make hand sanitizer” which FairyGene donated to local churches, hospitals and local community groups, Liu added. “The first half of the year was very, very hard. But after that it has been good and customers have started to come back.”

FairyGene’s business as a manufacturer of skincare and cosmetics for private-label companies has since stabilized and its customer base is increasing, Liu said, which better positions FairyGene for future expansion within its new home in Bristol Township.

And by bringing core services in-house — such as research and development, manufacturing, bottling and quality control — FairyGene is able to offer its clients aggressive pricing and end-to-end support. In fact, earlier this year, FairyGene’s business boomed to the point where it had some issues filling all orders. It’s that continued growth that led Liu and his team to now think about expanding even more.

Liu has not settled on a possible location for a second FairyGene expansion.

Liu said having business dictate expansion “is a pleasant problem to have,” but said FairyGene will be practical in its approach to expanding. For now, he is looking to improve on its processes and efficiency.

In other words, Liu wants to focus on helping single entrepreneurs realize their dream while FairyGene simultaneously sets its sights on becoming the premier batch cosmetic manufacturer for the biggest brands.

“We are delighted about our grown,” Liu said. “We have an excellent quality-control lab, as some clients have their own formulas and we can add and remove ingredients at their request.

“Our vision is to provide contract manufacturing for all the big cosmetic labels.”

More development in Bristol:After setback, historic Norton Avenue First Baptist Church in Bristol Township to expand, create senior housing

For subscribers:Bucks County hospitals are growing with new trauma, critical care, cancer centers and more

State loans help FairyGene expand from Newtown to Bristol Township

Liu, co-owner Angie Li and FairyGene President Qinzhen Li in 2018 established a 5,000-square-foot operation on Friends Lane in Newtown Township, but outgrew that location. To secure the funding to purchase its present location at 2 Pearl Buck Court in Bristol Township, FairyGene’s leadership relied on bank loans and financial assistance from the state.

“We felt the facility in Newton was too small and figured we would need a much bigger facility,” Liu said. “In the beginning, we just wanted to buy (the location in Bristol), but we didn’t have enough cash. So we took out a loan and received help from the state which offered us access to some programs, and we bought this location in 2021.”

FairyGene has grown its business from three workers to its current roster of 30 full-time employees.

Last week, state Department of Community and Economic Development Acting Secretary Neil Weaver visited FairyGene to tour the facilities and talk up the benefits of the various state plans that are available to businesses such as FairyGene.

FairyGene received a combined $450,000 through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Keystone Innovation Zone program and the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority.

Of that sum, in 2021 FairyGene received a $100,000 loan to finance working capital to jumpstart its skincare manufacturing. FairyGene also used the loan to secure inventories, workforce development, employee salaries and benefits.

“The Wolf Administration has been unwavering in its support of Pennsylvania manufacturers, and it’s wonderful to see the positive impacts our investments have on companies and their communities,” Weaver said. “From disinfectant wipes to cosmetics, a wide variety of products are manufactured here in Bucks County. It’s very encouraging to see these businesses continue to grow and succeed.”

For subscribers:Could Bucks County commuters see improved SEPTA service? Agency says it’s too soon to tell

Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks executive director Jeff Darwak said, “The prosperity of our local businesses is vital to maintaining a healthy economy in our corner of the state,” and that the impact on the community immeasurable.

Liu and his team are now thinking of expanding once more.

“We want to grow the company more and more and improve upon our systems and equipment,” Liu said. “This place is already starting to look small.”

The future of FairyGene

In the meantime, Liu has positioned FairyGene to help other cosmetic entrepreneurs realize their own dreams of creating a cosmetic brand.

FairyGene, as a wholesale turnkey operation, offers its clients a full suite of cosmetic products, along with providing full-scale marketing and packaging. All a client has to do is then sell their unique product, Liu said.

FairyGene focuses on three core products: skin care, hair care and body care, and aims its research and development resources at conjuring enhancements in the areas of moisturizing, anti-aging, skin lightening and hair growth. FairyGene does not commercially produce nor sell its own products.

In effect, a client contacts FairyGene wishing to create a product that achieves a distinct end, such as 100% all-natural products with unique, client-specified ingredients.

At that point, Liu said, FairyGene will embark on a series of sample runs and quality control checks before delivering a working sample to the client. That working sample may also include labeling, packaging and marketing materials.

Lastly, the client agrees to the final product, makes the bulk purchase — 2,000 units is the minimum quantity of any product that FairyGene can produce per client — and is a step closer to becoming the next Estée Lauder.

After all, it is the vision of FairyGene’s founders to become the wholesale manufacturer for the biggest cosmetic companies.

“For anyone who has a dream of having their own cosmetic brand, right now is a very good opportunity and our platform will help you,” Liu said, citing the expansion of online sales and FairyGene’s ability to interact with Asian markets. “Maybe you only spend a few thousand dollars. So here, you come to us and we will help you.

“From here, you can begin to realize your dream.”

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Originally Appeared Here

After going through the process of repairing a chip in your porcelain bathtub, you may be interested in knowing how to prevent and protect your tub from future damage. Although not all chips and cracks can be prevented, there are still a variety of precautions you can take.

Connect 2 Local explains that one of the easiest things you can do to keep your tub looking great is to use its fixtures carefully and gently. For example, over time, the tub could actually separate from the base if you are regularly pulling on the faucet handles. How you clean your bathtub is also important.

As mentioned above by Modern Bathroom, porcelain bathtubs should not be cleaned with harsh chemicals or cleaning products. Instead, stick to natural cleaners, like lemon juice and baking soda. Finally, as you continue taking precautions around your porcelain bathtub, try to keep heavy objects at a distance. Most chips and cracks occur from heavy objects striking the enamel surface. Therefore, it’s best to keep these objects completely out of the area for the safest and best results.

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Originally Appeared Here

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a series of recommendations for people with monkeypox or monkeypox who are recovering at home.

The virus, with a low infectious and mortality rate, has been identified in 938 people in Colombia, of whom only four are women, as of 5 September.

As confirmed by the WHO in a recent report, the peak of cases in the country was recorded in the last seven days, which has made it the 10th highest worldwide after the United States, Spain, Brazil, France, Germany, United Colombia was ranked among the affected countries. Kingdom, Peru, Canada and the Netherlands.

The most common symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, lack of energy and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms are followed or accompanied by a skin rash that may last for two to three weeks. The rash may be located on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, neck, groin, and genital or anal areas of the body.

The number of lesions can range from a few to several. The sores are flat at first, then fill with fluid, then crust over, dry out, and a new layer of skin forms underneath.

recommendations

With regard to handling skin wounds, if the person is isolated at home, WHO recommends not scratching wounds, washing hands before and after touching, covering wounds and keeping them dry.

Similarly, it recommends washing wounds with soap and water, rinsing wounds in the mouth with salt water, bathing in warm water with sodium bicarbonate or magnesium sulfate, and taking paracetamol for pain, if necessary.

Indications to seek medical advice immediately:

– If the skin sores are very painful or you have signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).

– In case of high fever, nausea or vomiting.

If you can’t eat or drink.

– If you have trouble breathing or feel dizzy or confused.

How to protect occupants in case of isolated monkeypox patients?

– Remember that there is a risk of spreading the disease until all the scabs from the wounds have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed.

– Isolate yourself in a separate room, use your own toilet room or disinfect it after each use.

– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or disinfect them with alcohol gel.

– Frequently wash and disinfect surfaces and objects you have touched.

Avoid sweeping or vacuuming while cleaning to prevent the virus from spreading through the air.

– Use your own dishes, glasses, bedding, towels and electronic devices like phones.

– Wash your own clothes. Put them all in a plastic bag before putting them in the washing machine. Use detergent and hot water

Keep windows open as much as possible.

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Originally Appeared Here

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert to doctors and parents about a rare respiratory disease that is affecting children.

The virus, called Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), has similar symptoms to influenza or the common cold, health officials said last week.

Other health officials say that while enteroviruses are very common viruses that affect 10 to 15 million Americans per year, EV-D68 is “less common than other types of enterovirus.”

“Healthcare providers and hospitals in several regions of the United States notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during August 2022 about increases in pediatric hospitalizations in patients with severe respiratory illness who also tested positive for rhinovirus (RV) and/or enterovirus (EV) … upon further typing, some specimens have been positive for enterovirus D68 (EV-D68),” said the CDC on its website in a Sept. 9 alert.

The CDC said that parents should contact their child’s doctor if they experiencing difficulty breathing or if their symptoms worsen. They also called on people to contact a healthcare provider if the child has a sudden onset of limb weakness.

Children with asthma might have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68, officials said.

“EV-D68 can also cause acute flaccid myelitis, an uncommon but serious neurologic condition which mostly affects children and causes the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak,” the agency says.

There are no available vaccines or therapies for any enterovirus, the CDC alert said. It is recommended that doctors provide supportive clinical management of enteroviruses and related rhinoviruses, including EV-D68.

Prior outbreaks of EV-D68—first discovered in California in 1962—occurred in 2014, 2016, 2018, and in 2020 to a smaller extent, according to the agency’s alert. Data shows that the median age of children who obtained emergency department or inpatient care in 2018 was 3 years old, the CDC said.

“However, all ages of children and adolescents can be affected,” said the CDC. “Children with a history of asthma or reactive airway disease may be more likely to require medical care, though children without a known history of asthma can also present with severe illness. EV-D68 in adults is less understood but is thought to be more commonly detected in patients with underlying conditions.”

The CDC issued several recommendations regarding the virus, including advising people to wash their hands often; avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth; avoid close contact with people who are symptomatic; cover a cough or sneeze; clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces; and stay home when sick.

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Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter at The Epoch Times based in New York.

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Originally Appeared Here

Sadly, we are all too familiar with isolating and quarantining in this COVID-19 era. Monkeypox, the newest public health concern and another disease wreaking havoc on society, requires isolation too. Those infected with monkeypox can protect others from infection with proper isolation, disinfection, and cleaning measures. But be warned, isolation for two to four weeks can be a long-time, but remember it helps keep others healthy.

Self-isolation protects others

Because the monkeypox virus (MPX) spreads easily from person to person, you can help protect yourself and others by understanding how the disease spreads and knowing the symptoms that accompany the disease. It seems reasonable to suggest staying home and avoiding social situations if clinical signs appear.

A quick review of monkeypox symptoms

Most people recognize that a rash forms a distinguishing feature of MPX. Remember that this rash goes through 4 different stages before scabbing and healing. However, often before the rash develops or along with it, patients with MPX may also experience body aches, weakness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or even have signs of a cold (e.g., coughing, sneezing, sore throat). Awareness of these symptoms can help you better understand the steps suggested to stop disease transmission to friends, family, and others.

Monkeypox transmission

Generally, MPX causes mild illness for most, but remember, it easily transmits from one to another.

MPX spreads all too easily by respiratory droplets (saliva, coughing, sneezing); contact with contaminated objects; sexual activity, and other related close contacts like hugging and kissing; via contact with various contaminated items; and by coming in direct contact with open sores (rash).

Isolation limits monkeypox spread

Again, this disease is contagious, easily going from one person to another. As with many viral infections, no treatment exists. Therefore, the goal continues to be identifying symptoms and halting spread.

Isolation vs. quarantine

When to quarantine and when to isolate is the question. A person quarantines when exposed to an infectious disease, like MPX. Isolation actions are undertaken when a person knowingly displays signs of infection, confirmed by laboratory tests or exposure to those positive. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, if exposed, quarantine requirements were clear: stay home and away from others. However, for MPX, the recommendations are less absolute. However, it is sensible to safeguard others by acting wisely, avoiding close contact with others, and limiting social activities when sick.

Monkeypox isolation means what exactly?

What constitutes MPX isolation? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among many other health authorities, recommend complete isolation when symptomatic with MPX. What does isolation mean? Ideally, when one isolates, one should:

• Not attend work (unless virtual is an option)
• Not attend school
• Avoid public areas
• Maintain a distance from others inside and out
• Have groceries, medications, and other goods/services delivered
• Do not socialize during this time with others in the home

Additionally, isolation includes separation from family members within your home. When feasible

• Use separate bedrooms; avoid sharing bedding
• Do not engage in sexual or related activities – practice abstinence
• Use separate cutlery and dishes
• Do not share drinks or food
• Eat separately – ideally, have a healthy family member make your meals and bring them to you so you do not contaminate common areas such as the kitchen
• If you must be in the same room as a family member, make sure you are a minimum of 3 feet away from the other person and wear a proper protective facemask

If isolation isn’t an option or you cannot isolate yourself for the duration of the illness (up to 4 weeks in some cases), ensure you do not socialize, especially at large gatherings. At a minimum, remain separated from others if you have a sore throat, cough, or fever. If you must interact with others once these symptoms have ended, while the rash continues to heal, wear a properly and tightly fitting facemask and cover all exposed sores/rash (gloves, clothes, bandaids, or bandages). Finally, until the rash is gone and new healthy skin has formed, avoid sharing things that could come in contact with other people or animals.

Finally, launder all worn items promptly and disinfect commonly used surfaces that could have been touched by any of your sores or you may have sneezed or coughed on. Continue to avoid close contact, both physical and sexual, with others. Do not share plates, utensils, or cups. Continue to avoid crowds and social gatherings until you have fully recovered. Finally, always practice proper hygiene – ensure you wash your hands under normal circumstances, especially after directly touching any area affected by the rash.

Cleaning & disinfecting against monkeypox

Studies to date show that under some conditions, monkeypox virus particles can remain infectious to others on inanimate objects (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, tables) from as little as 3 days up to 42 days. The duration MPX remains infectious varies on the environmental humidity levels and temperature.

The ability of MPX to survive on surfaces demonstrates that cleaning and disinfecting commonly used items and frequently washing clothes and bedding is warranted. Virus particles have been shown to occur when shed from the respiratory tract (snot, mucus), blood, urine, and open sores or scabs. So the potential to leave virus particles on any surface can easily be understood.

Cleaning and disinfecting

The combination of cleaning and disinfecting can help limit the spread of MPX. Cleaning alone, however, likely isn’t sufficient. Cleaning refers to using water, soap, and mechanical rubbing to remove the majority of grime and dirt from common areas. Compare this to disinfecting, which kills most germs (e.g., viruses) on surfaces and objects. This is done after cleaning and uses bleach or other chemicals. You must first remove any dirt and grime and then disinfect surfaces according to the manufacturer’s label recommendations.

Clean frequently touched areas like handles, doors, cabinets, and light switches after each use, and prevent dust accumulation on common surfaces. When cleaning, prevent dust and other particles from getting into the air using damp, wet cleaning methods rather than dusters and avoid sweeping. Clean any shared bathrooms or other spaces after use. Use common household cleaners such as many detergents or related products to disinfectant cleaned areas. But remember, if using wipes or sprays, read the label carefully to see how long the surface must remain wet to properly kill any viruses or bacteria of concern.

Laundry

Anyone sick with MPX must frequently launder any worn or contaminated clothing and used bedding. Normal detergents should be sufficient, though ideally, on the hottest setting garments can tolerate. Use full cycles, avoid the energy and water saver shorter cycles as they may prohibit complete cleaning.

When bringing clothes to the machines, do not shake them as that could place virus particles onto surfaces or in the air. Rather than using a hamper that may not be fully washable, place the soiled laundry of infected people into plastic garbage bags to minimize spread.

If you lack washing machines, hand washing still works. Consider using a bathtub or scrub sink and ensure warm enough water and appropriate detergents are used.

How critical are isolation measures?

Isolating yourself from any loved one helps protect them, but how isolated you need to be and the importance of isolation measures in your home increase when you have:

• Additional people in your home, those infected and uninfected
• Pets living in the home
• Young kids
• Anyone pregnant
• Immunocompromised persons
• People who already have underlying skin diseases such as eczema
• Based on the ability of others in the home to comply with isolation recommendations

Are precautions necessary around pets?

While birds, reptiles, and fish have not been shown to get MPX, any mammal can, theoretically, contract it. Such pets, like dogs, cats, rabbits, or ferrets, may be at risk. Though the risk remains extremely low, you still want to minimize your pet’s exposure. Pets with underlying conditions, especially immunosuppression, may be more susceptible to the disease.

If at all possible:

• Have friends or family members feed and take care of your pet until you have fully recovered
• Keep any contaminated clothing, bedding, tissues, and other materials away from your pets and other animals
• Prohibit pets from sleeping with, cuddling, rubbing up against you, or giving you kisses – in other words, prevent any direct contact until you heal completely

If you or a family member has been sick with MPX and a pet in your home develops any abnormalities such as a rash, sneezing, coughing, or changes in appetite, contact your local veterinarian or a public health or state veterinarian for further recommendations.

Preserve your well-being despite monkeypox isolation

Isolation includes separating yourself physically from others. It means not sharing communal spaces and cleaning used items and clothing yourself to help minimize environmental contamination and decrease the exposure risks to others. Isolation can be lonely, but its benefits far outweigh the risks and frustrations it can cause. However, while taking care to prevent those around you from getting sick, you still need to take care of yourself.

Self-care during isolation includes not just treating flu-like symptoms and keeping your sores clean and dry. It also involves ensuring your mental well-being doesn’t suffer. Zoom with friends and family, read a book, watch movies, and get some fresh air. Isolation doesn’t mean you cannot partake in everyday activities or enjoy nature. You just need to be aware of those around you and take measures to protect them.

Monkeypox prevention remains key

Keeping in mind that MPX has no cure, it is nevertheless essential to recognize the symptoms and stop the spread. Treat symptoms similar to the flu the same way you would any viral illness. If you develop symptoms of MPX, contact your individual public health departments, physicians, or related personnel to determine isolation requirements and recommendations in your area. Each local jurisdiction, school district, and state likely has different requirements, so check what is both required and right for you. Isolation may be necessary, but for most, MPX resolves over time; you just need to have patience.

Key takeaways

Those with monkeypox should self-isolate, protecting others.

Frequent laundering of clothes, disinfecting, and cleaning common surfaces minimizes household monkeypox contamination.

Monkeypox isolation requirements vary depending on your location. Keep others safe by isolating.

Though rare, pets are susceptible to monkeypox.

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Travelers at the Amtrak train station in Harrisburg will be able to get a free COVID-19 prevention kit that includes at-home tests, face masks and disinfecting wipes.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said the kits will be distributed from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. to travelers in an effort to “promote safe, healthy travel.”

Pa. Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson is expected to be there at 2 p.m.

The kits include three at-home antigen test kits, fact sheets, hand sanitizer, disposable face masks and disinfecting wipes, according to the Department of Health.

In a news release, Johnson said, “COVID-19 is with us – but we have tools to keep ourselves safe. This effort is one way to remind Pennsylvanians of healthy, preventative habits while also helping to ensure they have access to these tools while traveling.

People should feel comfortable traveling for work or leisure as they explore the commonwealth.”

The Department of Health said the kits were paid for with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant money.

The Amtrak station is at Fourth and Chestnut streets in Harrisburg.

The kits also will be distributed from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Lancaster Amtrak Station.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a series of recommendations for people with monkeypox or monkeypox who are recovering at home.

The virus, with a low infectious and mortality rate, has been identified in 938 people in Colombia, of whom only four are women, as of 5 September.

As confirmed by the WHO in a recent report, the peak of cases in the country was recorded in the last seven days, which has made it the 10th highest worldwide after the United States, Spain, Brazil, France, Germany, United Colombia was ranked among the affected countries. Kingdom, Peru, Canada and the Netherlands.

The most common symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, lack of energy and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms are followed or accompanied by a rash that can last for two to three weeks. The rash may be located on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, neck, groin, and genital or anal areas of the body. Reading: Monkeypox in Cartagena: is the city ready?

The number of lesions can range from a few to several. The sores are flat at first, then fill with fluid, then crust over, dry out, and a new layer of skin forms underneath.

The sores are flat at first, then fill with fluid, then crust over, dry out, and a new layer of skin forms underneath.

recommendations

With regard to handling skin wounds, if the person is isolated at home, WHO recommends not scratching wounds, washing hands before and after touching, covering wounds and keeping them dry.

Similarly, it recommends washing wounds with soap and water, rinsing wounds in the mouth with salt water, bathing in warm water with sodium bicarbonate or magnesium sulfate, and taking paracetamol for pain, if necessary.

Indications to seek medical advice immediately:

-If the skin lesions are very painful or you notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).

– Fever, nausea or vomiting in excess.

If you can’t eat or drink.

-If you have trouble breathing or feel dizzy or confused.

How to protect occupants in case of isolated monkeypox patients?

Remember that there is a risk of transmitting the disease until all the crust of the wound has fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed beneath it.

-Isolate yourself in a separate room, use your toilet room or disinfect it after each use.

– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or disinfect them with alcohol gel.

– Wash and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.

When cleaning, avoid sweeping or vacuuming to prevent the virus from spreading through the air. -Use your own dishes, glasses, bedding, towels and electronic devices such as phones.

– Wash your own clothes. Put them all in a plastic bag before putting them in the washing machine. Use detergent and hot water

Keep the windows open for as long as possible.

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It’s a travel scenario we’re all familiar with: You make it through the airport, board your plane, settle into your seat, and…suddenly realize you left something at home. It may something replaceable like a phone charger or toothbrush, but it’s still incredibly annoying to be stuck in the air without those essentials.

While you can easily make a packing list (and check it twice), there are still some basic items that travelers usually forget to throw in their carry-on bags. But what are the things people almost always forget to pack? To get some answers, we reached out to a few flight attendants with 26 years of combined experience. After so much time in the sky, they have heard every complaint and dealt with every request, and they were gracious enough to share their knowledge with us.

Read on for their carry-on packing tips, and be sure to revisit this list before your next flight.

Water bottles

“Water bottles are the most useful item that passengers forget or don’t think to bring,” says Sarah McWilliams-Guerra, who was a Delta Air Lines flight attendant for seven years before launching her own travel website, Airplane Mode. “By bringing an empty water bottle through security, passengers can fill up their bottle in the airport and not rely on anyone else if they’re thirsty or need water.”

McWilliams-Guerra says that while flight attendants can usually accommodate requests for water, many budget airlines don’t include free drinks. To avoid paying a hefty fee or having to wait to quench your thirst, bring your own travel-friendly water bottle—you can even find collapsible bottles that hardly take up any space in your bag.

Shop Reusable Water Bottles

Shop Reusable Water Bottles

Blankets & pillows

Ask any flight attendant and they’ll tell you: It’s impossible to please everyone on the plane. “One passenger will be hot and the other cold,” says Steven Daniel, who has worked on SkyWest Airlines for the past two years. “It’s important to bring your own blankets and pillows for your comfort.”

You obviously don’t want to fill up your carry-on with bulky bedding, so make sure to look for compact, travel-sized blankets and pillows. Many popular travel blankets fold down to a fraction of their full size, while the best pillows are lightweight while still providing ample neck support.

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Disinfecting wipes

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that you can never be too cautious when it comes to germs—especially on airplane armrests and tray tables. “Due to COVID, many passengers come on the plane asking for Clorox wipes,” says Emily Kuhn, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant with more than eight years of experience. “Most airlines provide small hand wipes, but never enough for an entire flight.”

She suggests packing a small amount of disinfecting wipes in a Ziplock bag or buying a few individually wrapped wipes for your flight. Just be sure to use products with at least 70% alcohol to truly get rid of germs, per the CDC’s advice.

Umbrellas

“As a flight attendant, I never know what city/state I may visit the next day as my schedule is quick to change,” says Daniel. “I always try to prepare by bringing items for all types of weather.” He often hears passengers complain that they forgot their umbrellas or rain jackets when they land in a rainy location—it’s best to look up your destination’s weather forecast before your flight and pack accordingly.

A travel-sized umbrella doesn’t take up much space in your luggage, and you’ll be glad you brought one when you have to wait for a taxi in the rain. Sure, you can buy an umbrella at the airport, but you better believe those prices are going to be super jacked up.

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Wired headphones

“Passengers also don’t think to bring headphones with a plug,” says McWilliams-Guerra. “With the rise of wireless headphones and Air Pods, passengers don’t have headphones that plug into the [screen] when there is entertainment on board.” Note that this also applies to wired headphones that don’t have 3.5 mm audio plugs, like Apple devices with Lightning connectors—even those will need a Lightning to headphone jack adapter to work with airline screens, which is one more tiny gadget to pack.

While many airlines sell headphones for a small fee or let passengers stream movies from an app on their phone (meaning you can use your usual headphones), it’s best to play it safe and bring your own pair. You can invest in a reliable brand like Bose or Apple, but honestly, a basic, inexpensive set of wired headphones will serve you just fine on a flight.

Bluetooth adapters

Of course, you may be a staunch wireless headphones loyalist—and that’s fine! If you don’t want to part with your Bluetooth headphones for even a few hours, you can buy an adapter to pair your headphones with the in-flight entertainment system. Madison Vogelsang has been a flight attendant for Planet 9 for nine years, and she personally recommends the 1Mii Bluetooth 5.2 Transmitter Receiver. “It’s my favorite and is compatible with various devices such as Bose and Apple,” she says.

You simply plug the adapter into your seat’s aux jack (where wired headphones would normally plug in), sync your device, and watch movies to your heart’s content.

Portable chargers

While we’re on the topic of electronics, make sure you don’t get stuck 35,000 feet in the air with a bunch of devices and no way to charge them. Flight attendants list phone chargers as one of the most frequently forgotten items amongst passengers, but you really should make sure all your gadgets are covered.

“I recommend packing at least one charger per each device you bring onboard,” says Vogelsang, “along with a portable charger in case the USB slot at your seat is damaged.” Many portable power banks can recharge your device three or four times and are no bigger than an average smartphone—so there’s really no excuse not to bring one along.

Passport & IDs

While packing your passport and driver’s license may seem like a given, Daniel says many passengers often lose these items on the plane or between connections. To avoid this travel nightmare, keep your important documents safe and secure with a travel wallet or passport holder. Most have room for all your IDs, plus other necessities like cash and vaccination cards.

Pens

Finally, nearly every flight attendant we spoke to said that the item people most often forget is…a pen. Yep, that simple. “You rarely would add a pen to your packing list, but you’ll need one for paperwork for international destinations, or just to do a crossword puzzle in a magazine,” says Kuhn.

On a personal note, I can vouch that forgetting to pack a pen is a huge pain (especially as a writer who loves in-flight crossword puzzles). While I always try to throw a couple in my carry-on before each trip, I find it’s much better to keep a little zip-up pencil pouch in my luggage with at least a few writing utensils—while I lose pens all the time, I never lose the cases.

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