NEWS BRIEF Bill would reduce HIV deaths, study says The proposed Early Treatment for HIV Act of2003, sponsored by Senator Gordon Smith, R-Ore, received a boost with the release of a study stating the bill would greatly reduce HIV death rates. The result of the study conducted by PriceWaterhouse Coopers state the act would cut down the death rate for people with HIV on Medicaid by 50 percent over 10 years, according to a press release from Smith's office. The bill, which was introduced in April 2003 and is still pending action in the Senate Finance Committee, would give Medicaid coverage to low-income, I HV-positive individuals before they develop AIDS. States would also benefit through greater federal funding toward treat ment for HIV. According to the study, care provided through the act would delay IIIV progression into full blown AIDS, increase HIV positive in Smith dividual s life expectancy and be high ly cost-effective. Eugene's 1UV Alliance Executive Di rector Diane Lang said the act would greatly benefit people with 111V. 'It's really a smart thing to do, both compassionately and economically," Lang said. She added clients have already been affected due to cuts in the state budget, and many are worried they will be unable to afford their treatment if the Oregon Health Plan changes. If the health plan were to change, Lang said HIV patients wouldn't be automatically eligible for treatment. They would have to prove disability as a result of their health deteriorating because of AIDS in order to qualify for medical assistance "lhat really is a death sentence for people with 11IV because without the drugs it's a fatal disease," she said. "With the daigs, it's a manageable, chronic disease." — Ayisha Yahya West Nile continued from page 1 — mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water — can produce a thousand mosquitoes in a week. Lind suggested many methods to reduce the number of mosquitoes around a residence Some include eliminating mosquito breeding grounds like unused tires, buckets, large puddles and other areas where water accumulates or stands for more than two days. Water in birdbaths and children's pools should also be refreshed often. People can take other protective measures, Lind said, such as putting screens on windows, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants during peak biting times like dusk and dawn, and wearing effective mosqui to repellent. According to the Centers for Dis ease Control and Protection, most people who are infected will at worst mild symptoms. Mild infection symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, with possibilities of a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infections may cause West Nile encephalitis, an in flammation of the brain. Severe symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma and seizures. Death, though possible, is rare. The illness usually begins five to 15 days after the mos quito bite. There is no vaccine or spe cific treatment, but supportive care can be given in a hospital. Tamara Wilhite of Lane County Public Health Services said anyone who suspects they have contracted the virus can speak to a doctor, who would administer a serum test and send it to state laboratories in Salem. Results would be processed 36-72 hours later. Results showing positive signs of West Nile virus would have to be finalized by the CDC, which could take up to two weeks. "This doesn't alter the treatment the patient receives because the pa tient would already receive support ive care the whole time," Wilhite said Pesticides have been used as a measure against mosquitoes in states such as Texas and New York, but Wilhite explained that they are not considered an effective tool against mosquitos. "It doesn't make a lot of sense to do it, because most pesticides not only kill es, but other insects that animals rely on for food," Wilhite said. Wilhite added pesticides could hurt natural predators of mosquitoes, such as fish, bats and dragonflies. She also noted that Lane County did not have the funds to use extensive amounts of pesticides. "Most mosquitoes don't travel very far from their home," Wilhite said. "The best thing to do is to cut down on standing water around your house." CAMPUS BUZZ Thursday University Outdoor Program trip initiator’s clinic, 7:30 p.m., the Barn (East 18th Avenue and University Street), free. For more information, contact Suzanne Hanlon at 346 4365. July 12: Concert featuring "The Crash Engine" from Eugene, "The Clarity Process" from Portland and “Respira" from Los Angeles, Calif., 8 p.m., Agate Hall, $3-$5. July 14-18: "The King is Coming!" (Cascade Presbyterian Church vacation Bible school for children ages three through six), 9:00 a.m., 3340 Willamette Drive, free. For more information, call 343-5538. Students, we ship your stuff home! Take advantage of our Student Discounts Furniture, computers, stereos, TVs Insured, custom packing FedEx, Ocean Freight, Motor Freight ODE CLASSIFIEDS..* (jQ worth looking into! 2705 Willamette Street (convenient parking) 344-3106 se^te,, „ .V- ■* uJPJHIS weekend i JULY II. 12. 13 MU5IG ★ HANDMADE GRAFTS ★ BELIGI0U5 FOOD ★ PARABES SPOKEN WORD ★ JUGGLERS ★ WORLD GbASS VAUDEVILLE KIBS AGTIVITIES ★ GIREUS ★ ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ANB SUSTAINABLE TEE-NNObQGY EBUEATIQNAb DISPLAYS MAGIG AT EVERY TURN!!! Friday $12 ★ Saturday $15 * Sunday $12 Kids under 10 FREE ★ Senior Discount ★ Plus $1 TicketWest Charge ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY * ABSOLUTELY NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ON-SITE PARKING S3 PER CAR/PER DAY * TAKE THE FREE LTD SHUTTLE FROM 2 LOCATIONS M EUGENE TicketsWest 1-800-992-8499 ★ www.ticketswest.coin Eugene Area Outlets: EMU Ticket Office • Hult Center Box Office • Safeway 18tti & Willamette Safeway 40th & Donald, Safeway West 11th & Bailey HHI Springfield: Safeway Pioneer Parkway Slide Into Mr.Cleanjeans this Summer AND WIN Eugene Emerald tickets Drawings are held weekly during the season. •Early bird special $1 wash 7-11 am M-F • Close to campus • Clean • Handicap Accessible Machines ervlng the Ar6a for 26 years MR. CLEAN JEAN S COIN-OP LAUNDRY 240 E. 17th (between High & Pearl) University of Oregon Disability Services 164 Oreson Hall Coordinates services, provides advocacy and support to students with documented physical, learning, and psychological disabilities. • Academic Advising • Adaptive Technology • Books on Tape • Classroom Relocation • Note taking Services • Priority Registration • Specialized Equipment • Exam Accommodations (Services dependent upon individual documented need & eligibility requirements.) ^ Ensure yourself the most beneficial type of Education 346-1155 disabsrv@darkwing.uoregon.edu interviews by appointment