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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (April 19, 2007)
Page 22 The INDEPENDENT, April 19, 2007 Prepare for mosquitos and the expected arrival of West Nile Virus From page 8 mosquito can then transmit the infection to humans and ani- mals by biting them. You can- not get the virus from another person or animal. Most people who become in- fected with the West Nile Virus do not become ill. About 20 per- cent develop West Nile fever, which features fever, headache, body aches, and oc- casionally a rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms begin 3-14 days after the bite of an infect- ed mosquito and, in cases of mild disease, last a few days. People with questions about WNV symptoms should call their health care provider. Only about one out of 150 of those who become infected de- velops a severe infection known as West Nile encephali- tis or meningitis. Symptoms of a severe infection can include headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, al- though some brain and nerve damage may be permanent. There is no effective treatment for WNV infection other than supportive medical care. There are no vaccinations for humans, but vaccinations are available for horses. Horse owners should contact their vet- erinarians for more information. Prevention There are two basic preven- tion strategies: reducing the mosquito population and avoid- ing mosquito bites. The best way to reduce the mosquito population is to drain sources of standing water beginning in early April. This will prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs and breeding. At least once or twice per week, empty water from flower- Help children learn from playing From page 10 sounds or playing lions and tigers. • Provide things to play with. Materials and objects found around the home, things you make, or store-bought toys can encourage play. Toys should help children pursue new inter- ests and practice new skills. • Add playfulness to every- day events. Games can help both parents and children relax and enjoy everyday routines more. “Flying your helicopter upstairs to bed” is much more fun than walking. Playing “peek-a-boo” has stopped many a baby from fussing while being dressed. • Provide playmates. Invite children from the neighborhood to your home. Set up a play group. Or, take your children to parks and playgrounds where there are other children. Such activities can help develop the skills they need to get along with other people. Be available to help when your children get together with others to play. Source: Denise Rennekamp, Extension associate, Oregon State University. VERNONIA INN Enjoy a quiet weekend with us. FULL SIZE, IN ROOM HOT TUBS Queen Beds • Private Bath • Separate Entrance Cable TV • Phones • Handicapped Access • Commercial Rates FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-800-354-9494 / 503-429-4006 Gift Certificates Available 900 MADISON AVE., VERNONIA, OR 97064 Just one block off scenic Nehalem River Hwy. (Oregon 47) pots, pet food and water dish- es, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans. Check for clogged rain gut- ters and clean them out. Remove discarded tires, and items such as cans, bottles and other containers that could col- lect water. Be sure to check for contain- ers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home. Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks and eliminate puddles that remain for several days. Cover boats or store upside down or in a dry place. Where feasible, fill all holes in the trees on your property. When swimming season is over, empty and store wading pools in a dry place. Cover large pools and check frequent- ly to ensure against mosquito breeding. Ordinary concentra- tions of pool chemicals will not kill mosquito larvae. Keep pool water circulating and run filters April through October. Gambusia affinis (mosquito larvae eating fish) can be placed in closed system ponds. In Oregon, call your local coun- ty vector control for more infor- mation. This is a free service, but supplies are limited. Personal protection (avoiding mosquito bites) Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk and in early evening, which are peak mos- quito biting times. When possible, wear long- sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors. Place mosquito netting over infant carriers. Install or repair window and door screens. Apply insect repellent con- taining DEET (N, N-diethyl- meta-toluamide) when you’re outdoors. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s direc- tions for use as printed on the product. Alternatively, spray clothing with DEET since mos- quitoes may bite through thin clothing. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid ap- plying repellent to the hands of children. Read the manufactur- er’s instructions thoroughly when applying to children. Other insect repellents in- clude: •Picaridin (KBR 3023) and •Oil of lemon eucalyptus [ac- tive ingredient: p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)], a plant-based repellent, is also registered with the EPA. In two recent scientif- Vernonia Justice Court From page 21 electronic monitoring, 3 yr ODL suspension, VIP, $1830 FF&A. Edward Allen Peters, 71, Ver- nonia, pleaded guilty to Criminal Trespass II; 180 days jail-sus- pended, 1 yr probation, no alcohol, alco-hol/mental eval, no contact with Vernonia Hardware or victim, $395 FF&A. April 10, 2007 Traffic............................ 7 Fish & game................. 2 W illiams M etal F ab Custom Fabrication & Welding All Metals Including Stainless Steel & Aluminum Portable W ELDING A VAILABLE 5 0 3 - 4 2 9 - 84 3 1 17819 Noakes Rd., Vernonia, Oregon ic publications, when oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the United States, it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET. This information is pro- vided by the Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention. Detecting Virus West Nile Dead Corvid birds, such as crows, jays or magpies in an area may indicate that WNV is circulating between the birds and the mosquitoes in that area. The public can play an important role in helping to monitor for WNV. To report a dead Corvid, call your local county public health office or vector control. For more information: Columbia County Public Health: 503-307-4651, or Washington County Environ- mental Health: 503-846-8722, www.co.washington.or.us/dept mts/hhs/env_hlth/vector/msqt_i dx.htm or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/wes tnile/index.htm WEATHER REPORT MARCH 2007 DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TEMPERATURE HI LO 42 42 52 61 64 66 53 48 50 54 64 56 49 49 56 71 62 66 56 46 52 55 55 58 56 51 48 55 67 62 53 34 33 37 36 31 43 39 40 44 51 51 36 33 29 33 33 38 41 39 29 26 42 42 45 32 30 34 28 35 35 30 PRECIP. AMT. .12 .20 .03 T -- .19 .28 .06 .09 .17 .12 T .08 T .01 -- .01 -- .28 .17 -- .01 .03 .68 -- .12 T -- -- .01 T Temperature and precipitation amounts are from the official U.S. weather station at the Vernonia wa- ter plant. Measurable precipitation in March totalled 2.66 inches.
