Bozho
(Hello),
The Military Health System outlined information and its recommendations when dealing with potentially harmful insects in the hotter months. According to a release from the Military Health System:
“Did you know that there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide? Most of them cause nothing more than an itch. However, three species are primarily the ones responsible for the spread of certain serious diseases. The following serious diseases are mosquito-borne:
“Malaria: In 2017, the World Health Organization reported about 219 million cases of malaria worldwide.” I know there were many Vietnam veterans who returned home with this disease.
“Yellow Fever: Tropical or subtropical areas of South America and Africa are known to be yellow fever zones. If you travel to any of these areas, be sure to get vaccinated.
“Zika: The Zika Virus is especially a risk for pregnant women. The areas that are a high risk for it are parts of South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
“West Nile Virus: The leading of mosquito-borne serious disease in the U.S. is West Nile Virus. It starts in the summer and continues through the fall.” We have already had cases reported here in Oklahoma this year.
“Reduce your chances of contracting one of these diseases by taking preventative measures for mosquito bites. Here are some ways to prevent mosquito bites:
Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at night.
Use an Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellent.
Sleep in an air-conditioned or well-screened room.”
Another serious disease carrier are ticks. The Center for Disease Control says, “Ticks can be infected with bacteria, viruses or parasites. Some of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States are Lyme disease, Babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness, Tick-borne Relapsing Fever and tularemia.” And you thought the mosquito was bad.
It also lists other tick-borne diseases in the United States such as the Colorado Tick Fever, Powassan encephalitis and Q Fever. In the U.S., Lyme disease is the most common. According to the CDC, some of the symptoms to watch for are body/muscle aches, fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, rash, stiff neck and paralysis.
The CDC recommends decreasing “the tick population by removing leaf litter, mowing or cutting back tall grass and brush, and discouraging deer activity.”
For mosquitoes, the center says you should “eliminate standing water; remove, turn over, cover or store equipment; remove debris from ditches; and fill in areas that collect water. Check yourself daily for ticks, and use repellents containing 20 to 50 percent DEET on skin and clothing. For greater protection, use insecticides such as Permethrin.”
Remember, the CPN Veterans Organization meets every month on the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there) in the North Reunion Hall on the Potawatomi Powwow Grounds. All CPN and spouse veterans and their families are welcome. A meal is provided.
Migwetch
(Thank you),
Daryl Talbot, Commander
talbotok@sbcglobal.net
405-275-1054
CPN VA Representative:
Andrew Whitham
CPN Office Hours: 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
918-397-2566