Eight dengue deaths in Haryana Sep 14, 2008
"Gurgaon being a satellite town of Delhi, another team from National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme also paid a visit," she said. Four cases of chikungunya have also been reported from different places in Haryana in the monsoon season. (Daily News & Analysis)
LA County sees an upward trend in West Nile infections Sep 13, 2008
One factor may be that the bird population is just now recovering after so many deaths in 2004, increasing the reservoir for the virus, said Kenn Fujioka, assistant manager of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control, one of five such jurisdictions Los Angeles County ... Statewide, vector control districts are funded though property taxes or assessments, which already are dropping along with housing prices ... "We're near the end of this mosquito control season," said David Brown,... (Los Angeles Times)
Newswatch, Police/Fire Sep 12, 2008
Hives found with mites are destroyed by the state Department of Health Vector Control Branch. Additional assistance is being given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state officials said. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Skunks Becoming Nuisance At Health Dept. Immunization Clinic Sep 12, 2008
As far as the water, Vector Control has treated the water against West Nile. We've had quite a bit of rain in Dona Ana County the last couple of months, said Minnick. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Chikungunya fear grips Capital Sep 11, 2008
It is characterised by high fever lasting between seven and 10 days, painful joints, headache, vomiting, fatigue and nausea and is spread by the same vector as dengue Aedes aegypti ... The warning was also sounded by director-general of health services Dr R K Srivastava when he reviewed the state of vector borne diseases in Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh on September 2 ... A health ministry official said,... (Times of India)
'Dodgy dossier' partly to blame for failure of war against malaria in the tropics Sep 11, 2008
Dr. Colin Sutherland, a Senior Lecturer at the London School of Hygiene cal Medicine, who is contributing to a session entitled 'How science addresses developing world issues' at the BA Festival of Science in Liverpool today, explains: 'Previous efforts to eradicate malaria, if considered on a nation-by-nation basis, only succeeded in countries where the Plasmodium parasite was weak and its mosquito vector was vulnerable, particularly where populations were wealthy enough to afford the best... (EurekAlert!)
Growing Teen Abuse of Snurf Pills Sep 10, 2008
But other products listing the same ingredients -- such as Snuffadelic and Red Dawn Vector Euphoria Enhancer -- are readily available. The "herbal" moniker may make teens think the drugs are safe or even healthful, warns Windle, leader of a landmark, 20-year study of the long-term effects of. (WebMD)
Tripos to buy Pharsight for $57M Sep 10, 2008
St. Louis-based Tripos, a provider of drug discovery informatics products and services, is wholly owned by San Francisco-based private equity firm Vector Capital. Pharsight develops and markets integrated products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop therapeutic products. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Snap, Crackle and Pop foster the spirit of giving Sep 9, 2008
" "Every day, in many simple ways, parents have the ability to develop a nurturing culture of giving in the home, one that can be a lifelong gift to your children. Holding a bake sale for charity with your children is a good and easy way to foster giving," says Harvey McKinnon and Azim Jamal, authors, The Power of Giving. "The best gift we can give our children is to teach them to give". Ingredients: Passion -------------------- Kellogg's is encouraging parents and children to look to... (Canada Newswire)
Altria Branches Out With UST Sep 9, 2008
Shah said tobacco leaf producer Universal and Vector Group could also be potential targets. Altria's buying price marks only a 2. (Forbes -- Markets)
Altria Aims to Be No. 1 in Smokeless With UST Deal Sep 9, 2008
Shah said tobacco leaf producer Universal Corp. and Vector Group Ltd. could also be potential targets. Altria owns the Marlboro brand and the nation's biggest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA. It has been test marketing Marlboro brand smokeless products, but analysts say the results have been disappointing so far. (ABC News -- Wire)
West Nile Virus spreads throughout California Sep 9, 2008
Terri Williams, public health program manager for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Vector Control Program, said four birds died during the past two months ... Williams said citizens need to be vigilant and help Vector Control keep West Nile out of Big Bear. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Safety study indicates gene therapy for blindness improves vision Sep 9, 2008
"Theoretically, the idea was that it might be necessary to suppress the immune system because we are using a vector that might activate the body's defenses and cause a harmful response. However, immune suppression itself carries a risk of infections and other problems. Clearly we have shown there is no need to do that in this case." ... D., a professor of molecular genetics and microbiology and director of UF's Powell Gene Therapy Center, which manufactured the viral vectors used in the study. (EurekAlert!)
Pranab to inaugurate WHO meeting Sep 8, 2008
The meeting is likely to take up issues like revitalizing primary health care, tobacco control, reduction of maternal and neo-natal mortalities responding to emerging and re-emerging vector borne diseases, public health approach to combating HIV AIDS and issues pertaining to environment and health. To read business stories in. (India Times)
Santa Clara To Search For West Nile Breeding Grounds Sep 6, 2008
-- The Vector Control District said Friday it would conduct an aerial search for mosquito breeding sources that could potentially carry West Nile virus on Monday. A plane equipped with digital photography capability will survey 105 square miles looking for neglected pools and other sources that could harbor developing mosquitoes and potentially carry the West Nile virus, according to the district. (NBC 11, CA)
Open Text of Canada to buy Captaris for $131 million Sep 5, 2008
Bellevue-based Captaris (NASDAQ: CAPA) had recently turned down a slightly smaller offer from private equity firm Vector Capital, which had offered $125 million in March for the software company. Open Text (NASDAQ: OTEX) is based in Waterloo, Ontario, and employs about 2,900 people. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
With 3-yr high, dengue situation alarming Sep 5, 2008
As per the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), it was decided last year that a dengue patient belonging to a particular state, but diagnosed in some other state, would be recorded as a case in the state of origin. "One has to take action at the place from where the person has got infected and not at a place where he is being treated. So records should be maintained by the monitoring bodies of the state he belongs to," said Dr GPS Dhillon, director, NVBDCP.. (Times of India)
New Hope For Treating Common Form Of Inherited Neuromuscular Disease Sep 4, 2008
19, 2008) For some inherited diseases, one barrier to successful gene therapy is that a commonly used vector (package into which the curative gene is placed) cannot accommodate the large size of the curative. (Apr. (Science Daily)
Remote Satellite Imaging Predicts Outbreaks Of Infectious Disease Sep 4, 2008
"As the climate shifts, any disease with an environmental stage or vector is going to be affected." Colwell will call for an integrated approach of global scientific paradigms to track and tackle infectious disease: "We must protect this blue planet" she said "it's the only one we've got". On 8 September 2008, Professor Colwell, will deliver the inaugural Environmental Microbiology lecture "Climate, Oceans, Global Warming and Cholera". (Science Daily)
West Nile Virus found in area birds Sep 3, 2008
Mosquitoes are a more direct vector for humans, he said. Birds don t infect humans. (Concord Journal, MA)
Previous claims of siRNA therapeutic effects called into question by report in human gene therapy Sep 3, 2008
Related topics include improvements in vector development, delivery systems, and animal models, particularly in the areas of cancer, heart disease, viral disease, genetic disease, and neurological disease, as well as ethical, legal, and regulatory issues related to the gene transfer in humans. Tables of contents and a free sample issue may be viewed online at. (EurekAlert!)
A danger to health Sep 1, 2008
This makes the unvaccinated child a vector of disease, like the mosquito as it unwittingly transmits the West Nile virus. While most phobias are harmless to others, the refusal of the anti-vaccination movement to acknowledge the decades of evidence that attests to the effectiveness and safety of vaccinations represents a danger to the health of everyone. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Birds test positive for virus Aug 30, 2008
Vector Control officials urge caution, emphasize preventive measures for Newport-Mesa residents to avoid West Nile Virus ... Orange County Vector Control District officials continued to emphasize preventive measures to Newport-Mesa residents and people countywide Friday as they battle a marked increase in positive tests for the potentially fatal disease in birds ... More than 500 birds this year have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, which is transferred by mosquitoes, said Michael... (Daily Pilot)
Trapping Mosquitoes, Without Smelly Chemicals Aug 30, 2008
By monitoring gravid traps containing West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes, mosquito and vector control districts and health officials can determine when it is time to spray. Leal said that another advantage of the gravid traps is that with the capture of one female mosquito, that eliminates not only her, but hundreds of her would-be offspring. (Science Daily)
Bug bites can bring more than itch Aug 30, 2008
Pankau is also on the board for the Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara and said that the since the Valley is in a special district, voters would have to approve analyzing or testing for the virus here. We would like to t would take someone having a flock of chickens near a water source, and then testing their blood to see if any of them come down with the virus, however this process has to be voter approved, Pankau said. (Santa Maria Times)
Valley told to guard against West Nile Aug 30, 2008
San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District 982-4675 or 800-300-4675 To report dead birds or squirrels. Toll-free state hot line 877-968-2473 or visit. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Ways to work together Aug 30, 2008
This week, Craig Levy, program manager of the vector borne disease program for Arizona Department of Health Services, told reporter Dana Cole that we are just starting to enter the peak of the West Nile season. With that warning, we should raise our awareness, for not only can the mosquitoes that carry West Nile be nagging pests, but they also can carry sickness more than 10,400 people who suffered from West Nile virus between 1999 to 2007 had what was considered a serious illness, affecting the... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Mosquito population boom means more spraying looms Aug 27, 2008
On Friday, a large area of south San Joaquin County, including most of Manteca and all of Ripon, will be sprayed by plane, according to the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District. Continuing warm weather has created ideal conditions for the spread of the virus in bird and mosquito populations, and the virus has been detected in numerous urban, suburban and rural areas. (Stockton Record)
Dog that attacked workers to be euthanized Aug 27, 2008
Owner Cathy Bolling surrendered the dog, named Big Boy, that has been quarantined at the Coulee Region Humane Society since the attacks, said County Health Department Vector Control Manager Dave Geske. Coulee Region Humane Society officer Dan Olson, left, impounds a pitbull that attacked two men in the alley of the 800 block of South Seventh Street. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Mystery fever claims more lives in Kanpur Aug 27, 2008
While senior officials miserably failed to confirm the toll as teams of state health department and experts of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, who were rushed to Kanpur by the Centre to collect samples, too failed to shed light on the disease. The deadly virus has, so far, claimed 210 lives across 350 villages of Akbarpur, Rasoolabad, Bhognipur and Sikandara tehsils of Kanpur Dehat, leaving villagers panicky. (Times of India)
Dengue rise fuels alarm in Delhi, NCR Aug 26, 2008
Worried at the situation, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) has decided to take proactive steps to deal with the disease. There is an alarming rise in the number of dengue cases, especially in Gurgaon, this year. (India Times, India)
Mosquito Fogging To Begin In Antioch, Brentwood Aug 26, 2008
-- A high number of mosquitoes and the detection of West Nile virus have prompted the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District to conduct mosquito fogging in and. The fogging by truck will take place Tuesday from dusk to about midnight, weather permitting, according to vector control. (NBC 11, CA)
Local bird tests positive for West Nile Aug 26, 2008
The Vector Control Program of the Environmental Health Department offers mosquito control services ... The Vector Control Program can be reached at 754-6383 or at for assistance with reducing mosquito breeding areas. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
West Nile virus reaching peak of season now Aug 26, 2008
We re actually getting into the high risk season right now, said Craig Levy, program manager of the vector borne disease program for Arizona Department of Health Services. West Nile virus is a disease people should take seriously. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Virus That Infects Mosquitoes Could Lead to Weapon Against Disease Aug 26, 2008
Their study, published last week in PLoS Pathogens, describes the first densovirus found in anopheles gambiae, Africa s chief malaria vector. The species is an aggressive biter that prefers humans and will hide in huts. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Number of dengue cases rises sharply in Indian capital Aug 26, 2008
Worried by the situation, India's National Vector Borne Disease Control Program has decided to take preventive steps to deal with the disease. "There is an alarming rise in the number of dengue cases this year. Due to an early monsoon, the weather is conducive for mosquito breeding," said Dr. GPS Dhillion, director of NVBDCP.. (Xinhuanet, China)
India reports severe communicable diseases Aug 26, 2008
"We have revamped our Vector Borne Diseases Control Program and are focusing on endemic districts. The budgetary allocation for dealing with these diseases has also been enhanced," Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said. The government was running campaigns to improve awareness among the people of such diseases, particularly in rural areas. (Xinhuanet, China)
Very little 'green' for Highlands farmers Aug 24, 2008
homeless cats are not a primary or natural vector of rabies, but raccoons and possums are (yet none of the letter writers suggest rounding them up and killing them, thank goodness. homeless cats are not the leading cause of bird deaths -- humans are (via our cell-phone towers, auto windshields, pesticides, habitat destruction; and. (NJ.com -- Times)
Bionic Commando Rearmed FAQ : EastX's home-brew walkthrough to secrets and more.... Aug 23, 2008
Area 7 ------ Soundtrack: Items required: Vector Cannon, Permit, Blue Comms Chip Items in area: Joe's Machine Gun Upgrade Items awarded: N/A Secrets: 3 Enemies: Boss: Area 8 ------ Soundtrack: Power Plant Items required: Permit, Blue Comms Chip Items in area: Items awarded: Shinguards Secrets: 2 Enemies: Boss: Area 9 ------ Soundtrack: Items required: Permit, Blue Comms Chip Items in area: Items awarded: Vector Cannon Secrets: 1 Enemies: Boss: Area 10 ------- Soundtrack: Items required: N/A... (IGN PC Games)
Officials: West Nile virus infects 78 in California so far this year Aug 21, 2008
The test results serve as an indicator of how hard the virus is hitting the state, said Susanne Kluh, scientific and technical services director for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. She warned that the height of West Nile virus season in California is near, saying that "the most activity we see is in August and September.". (Xinhua)
Study Identifies Protein That Produces 'Good' Fat: Finding May Lead To Ways To Treat, Prevent Obesity Aug 21, 2008
According to the paper, delivery of BMP-7 into mice using adenovirus as a vector resulted in an increase in the development of brown fat tissue. In one of the experiments, the mice that developed brown fat tissue gained less weight than those that did not. (Science Daily)
Water from vegetable steamer OK for plants Aug 21, 2008
I encouraged readers to contact local Vector Control Officers or Agricultural Commissioners for help with inspections and public education. Pam Peirce is the author of "Golden Gate Gardening" and "Wildly Successful Plants: Northern California." She teaches gardening at City College of San Francisco. (San Francisco Chronicle)
DEET's Not Sweet To Mosquitoes, Groundbreaking Research Shows Aug 20, 2008
Worldwide, more than 200 million people use DEET to ward off vectorborne diseases ... Major Dhillon, president of the American Mosquito Control Association and district manager of the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District, Riverside, praised the UC Davis work as "a breakthrough.". (Science Daily)
Plaza pond unlikely host for West Nile Aug 19, 2008
But while additional research is planned, Nizza Sequeira with the Marin/Sonoma Vector Control District said West Nile virus is unlikely to be a problem in the Plaza pond ... The vector control district tests the pond water two to three times a month looking for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus, but has never found any inside the Plaza, likely because the fish and ducks eat much of the mosquito larvae ... There have only been two confirmed cases in Sonoma County, which include a dead bird... (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Dog impounded after attacks Aug 19, 2008
La Crosse County Health Department Vector Control Manager Dave Geske ordered the dog quarantined at the Coulee Region Humane Society for at least 10 days. It did have a current license and rabies vaccination. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Canadians dump foreign stocks and bonds Aug 19, 2008
A subsidiary of San Francisco-based Vector Capital Corp. has withdrawn the $11-per-share cash offer to acquire the 31 per cent of Corel Corp. it does not already own. China and India will continue to buy minerals, buoying global markets despite recent signs to the contrary, says mining giant BHP Billiton. (CBC.ca)
* Two dengue fever cases in Shilin prompt spraying Aug 18, 2008
Meanwhile, the Taipei County government also ordered that insecticide be sprayed in the Sanchung City (T) boroughs of Jenyi (q), Jenchung (), Wufu () and Fukuei (IQ), which are adjacent to Shilin district, even though the Breteau index of dengue vector mosquito density was zero. The Breteau index, defined as the number of positive water containers for mosquito larvae, is a relatively reliable indicator of transmission. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
District to spray for mosquitoes in Visalia Aug 16, 2008
The Delta Vector Control District announced the spraying after two samples of mosquitoes trapped earlier in the week tested positive for the virus. A fogger truck was expected to spray an area north of Caldwell Avenue, both east and west of Shirk Street, applying an insecticide called Pyrenon 25-5 at a rate of two-thirds of an ounce per acre. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Two more infected by West Nile virus Aug 16, 2008
In response, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District has blanketed parts of the county with pesticides by spraying from the air and ground to kill populations of adult mosquitoes, which spread the virus. From late summer until the first frost is the time when instances of human cases increase, county Public Health Officer Karen Furst said. (Stockton Record)
Three people test positive for West Nile locally Aug 16, 2008
The local, voter-approved county vector control district is not yet fully operational and does not have the resources to trap mosquitoes, as some areas do. The district board does plan to begin some mosquito abatement as funds become available. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
India continues to progress in AIDS vaccine development efforts Aug 16, 2008
The vaccine candidate, TBC-M4, is based on a vector built from recombinant Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA). It was designed by a biotech firm in the U.S. in collaboration with Dr. Sekhar Chakrabarty from the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED). (EurekAlert!)
Midge-hunting Scientists Tackle Spread Of Devastating Bluetongue Virus Aug 15, 2008
Our farmers have worked hard to contain this virus in the infected areas of the south east and East Anglia through vaccination and vigilance but we know that we couldn't have achieved this without the effort and knowledge of the scientists at IAH. Bluetongue shares its transmission vector - the midge - with other exotic, but equally serious, diseases such as African Horse Sickness so any knowledge and understanding of the midges' behaviour and breeding patterns are welcome. We wish the experts... (Science Daily)
Wife Warns Of West Nile Virus After Husband, 83, Infected Aug 15, 2008
A spokeswoman for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District told the newspaper, "We're prohibited from going door to door when there is an infected case. We can't do that. In place of that, we do widespread notifications activity.". Francis Arredondo said she wants her neighbors to be aware of the virus. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Species that carries West Nile and La Crosse encephalitis found in area Aug 15, 2008
It has awakened us because it s new mosquito and another disease vector that has been brought to a highly endemic area for La Crosse encephalitis and carries four kinds of encephalitis, he said ... He said fewer of these mosquitoes die than Aedes triseriatus, the original vector for La Crosse encephalitis, which causes a disease of the nervous system. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
City Council approves re-zoning for AMMC Retirement Village Aug 13, 2008
Tom Royal from Vector Disease Control reported that the corporation is surveying 11,000 mosquitoes per trap and sprayed with 26 trucks 23 nights. They have covered 1,034 miles equivalent to 37,598 acres. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
West Nile-infected bird cases still rising Aug 13, 2008
During the past week, 35 dead birds were added to the list of animals with the disease, county vector control officials said ... For more information or to report breeding sites, call county vector control at (888) 551-4636. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Regional Roundup Aug 12, 2008
The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District will continue ground spraying today. Spraying is planned for 8 p.m. to midnight in the White Slough area west of Interstate 5 to Rio Blanco Road and south of Highway 12 to Eight Mile Road. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Why Gene Therapy Caused Leukemia In Some 'Boy In The Bubble Syndrome' Patients Aug 11, 2008
During gene therapy, the correct form of the IL2RG gene and the vector that carried this into the cells integrated into part of the genome that contained a gene known as LMO2 and activated this gene ... In one patient, the gene and vector integrated into the part of the genome that contained LMO2 and activated the gene, and in the other patient, the gene and vector integrated into part of the genome that contained a gene known as CCND2 and activated this gene. (Science Daily)
Phase I prime-boost HIV vaccine trial planned Aug 11, 2008
The ADVAX is a DNA-based vaccine that contains a few HIV genes, while MVA is a vector that contains six HIV genes. Naked DNA requires no vector. (Hindu)
ESCONDIDO: Residents bugged Aug 7, 2008
The county does have a vector control program for mosquitoes, and, coincidentally, sprayed insecticides from a helicopter over Kit Carson Park just this week as a way of preventing the spread of the West Nile virus ... Following concerns that farmworkers' productivity was dropping because of the annoying pests, authorities in the agriculture area outside of Palm Springs formed the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District in 1928 to investigate ways to deal with the pest ... Source:... (North County Times)
Local residents worried about mosquitoes Aug 7, 2008
Ipswich Health Agent Colleen Furman said the town has best management practices and vector control plans in place and that monitoring, testing and spraying are ongoing. Walther Montgomery, superintendent of the Northeast Mosquito Control District, said "What people are experiencing now is rain-induced." The heavy rains this summer have created many pools of water, over and above the town's ponds, streams, rivers and other water bodies. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
West Nile cases on rise in Southern California Aug 6, 2008
Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times Gerhard Goedhart, district manager of the Orange County Vector Control District, holds a jar of mosquitoes and larvae at a news conference Tuesday in Garden Grove ... Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times Gerhard Goedhart, district manager of the Orange County Vector Control District, holds a jar of mosquitoes and larvae at a news conference Tuesday in Garden Grove ... "The public in Southern California is threatened by this situation and must take this threat seriously,"... (Los Angeles Times)
Fourth Ground Squirrel Tests Positive For Plague Aug 6, 2008
SAN DIEGO -- County Vector Control officials announced Monday that blood samples collected from another ground squirrel at the Doane Valley Campground on Palomar Mountain have tested positive for plague ... Do not touch sick or dead animals; please report them to Vector Control ... For more information about plague surveillance, call the Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or visit the Web site. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
Obituaries for Wednesday, August 6, 2008 Aug 6, 2008
Born Nov. 2, 1957, he was employed with the Department of Health, Vector Control Department for 22 years. He was preceded in death by mother Olivia Daligdig Lalin. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Severe warning issued against West Nile virus in California Aug 6, 2008
Robert Cummings, director of scientific services for Orange County Vector Control, said officials were gearing up to launch a public education radio campaign that will begin in mid-August, when the number of infections usually increases. "We're seeing a trend almost two times higher than we've seen in the past years, and every bit as high and in some cases higher than 2004," Cummings said. (Xinhuanet, China)
