Bird flu likely ‘widespread' in Massachusetts, officials say
Massachusetts residents are being warned to avoid handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear to be sick, as preliminary positive cases of bird flu have now been reported across the state, health officials said Wednesday.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, has been present among wild birds in Massachusetts since early 2022, according to the state's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
But since the beginning of this month, HPAI is believed to have infected and killed more than 60 Canada geese, swans and other birds in Plymouth alone.
Now, with preliminary positive cases reported at multiple locations across the Bay State, health and wildlife officials are providing recommendations to help reduce the risk of infection.
According to the guidelines, people should 'strictly avoid handling wildlife,' report possible outbreaks and keep their pets always leashed or indoors to prevent exposure to infected animals.
'Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,' officials said.
Bird fIu cases have now been confirmed in both domestic and wild birds in numerous locations across North America, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Just last week, roughly 100,000 ducks were forced to be killed after an avian flu outbreak was detected at Long Island's Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue.
While humans are 'rarely infected' with bird flu viruses, officials say the risk of infection is higher for those who have direct contact with infected animals. And even though the risk is currently low, the Centers for Disease Control reports 67 confirmed human cases in the United States since 2024 — including one death in Louisiana earlier this month.
To report sightings of five or more sick or dead wild birds found at a single location, Massachusetts residents are asked to contact the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Those who observe sick chickens, turkeys, game birds, pigeons, guinea fowl or domestic ducks or geese should contact the Department of Agricultural Resources' Division of Animal Health.
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5 hours ago
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Don't touch that plant. 6 vines, bushes, shrubs to avoid this summer in Michigan
If you're heading outdoors this summer, it pays to know the difference between poison ivy, poison oak and other rash-producing plants that will leave you itching and scratching — or worse. Most Michiganders are familiar with poison ivy in its various forms, but plants such as poison sumac grow in swampy areas, and invasive giant hogweed and wild parsnip can cause more significant, long-lasting health problems, according to state's Invasive Species Program. "It can be difficult to determine whether you're looking at hogweed, hemlock or parsnip, but all of these plants have several things in common: contact may cause unpleasant, potentially deadly, reactions," the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said. Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak can cause a red, bumpy rash from its transferred oils called urushiol. Ingesting other native Michigan plants, the nightshade plant for example, can be deadly in small doses, according to Michigan State University's Extension. As residents explore the outdoors, here are six poisonous or toxic plants to identify and avoid: The plants may be identifiable by their large size — they can grow up to 14 feet tall. Hogweed is native to Asia and typically grows in open areas, but can be spotted in various habitats, according to Michigan's Invasive Species Program, a joint effort of the departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development. Hodgweed is an invasive species in Michigan, but has become established in the state, the website notes. The plants contain toxins called furanocoumarins. These are mostly found in the sap as well as throughout the plant's tissues, according to WebMD. If you come in contact with the plant's sap, it can cause an allergic reaction called photo dermatitis or photo sensitivity: Your skin becomes sensitive to sunlight and may blister when exposed to light. WebMD says you can develop symptoms in as little as 15 minutes. Severe cases can cause scarring for up to six years. Getting the sap in your eyes can cause permanent blindness. "The toxin is most problematic if it gets into your eyes. Immediately wash your eyes for 15 minutes straight if you think that they've been exposed," WebMD says. Here's how to identify: White flowers in an umbrella-shaped cluster up to 2.5 feet across. Plant is 7 to 14 feet tall. Stems are green with purple splotches and visible, coarse, white hairs. Leaves are up to 5 feet wide, lobed and deeply incised. In Michigan, there are two types of poison ivy growing throughout yards and forests: eastern poison ivy, which grows throughout the Lower Peninsula, and western poison ivy, which grows mostly in northern areas, including the Upper Peninsula, according to Michigan State University's Extension. All poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol in the leaves, stems and roots of the plant, the Mayo Clinic said. When touched, the oil creates an allergic reactions in the form of a red rash. All poison ivy (western and eastern species) has certain qualities, MSU Extension and the American Museum of Natural History say, including: The stalk of the middle leaflet is much longer than the stalks of the two side leaflets. Surface of the leaves can be glossy or dull. There are three leaflets, and the edges can be smooth or coarsely toothed. Some have a prominent "thumb-like" lobe. The leaf arrangement alternates. In the fall, leaves turn turn red with some yellow. Greenish flowers appear with five petals about 3 millimeters in diameter. Flowers appear in loose branching clusters and arise from where the branch or leaf attaches to the stem. Berries/fruits appear in loose drooping clusters and contain a single seed, and are hard and whitish. Western poison ivy grows upright and does not have aerial roots. The plants grow in patches on the ground. Eastern poison ivy grows as either a plant on the ground or as a vine on trees or buildings with aerial roots to secure itself around trees or other objects. Poison oak is a relative to poison ivy that contains the same oils and is extremely common in California. There are two types of poison oak plants, Pacific poison oak and Atlantic poison oak. Pacific poison oak grows in the western U.S. in a wide range of habitats ranging from grasslands to forests. Atlantic poison oak grows in southeastern U.S. and is usually found in open woodlands and sandy thickets. Neither type typically grows in Michigan. Poison oak's leaves resemble an oak leaf, but at times have jagged edges, according to the Santa Lucia Conservancy, based in Carmel, California. Like poison ivy, its leaves have a alternate leaf pattern. It can grow as a shrub, bush or vine. In the spring, poison oak's leaves appear shiny with reddish or green colors that can curl inward. As the plant grows, the leaves increase in size and are bright to dark green. In late spring they bloom small, star-shaped, yellow flowers in clusters on its stem. Like giant hogwood, wild parsnip is an invasive species in Michigan and has been detected in the state, according to Michigan's Invasive Species Program. The plant is a flowering herb that grows up to 5 feet tall with yellow-to-green flowers shaped like umbrellas that grow in clusters. It has toothed leaves with leaflets that grow across from each other from the smooth, green stem. The flowers bloom in June and July. When touched the plant's harmful chemicals can cause a rash and blisters, and can cause the infected area to become sensitive to sunlight. "Wild parsnip spreads aggressively through seeds carried by wind, water and equipment. Stem, leaves, and flowers contain chemicals that can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and cause severe rash or blistering. Plant chemicals are known to reduce weight gain and fertility in livestock that eat wild parsnip," according to the invasive species website. If you find wild parsnip growing in Michigan, state officials urge you to report the sighting through the Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool. A relative to poison ivy, poison sumac is a flowering shrub or woody plant that contains the same oil. However, it is considered more allergenic, causing a very inflamed, painful and itchy rash. Poison sumac has alternate compound leaves with pointed, shiny leaflets and a red stem. The woody plant grows to 15 feet tall and has bark that is a dull gray. Sumac has a red stem sprouting from a grey bark stem. In June, clusters of small, green flowers bloom, based on MSU's Department of Entomology. Poison sumac is typically found in fens and indicates wet soil, MSU said. It can be found in swampy areas throughout most of the Lower Peninsula. Poison hemlock can be extremely poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. All parts of the plant are poisonous and made up of toxic compounds called "conine, g-coniceine and related piperidine alkaloids," according to the U.S. Agricultural Research Service. This plant is also referred to as deadly hemlock, poison parsley, spotted hemlock, European hemlock, and California or Nebraska fern. It blooms in the spring (when they are particularly toxic) throughout the U.S. Here are some ways to identify the plant: White flowers that grow in small erect clusters — each flower develops into a green fruit with seeds. Grows along fence lines, in irrigation ditches, and in other moist waste places. Leaves are delicate, like parsley, and have a white taproot — the main root of the plant. Can grow to be 6.5 to almost 10 feet tall. Hollow stem usually marked with small purple spots. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@ This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Poisonous plants in Michigan: Hogweed, poison ivy, sumac, more
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Buzz Feed
Deadly Vacation Mistake You Might Be Making
Whether you're walking around Disney World, swimming in the ocean or taking a mountain trip, it's needless to say that many vacations — while tons of fun — can also be tiresome. After packing in as much as possible on your days off, exhaustion may set in as you rush back home to prepare for going back to work or school. It's important to be aware of a danger that comes with this: drowsy driving. Defined as driving while sleepy, it's more common than you think. According to a Centers for Disease Control survey, about 1 in 25 adult drivers reported falling asleep while driving within the past 30 days. According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 21% of fatal crashes involved a drowsy driver. So, while you may feel like you're in control and can keep yourself awake, remember that probably everyone in that situation also felt the same. Tiredness can affect your mind and ability to drive in a slew of ways, too, so there's no one way in which an accident will happen. According to Susan Miller, a lead researcher and certified sleep expert at being sleepy can impair your judgment and decision-making, reduce awareness of your surroundings (from cars to road conditions to traffic signals), and affect your coordination, balance and fine motor skills. 'Even a momentary lapse of attention can be dangerous while driving, so prioritizing safety is important,' she added. Jeff Kahn, a sleep expert and the CEO and co-founder of Rise Science, agreed. ' Microsleeps, in particular, are a cause for alarm, as they can last only a few seconds and occur unknowingly,' he said. 'While this might not seem like much, on a highway traveling at 65 miles per hour, those seconds can mean the difference between life and death.' Further, the dangers of driving while sleepy are often compared to the dangers of driving drunk. Kahn said 24 hours worth of sleep deprivation — at once, or accumulated over time — results in the same cognitive impairment equivalent as a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10%, which is higher than the legal limit. And again, he added, it's unsafe to drive even before you reach that point. He pointed to the concept of 'sleep debt,' or not getting enough sleep cumulatively. 'If you regularly miss an hour of sleep for 10 consecutive nights, your cognitive impairment can be as severe as if you hadn't slept for 24 hours straight,' he explained. One of the two time ranges when this occurs may surprise you. According to the Department of Health of New York State, most sleep-related crashes occur between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. So yes, driving in the early morning isn't a great idea, but that 'afternoon slump' period isn't either. This is when bodies are typically the most tired. 'Importantly, these are the times when you're biologically-inclined to be more drowsy, thanks to the peaks and dips of your circadian rhythm (your internal body clock),' Kahn said. 'Your circadian energy dips will happen regardless if you had enough sleep or not, but sleep deprivation will make you feel drowsier at these times than you otherwise would.' Unfortunately, many factors can contribute to this, though some may be more common than others. Here are a few of the most common ones: Not getting enough solid sleep on your vacation 'One of the biggest contributors to drowsy driving is sleep deprivation,' Miller said. 'This can lead to difficulty concentrating, slower reaction times and even falling asleep at the wheel.' While the amount of sleep each person needs will vary, most adults need seven to nine hours a night, she added. (BTW, 'junk sleep,' or low-quality sleep, doesn't count.) A sleep disorder A bigger sleeping issue may be going on, so checking with a doctor is smart. 'Some disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea, cause low-quality sleep as sleep is often interrupted or restricted, thus low-quality and less restorative,' said Nicole Eichelberger, a sleep expert at Mattressive. What's even scarier is that it's not always noticeable. 'Unfortunately, most people who suffer from sleep disorders are unaware,' she continued. 'Therefore, it is essential to seek medical help if you notice excessive daytime sleepiness.' Medications or alcohol Miller also listed alcohol and medications, such as antihistamines or benzodiazepines, as contributors to drowsiness and impaired cognitive function. So if you're enjoying a few cocktails by the pool, for example, be cognizant of this. 'Even small amounts of alcohol and certain drugs can cause drowsiness, poor coordination and slower reaction times, making driving dangerous,' she said. To avoid this, Eichelberger urged reading the side effects listed on the medicines you take, and to avoid driving if drowsiness is listed. When and how long you're driving The time of day and distance matter, too. Many of us road trip to our vacation destinations and often power through the drive in order to get there or get home. 'Driving overnight (which can be tempting to avoid traffic) increases the risk of experiencing sleepiness, even if you think you are well-rested,' said Holly Milling, a clinical psychologist, behavioral sleep medicine specialist and director of The Sleep Practice. 'Driving for long periods of time, at any time of day, is also tiring, and driving without a break can increase vulnerability to sleepiness.' Simply put, you shouldn't drive while sleepy, even if you think you can make yourself stay awake. More specifically, here are some other danger signs these experts listed: Being unable to remember driving for the last few minutes Struggling to focus your eyes and concentrate Drifting into another lane Head bobbing Yawning Feeling easily frustrated Rubbing your eyes or struggling to keep them open Following cars too closely Getting restless or fidgeting Not keeping a consistent speed Braking too late Missing signs and exits 'Even if you don't feel like you'll fall asleep, these signs indicate that your driving ability is impaired and that it's unsafe to continue driving,' Kahn said. What To Do If You're Tired At The Wheel As tempting as it sounds, the answer isn't louder music, colder air or talking to someone. 'The only cure for sleepiness is sleep,' Milling said. Take a short nap While napping in public may feel uncomfortable, it's crucial. You can take a nap at a rest area, gas station or other place you feel safe. And hey, only a short nap is needed. 'Ideally, you should take a 20 to 30 minute nap to feel refreshed, but not so long that you enter a deep sleep cycle and wake up feeling groggy,' Miller said. 'If you're unable to nap, simply resting your eyes or having a break from driving for a few minutes can also be helpful.' Add some caffeine to the mix While caffeine can help, Miller continued, it's a short-term fix and it can't cure severe fatigue. She recommends drinking about 200mg of caffeine (equivalent to a cup of coffee) 30 minutes before getting back on the road. Having a coffee between napping and driving also adds time between waking up and driving, which Kahn said is important. He encourages having that buffer time 'to ensure the post-nap grogginess doesn't affect your driving skills (even if you've only napped for less than 20 minutes).' Combining the two can eliminate mid-afternoon sleepiness for up to an hour, according to a study in the journal Psychophysiology. But again, these experts say a nap comes first and foremost. 'Whether you include caffeine or not, though, the most important ingredient is the nap,' Milling emphasized. 'Never skip sleep in favor of a double espresso.' Exercise Lastly, while it may seem counterintuitive, some movement (along with the nap) can help. 'A short burst of exercise can wake you up and increase your alertness,' Miller said. She encouraged light stretching or a short walk. You could even get some errands done during this time, like walking around the grocery store. Consider other options that will get you home safely If these options feel undoable or aren't cutting it, don't let that deter you. 'Call someone to drive you home or the rest of the way,' Eichelberger urged. 'You can also find a motel [and] rest for the night, or get a cab and head home.' While a Lyft ride or motel stay won't be inexpensive, it is cheaper — and safer — than the alternative. Long-term, Eichelberger recommended maintaining good sleep habits. If you notice excessive fatigue often, she added, consider talking to a sleep doctor so you can avoid car accidents (and various other problems). Being proactive is always smart, too. Milling mentioned not driving if you've been awake for 18+ hours and scheduling breaks every couple of hours, to start. This way, you're less likely to get caught in a drowsy driving situation. While vacations and life can keep us busy, sacrificing sleep isn't a great idea — especially if you're ever behind the wheel. HuffPost.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Risk Of Dengue Fever Is Just Another Reason Cruises Suck
Watching a cruise ship come together is incredibly cool, but having to actually go out and cruise on one is another story entirely. Every cruise ship is a small tourist-trap city, packed to the brim with the most entitled and sunburned people you'll ever have the misfortune of meeting. And now, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the cruise experience is only getting better: A number of popular cruise destinations are facing outbreaks of dengue fever. Fun! Dengue is far from the first disease outbreak we've seen around cruise ships — the Queen Mary 2 saw a norovirus outbreak already this year, after 2024's record number of shipborne stomach bugs — but this one is bigger than any one ship. The outbreak is hitting multiple continents, according to The Street, including Mexico, Panama, and Caribbean islands like Saint Lucia — some of the most popular ports for cruises out of the United States to visit. Cruise ships are packed with people, allowing diseases to spread and fester from bow to stern, and you want to go sail on one? On the boats where they'll put your corpse in a drink cooler to stop it stinking up the joint? Read more: These Are The Dumbest Looking Cars Of All Time, According To You Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness, and mosquitos are famously capable of flight. Even if you stay on the ship at an affected port of call, its proximity to the shore could allow infected mosquitoes to make their way aboard and suckle at your sweet, sweet flesh — giving you headaches, fever, rashes, nausea, and vomiting in the process. Y'know where doesn't have dengue fever? Toronto! Go visit that on vacation. The food will almost certainly be better, and you can leave if you want. Not all major cruise locales are affected by this outbreak — Alaska, traditionally a popular destination, reportedly remains dengue-free — but there are enough ports besieged by infected mosquitoes that you should maybe reconsider your next cruise. Even if you're not bound for dengue territory, actually, you should probably reconsider. Why did you want to get stuck on a boat with a bunch of obnoxious people and their sticky children anyway? Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
