Latest news with #Culex
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
West Nile virus found in Rockford mosquito pool, sparking health concerns
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) reported its first mosquito pool in the state, testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). IDPH says the results came in yesterday, May 12. These reports—coming from the city of Rockford in Winnebago County—are also the first time the virus was reported this year. 'The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,' said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Vohra said it's important for individuals to prevent the chances of sustaining mosquito bites, especially those who have a weaker immune system. WNV is transmitted from a Culex mosquito bite, also known as house mosquitoes. Most WNV symptoms include fever, upset stomach, headache and muscle aches. However, there are chances someone may not show any symptoms. One practice Vohra suggested to combat the virus surrounds the three R's: reduce, repel and report. In 2024, the state of Illinois saw 69 human cases in relation to WNV, and about 13 people died from the virus. More information about WNV can be found on the health department's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researcher receives $54,000 grant to combat dangerous diseases: 'We need to know which species we're dealing with'
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways One Utah State University researcher was recently awarded a $54,000 grant from the American Mosquito Control Association Research Fund to lead an AI-powered effort that will help better identify disease-carrying mosquitoes. The computer vision-based artificial intelligence technology will help Norah Saarman and her team of ecologists develop new low-cost identification methods for the Culex mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, according to a news release from the university. While most people who contract West Nile virus are symptomless, about 1 in 5 develops a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 150 people will develop serious symptoms such as inflammation in the brain or meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. While Utah isn't known as a hotspot for mosquitoes compared to other regions of the country, a number of mosquito species are spreading their ranges thanks to the warming of our planet. For instance, Culex quinquefasciatus, one West Nile virus vector species, has made its way into the Salt Lake City area over the last few years, according to USU. And one recent study found that several mosquito species populations are set to expand their ranges in North and South America in the coming years, thanks to rising temperatures. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, higher temperatures also increase the risk of human exposure to the disease, as they can accelerate mosquito development, biting rates, and the incubation of the disease within a mosquito. There has already been a rise in cases of many mosquito-borne diseases in recent years. For instance, the World Mosquito Program called 2024 the "worst year for dengue cases on record." As we deal with such increased risks of mosquito-borne disease, scientists and communities are fighting back with solutions. For instance, officials in one Florida county are using X-rays to kill invasive mosquitoes. And a $70 million pilot program that tested one malaria vaccine in Africa helped reduce deaths among young children by 13% over a period of four years. As for Saarman's work, she and her team are looking to help prevent vector-borne disease in the safest, most cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways. "Doing that means we need to know which species we're dealing with and the pathogens they're infected with as soon as possible," Saarman said. "The power of AI will help us achieve this." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Advanced Light Helicopter, extravehicular activities and more (Week 107)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. With reference to Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), consider the following statements: 1. It is usually acquired in childhood. 2. It is commonly known as elephantiasis. 3. India has a goal to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2025. 4. It is transmitted by the bite of a Culex mosquito. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four — Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a disfiguring disease caused by infection with nematodes (roundworms) from the Filariodidea family, which are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a disfiguring and debilitating disease that mainly develops in childhood. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — In the early stages, there are either no signs or vague symptoms. Although there are no visible symptoms, the lymphatic system is compromised. This stage can last several years. Infected people continue to transmit the disease. The long-term physical repercussions include painful swollen limbs (lymphoedema or elephantiasis). In endemic areas, males frequently develop hydrocele. 2027. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The disease is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito that breeds in unclean or polluted water. Hence, statement 4 is correct. The 'colossal squid', which is nearly impossible to spot on camera, belongs to: (a) Porifera (b) Echinodermata (c) Annelida (d) Mollusca — A team of scientists, on board a research vessel in the South Atlantic, recorded a juvenile colossal squid, only a foot long, 2,000 feet under the ocean's surface. — Colossal squid have proved extremely difficult to notice, especially on video. Because of their huge, sensitive eyes, they are likely to avoid research equipment that is bright and loud. As a result, researchers know relatively little about the enormous squid's food, lifespan, and reproductive features. — A cephalopod is any member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda, including squids, octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. The cephalopod was initially discovered in 1925, when scientists recovered arm parts from two squid in the stomach of a sperm whale. Until last month, humanity had never seen it in its natural environment, the deep waters of the Southern Ocean. Extravehicular Activities refers to: (a) Activities performed by space-suited astronauts outside their spacecraft in orbit above the Earth. (b) A fictional scientific method for analysing environmental force directions. (c) A technical-sounding term for aligning electromagnetic field directions. — Don Pettit, NASA's oldest serving astronaut, returned to Earth on April 20 after spending more than 220 days aboard the International Space Station. — On September 11, 2024, the 70-year-old began a seven-month science mission onboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft. The mission's crew also included Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. — In total, the veteran astronaut has spent over 590 days in space and performed at least 13 spacewalks. A spacewalk, also known as an 'extravehicular activity (EVA),' is a length of time spent outside a spaceship by an astronaut in space. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists have detected the presence of at least one of two molecules of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of the distant planet K2-18b. These molecules are associated with life, and these gases are produced by: 1. Bacteria 2. Marine phytoplankton Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to find at least one of two dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) molecules in the atmosphere of the faraway planet K2-18b, which is around 124 light years away. — DMS and DMDS molecules are related to life, and on our planet, bacteria and marine phytoplankton produce these gases. — K2-18b is a sub-Neptune exoplanet orbiting its star, the red dwarf K2-18. Even if the existence of DMS or DMDS suggests that the planet may host life, scientists are investigating non-biological reasons. The researchers believe that additional observations and analysis are required to corroborate these findings and rule out other origins of these chemicals. — The recent development demonstrates JWST's amazing capability in investigating exoplanets. It is a crucial milestone in the search for life beyond Earth. 1. It is an indigenously designed and developed multirole helicopter by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). 2. The project was initiated in the mid 1960s. 3. The ALH provides shore-based and organic search and rescue (SAR) capability to vital arms of the military. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — According to reports, the military's complete fleet of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) would be grounded. The ALHs were grounded in January after an Indian Coast Guard helicopter crashed in Porbandar during a training mission, killing all three people aboard. — The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program is an indigenously designed and developed 5.5 tonne multirole helicopter by RWRDC, HAL, Bengaluru. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — The project was launched in the mid-1980s, and the first flight took place in August 1992. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — The ALH provides shore-based and organic search and rescue (SAR) capability to important military arms. Their reach and capability are unmatched by the lowly Chetaks and Cheetahs. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials sound alarm over concerning discovery made during mosquito testing: 'Prompting heightened awareness'
2024 was a good year for a certain population in Ohio — which is bad news for the people who live there. Ohio's Department of Health's yearly mosquito surveillance found the West Nile virus is alive and well in the Buckeye State, Hoodline reported. The testing collected over 416,000 mosquito samples, finding that over 8% of them across 41 counties tested positive for the West Nile virus. As Hoodline put it, these rates indicate "a clear presence of the virus" in Ohio. The counties that reported the highest rates — Franklin County followed by Lorain and Summit — are now "prompting heightened awareness and preventive measures to be taken by the residents and local health authorities." These surveillance efforts are part of the preventive measures, and Hoodline described them as "crucial in understanding the prevalence and proactively managing the spread of these vector-borne diseases." The species of mosquito that spread the West Nile virus fall under the Culex genus, and they have established populations on all of the major inhabited continents. The females lay their eggs in water, using any source from puddles to flooded cellars, rice fields, river edges, ornamental ponds, and more. But the real issue and mounting threat is that the Culex survives in high temperatures. The higher the temperature, the faster their eggs hatch, and the more generations they can produce each year, per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. This means that, as global temperatures continue to rise due to human-generated pollution, the Culex's potential inhabitable regions expand, and their breeding season gets longer. The issue is the same for another common disease-spreading type of mosquito, called Aedes, also known as the tiger mosquito. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. They are responsible for deadly diseases like Zika, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more — and as their territories expand, so too does the public health risk posed by these diseases. For Ohio, their detailed surveillance map will serve as a tool to help them "track, avert, and respond to the geographic flow of the West Nile virus as the year progresses," Hoodline explained. Officials urged residents to take preventive measures both to keep from getting bitten and to minimize potential breeding spots in the area. This includes using non-toxic sprays or deterrents — like citronella candles, burnt coffee grounds, and vanilla — to covering any water caches and draining any stagnant water. Scientists are also working on other solutions, such as a vaccine to protect against certain illnesses or methods to sterilize mosquito populations. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
