Latest news with #EEE
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
CT officials to begin mosquito testing for potentially deadly viruses as invasive species spreads
Connecticut's annual mosquito management program began on Monday to monitor the insects for the presence of viruses that can cause illness in people, including West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis virus, officials said. The mosquito trapping and testing program, conducted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, lasts until the end of October, according to officials. This year's testing comes amid an increase in an invasive mosquito that is known for its voracious appetite and rapid spread that has alarmed state entomologists. Among mosquito-borne diseases in the region, West Nile virus occurs every summer in the Northeast, and has become the main cause of mosquito-borne illness in the state, officials said. It was first introduced into the New York City area in 1999. Last year, West Nile virus was detected in 309 mosquito samples from 44 towns in seven counties in Connecticut, officials said. The majority of West Nile virus activity occurred in urban and suburban regions in Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven counties. Thirteen human cases of West Nile virus-associated illness were reported last year from July 30 to Sept. 15. EEE virus is more rare than West Nile virus but can cause serious illness in people, with four to eight cases reported in a typical year in the U.S. The last major outbreak in the U.S. occurred in 2019, when the number of confirmed human cases rose to 38, with four cases and three fatalities in Connecticut, officials said. The virus was detected from 72 mosquito samples from 16 towns in Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, and Windham counties during 2024. Veterinary cases of EEE were reported from one horse, a white-tailed deer and two wild birds, according to officials. There were no human cases reported in Connecticut, but cases were reported from nearby states including all of the states in New England, as well as New York and New Jersey. While other mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue fever and Zika virus can spread in Connecticut, they have not been locally transmitted yet in the state, officials said. 'The mosquito season has begun,' said Dr. Philip Armstrong, chief scientist at CAES. 'We will be trapping and testing mosquitoes from 108 locations throughout Connecticut to monitor the risk of mosquito-borne disease. Typically, West Nile virus activity peaks from July-September with highest levels of activity in urban and suburban communities in the state. 'Seasonal transmission of EEE virus, in contrast, occurs more sporadically with focal areas located in rural areas of eastern Connecticut. We encourage everyone to take precautionary measures against mosquito bites, such as covering bare skin and wearing mosquito repellent, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,' he added. The CAES has a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday at each site every 10 days on a rotating basis and then at least once a week after detection of a virus, officials said. Mosquitoes are grouped for testing according to species, collection site and date, officials with CAES said. To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, officials recommend: Minimizing time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. When it is necessary to be outdoors, use mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes and ticks. Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair. When sleeping outdoors, use tents or mosquito netting in an unscreened structure. Treat camping gear with permethrin when possible. Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets when outside. For information on West Nile virus and EEE, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Connecticut agency begins monitoring mosquitos for these viruses
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Monday announced it has begun seasonal monitoring of mosquitoes for viruses that can harm people- primarily West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. The organization's mosquito trapping and testing program begins June 2 and will continue until the end of October. Milford launches Mosquito Control Program 'The mosquito season has begun,' Dr. Philip Armstrong, chief scientist at CAES, said in a statement. 'We will be trapping and testing mosquitoes from 108 locations throughout Connecticut to monitor the risk of mosquito-borne disease.' Armstrong said WNV typically peaks in activity between July and September and in urban and suburban areas, but transmission of EEE virus is more sporadic and focused on rural areas. West Nile virus emerges every summer in the Northeast and has been considered the main cause of mosquito-borne illness since it was first introduced to the New York City area in 1999, according to CAES officials. In 2024, CAES said there were 13 human cases of West Nile virus-associated illness, with the dates of onset from July 30 to Sept. 15. The virus was also detected in 309 mosquito samples from 44 towns in seven Connecticut counties. The majority of cases were found in urban and suburban regions of Fairfield, Hartford, and New Haven counties. Invasive ticks spread across more Connecticut counties Last year, there were no human cases of EEE virus reported in Connecticut, but cases did come up in New York and New Jersey. The virus is a rare but serious illness in humans with about four to eight cases usually reported annually in the U.S. The virus was detected in 72 mosquito samples from 16 towns in Fairfield, Middlesex, New London and Windham counties last year. It was also reportedly found in one horse, a white-tailed deer, and two wild birds. The last major outbreak of human EEE infection in the U.S. was in 2019, when confirmed cases reached 38 and four people died- including three in Connecticut. 'We encourage everyone to take precautionary measures against mosquito bites, such as covering bare skin and wearing mosquito repellent, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,' Armstrong said. Visit the CDC website for more information on how to prevent mosquito bites. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
LEED Platinum Certification Places Emirates Electrical Engineering's Al Waha Headquarters Among UAE's Elite Green Buildings
Only 141* buildings in the UAE have achieved Platinum status, the highest level of recognition under the global Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Emirates Electrical Engineering (EEE), a member of Al Rostamani Group, founded by Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani in the early 1950s and a key contributor to the UAE's power infrastructure, has been awarded the LEED Platinum Certification ( LEED v4 ID+C Platinum ) for the sustainable design of its new, energy-efficient headquarters at Al Waha Complex, placing it among a select group of LEED Platinum-certified buildings in the UAE, including landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Mall of the Emirates. The new headquarters serves as a live demonstration of EEE's in-house capabilities in delivering integrated sustainable energy solutions. By completing all design, engineering, and implementation internally, EEE has set a practical example for other businesses looking to reduce their energy footprint. The company now aims to extend these services to clients seeking to enhance operational efficiency and align with the UAE's Green Agenda 2030 and Net Zero by 2050 objectives. Industry Leadership and Global Standards LEED is the world's most widely used green building rating system, distinguished by its rigorous benchmarks in energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. There are 713** LEED-certified buildings across the UAE at various levels, with a growing number of applications driven by the country's sustainability goals, regulatory frameworks, and market demand. Al Waha Complex stood out during the LEED Platinum certification process for its zero-waste transition and exceptional performance in the Energy and Atmosphere category, earning the full 36 points, which is a rare achievement for a retrofitted building. Key features include: High-performance energy- and water-efficient systems On-site solar power generation and smart grid integration Use of sustainable materials and landfill waste diversion Enhanced indoor air quality and infrastructure for green commuting Prabash Manthara, General Manager of Emirates Electrical Engineering, stated: 'Our office integrates cutting-edge energy-saving technologies and on-site solar power generation, demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustainable design—from cost savings to healthier workplaces as well as contributing surplus energy to DEWA's Smart Grid. This achievement exemplifies our role in advancing the UAE's energy transition and inspires industry-wide adoption of green practices' 'Achieving the LEED Platinum Certification positions EEE as a leader in green building practices, potentially attracting environmentally conscious clients and partners. Moreover, our commitment to sustainable operations can have a ripple effect on the community by promoting eco-friendly initiatives and contributing to a cleaner, greener future for all.' Ms. Deepthy K B, Senior Director, GBCI MENA, commented: 'The LEED Platinum certification of Al Waha office demonstrates the commitment of Emirates Electrical Engineering & Al Rostamani Group towards achieving the highest level of recognition in green building design and construction. This achievement further strengthens their organizational vision towards creating healthy and equitable workspaces for their employees and stakeholders through actionable net-zero and climate action targets. It is an honour to recognize this project during the 25th anniversary of LEED.' The adoption of internationally recognised standards such as LEED plays a critical role in advancing the UAE's Green Agenda 2030, particularly in clean energy, carbon reduction, and sustainable infrastructure. Projects like Al Waha Office demonstrate how technical capability and in-house delivery can support measurable, scalable progress in sustainable development. As more companies align with these frameworks, the collective impact will help accelerate national progress toward Net Zero by 2050 and reinforce the region's leadership in sustainable development. Sources : numbers accurate based on the time of publishing * **
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Capitation soars as engineering seats fill up fast ahead of TNEA 2025 counselling
MADURAI: The TNEA 2025 counselling for admissions to Anna University and engineering colleges affiliated to it is a good one month away but seats in several self-financing institutions in the southern districts are already filling up fast as parents willingly shell out as much as Rs 8 lakh demanded in capitation fee to secure admission for their child in the management quota. The principals and deans of various colleges, besides aspirants and their parents, TNIE spoke to say the interest this time is towards BE (Computer Science Engineering) and BTech (IT) programmes. Programmes in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and Mechanical Engineering are the next preferred courses, while civil engineering is the least preferred. Self-financing colleges accordingly demand capitation fee for securing admission, with a BE (CSE) seat said to be priced at Rs 8 lakh. N Mahesh, a parent who enrolled his son in a popular college in the city said, 'I handed over Rs 6.5 lakh in capitation fee within a week of the Class 12 results being published. If I booked early, a payment of`4 lakh would've been enough.' This is over and above the prescribed annual course fee of Rs 1.30 lakh, he added. His son's TNEA cut-off score is 119 on 200. P Srivathsan said that his parents 'reserved' a seat in the BE (CSE with cyber security) programme at a popular college in the district for him by paying Rs 2 lakh as 'advance'.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two of the most dangerous animals in the world can be found in New Hampshire
Two of the most dangerous animals in the world can be found in New Hampshire. New Hampshire might not seem like the locale for dangerous animals. After all, its mountainous terrain and cold winters prevent animals like crocodiles and scorpions from making a home in the state. It's true that very few people are killed by animals in New Hampshire, and most are not dangerous unless provoked. But according to BBC's Science Focus Magazine, mosquitos and snakes are two of the most dangerous animals in the world – and both can be found in New Hampshire. Mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world, killing over 725,000 people a year through diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). There are more than 40 species of mosquitos in New Hampshire, according to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and only a small number of these carry and spread EEE and WNV. Still, DHHS recommends using effective mosquito repellants when mosquitos are biting and contact your health care providers if you develop symptoms of these diseases, like headache, neck stiffness, fever or paralysis. New Hampshire has one venomous snake: the timber rattlesnake. In New Hampshire, it looks like a large, thick black snake with brown cross-bands and a triangular head. Most timber rattlesnake bites are not deadly, but you should seek immediate medical attention if you get bit. But luckily, it's rare to run into one in New Hampshire: while historically this snake ranged from the Massachusetts border up to the White Mountains, the species is now endangered with just one known population in the state. More: NH's only venomous snake is the most endangered animal in the state. What to know about them Black bears are generally shy and like to avoid humans, but they are still dangerous. If you encounter a bear, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says to keep your distance and make loud noises. If a black bear attacks you, you should fight back rather than play dead. Black bears are capable of killing people, but don't fear – it's extremely rare. According to NH Fish and Game, the last time a person was killed by a black bear in New Hampshire was 1784. At 1,000 pounds and six feet tall, a moose can pose a significant threat if it becomes aggressive. Warning signs that a moose is anxious or agitated, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club, include laid back ears, hair standing up on the back of their neck, smacking their lips, or tossing their head upwards. If a moose charges, you should run and continue to try to escape even if it makes contact. To avoid conflicts, it's best to stay a safe distance away. According to the AMC, there has never been a human fatality from a moose attack in the Northeast. Moose pose a greater danger to people in cars: several people die every year in moose-vehicle car collisions in the Northeast. Moose occur throughout New Hampshire, but are most numerous north of the White Mountains, according to NH Fish and Game. Black widows have a venomous bite 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake. According to the Connecticut Poison Control Center, black widow bites can cause redness and pain, but generally no serious symptoms. And like the rattlesnake, the spiders aren't hostile unless threatened and they're rare to cross paths with: they are only found in the southern parts of New Hampshire. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Be aware of these 5 dangerous animals in New Hampshire
