Latest news with #FighttheBite
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
What's making us sick in Miami? Heat, hurricanes, insects. Take a look
South Florida What's making us sick in Miami? Heat, hurricanes, insects. Take a look These articles focus on Miami's growing health risks due to climate effects. They discuss heat-related illnesses, hurricanes' mental health impacts, and mosquito-borne diseases. Catch up below. Outdoor worker at Casaplanta Garden Center, Otty Bustos, takes a water break on Friday, July 5, 2024 in Kendale Lakes, Fla. By Sophia Bolivar NO. 1: FLORIDA HAS HIGHEST NUMBER OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES IN THE NATION, NEW REPORT FINDS 'Without common-sense workplace protections, heat-related illness, coupled with Florida's high uninsured rate, will spell trouble for a growing number of residents' | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi Juan Jose Muñoz (left) and Elvin Antonio Urbina walk with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida's Gulf Coast. NO. 2: FLORIDIAN HURRICANE SURVIVORS COULD BE SUFFERING FROM PTSD—BUT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE After a tumultuous hurricane season, an expert says Floridians should look out for symptoms of PTSD. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby Recently installed air-conditioning units at 2840-2842 NW 10th Avenue in Miami, Florida. Federal housing doesn't require air-conditioning, but Miami-Dade County is funding new A/C units for hundreds of public housing apartments. By Jose A. Iglesias NO. 3: ON SWELTERING MIAMI SUMMER DAYS, IT CAN BE HOTTER INSIDE HOMES THAN OUT, STUDY FINDS 'Everyone in Miami has AC. The question is does it work and can you afford to use it?' | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris The Florida Department of Health issued a state-wide mosquito-borne illness alert after six people contracted malaria in Sarasota. By James Gathany NO. 4: MOSQUITO SEASON BEGINS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. IS CLIMATE CHANGE MAKING IT WORSE? As Miami-Dade marks the unofficial beginning of mosquito season with a Wednesday event to help residents 'Fight the Bite', the Herald spoke to the head of the Mosquito Control Division, Dr. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby People make their way along the shoreline near the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk as temperatures soar into the 90s on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Hollywood, Fla. By Matias J. Ocner NO. 5: FEELING DIZZY? WATCH FOR THESE WARNING SIGNS DURING SOUTH FLORIDA'S HEAT WAVE Some are at higher risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. | Published May 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Summer risks: How extreme heat and mosquitoes can affect your health
South Florida Summer risks: How extreme heat and mosquitoes can affect your health These articles focus on the health impacts of extreme heat and mosquito-borne diseases in Miami. The reports highlight efforts in providing water to the homeless during extreme heat, understanding the impacts of lizard-mosquito interactions on disease transmission, and tackling the rising cases of dengue fever amid climate change. Read the stories below for details. No image found Beachgoer Sergei lazovskiy cools off under the shower after enjoying the sunny and hot day at the Haulover Park Beach at on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Miami Beach, Florida. By David Santiago NO. 1: WHAT DOES A HEAT ADVISORY MEAN IN MIAMI? HOW THE EXTREME WEATHER ALERT CAN AFFECT YOU What you should know about the warnings. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives No image found Jean Wilfred, 70, enjoys a bottle of water as the outreach team from the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust handed out bottles of water to individuals living on the street on Aug. 1, 2024, in Miami, Florida, during a period of sweltering heat. By Carl Juste NO. 2: 'WE NEED WATER.' HOW SOUTH FLORIDA GROUPS ARE HELPING THOSE HARDEST HIT BY EXTREME HEAT Miami-area nonprofits are helping those most vulnerable to the extreme heat South Florida is facing. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mimi Whitefield No image found Peter's rock agamas have spread across Florida, in some places pushing aside native species like the brown anole. That shift in the reptile population could potentially have ripple effects on mosquitoes and the spread of diseases . By Alex Grimsley NO. 3: HOW A TURF WAR BETWEEN LIZARDS IN FLORIDA IMPACTS MOSQUITOES AND MAYBE YOUR HEALTH Researchers are looking at the role a tiny lizard plays in protecting us from mosquito-borne diseases | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread dengue to people through bites. NO. 4: DENGUE FEVER ON THE RISE. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS IN FLORIDA Puerto Rico has recorded at least 1,012 cases of dengue so far in 2025, followed by Florida, 50, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which has 40 recorded cases. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante The Florida Department of Health issued a state-wide mosquito-borne illness alert after six people contracted malaria in Sarasota. By James Gathany NO. 5: MOSQUITO SEASON BEGINS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. IS CLIMATE CHANGE MAKING IT WORSE? As Miami-Dade marks the unofficial beginning of mosquito season with a Wednesday event to help residents 'Fight the Bite', the Herald spoke to the head of the Mosquito Control Division, Dr. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
West Australian
12-06-2025
- Health
- West Australian
WA's new free mosquito repellent initiative dedicated to man who died after contracting MVE in Broome
The WA Government's new free mosquito-fighting repellent dispenser initiative has been dedicated to Peter Blackaby, who lost his life after contracting Murray Valley encephalitis in Broome in May 2023. Sonia Blackaby said she and her late husband Peter, from Newman, had been travelling with their caravan and had stopped in Broome for about three weeks when Mr Blackaby contracted the fatal virus. 'After we returned home, within a matter of probably 48 hours, he went from showing signs to being in a coma and eventually developing brain damage,' Ms Blackaby said. 'We spent five weeks in the intensive care unit and he never recovered. I never spoke to my husband again.' Since the tragedy, Ms Blackaby has been raising awareness about how deadly the disease can be and urging her local and State Governments to make information on MVE more readily available. 'A lot of people don't realise how serious it is,' she said. 'Mosquitoes aren't just annoying; they carry viruses that kill, and MVE has no cure, no treatment and no vaccine. If it doesn't kill you, it can cause severe, irreversible brain damage. 'The only way to prevent it is to not get bitten.' The pilot of the new initiative will provide free mosquito repellent dispensers to community groups across the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne regions in an effort to protect communities from serious and potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases like MVE. Eligible community organisations such as sporting clubs, caravan parks, outdoor cinemas, and alfresco venues are being encouraged to take advantage and apply for a free dispenser According to the Government, there have been 12 cases of MVE in WA since 2023, resulting in five deaths. Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the initiative, in conjunction with the Government's Fight the Bite campaign, was raising awareness of the potential threats of mosquito bites. 'Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease, and this initiative ensures Peter's story continues to make a difference,' she said. 'The Fight the Bite campaign is raising awareness through real stories affecting everyday Western Australians, and I encourage everyone to take action against mosquito bites.' The Government said it was launching the initiative in time for the 'grey nomad' travel season — when older travellers, who are at greater risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease, head north during winter. Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said mosquito-borne diseases could have lifelong effects, and it was important to prioritise prevention. 'This program provides mosquito repellent in key locations where the risk of mosquito bites is highest, helping communities stay protected,' she said. While the northern dry season generally decreases the chances of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, the Department of Health's mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs have continued to detect MVE activity during this year's dry. Residents and travellers heading north need to continue to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and applying an effective insect repellent. A State-wide rollout of the initiative is expected in 2026.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Mosquito season begins in South Florida. Is climate change making it worse?
Climate Change Mosquito season begins in South Florida. Is climate change making it worse? Miami-Dade marks the unofficial beginning of mosquito season with a Wednesday event to help residents 'Fight the Bite', AP As Miami-Dade marks the unofficial beginning of mosquito season with a Wednesday event to help residents 'Fight the Bite', the Herald spoke to the head of the Mosquito Control Division, Dr. John-Paul Mutebi, to answer readers' questions about the links to climate change. Does climate change affect how many mosquitoes we have here, or which disease they transmit? Dr. John-Paul Mutebi: If South Florida gets warmer, it is more hospitable to new mosquito species that are being introduced – they could come in cargo from South America, like potted plants where the mosquitoes may lay eggs, and some hitch hike on a boat or aircraft, because the higher temperature is really good for their survival. They're cold-blooded, so they depend on high temperatures, so that may improve their survival in a new environment. When it comes to disease transmission, there are two aspects: One is extending the range they'll be able to invade - if colder latitudes are warmer now, they are able to invade. The other one is the extension of mosquito season, so they stay active longer. And that is more dangerous, because usually at the end of the season, that's when we have the largest number of infected mosquitoes. Which diseases are you worried about? Dr. Mutebi: Now we have dengue, but we are working on it, and pretty soon it is going to disappear too. There's Eastern equine and St. Louis encephalitis and yellow fever. Then there's chikungunya – now that one I'm much more afraid of, because it tends to put a lot of people in the hospital. Usually, between 70 and 90% of people who get infected are going to end up with severe symptoms. So that one is much more severe, we keep on watching it. The Zika outbreak in South Florida in 2016, was driven by the ease of transportation – it was introduced by humans that we are infected somewhere else – because people can get infected from one part of the world and 24 hours later they are on the other side of the world. We got it under control, but it can come back because of the same system. What can we do as residents to keep mosquito-transmitted diseases at bay? Dr. Mutebi: One, please don't breed mosquitoes on your property. No discarding cans or any kind of structures that can harbor water. Anything containing water, it doesn't take long – usually within a week or two, they've laid their eggs and they hatched. Residents and businesses in Miami-Dade County can also request a free inspection by calling 311, and that is always very helpful because it helps us clean up and get rid of those mosquitoes before they begin to transmit diseases. In terms of our work, we use more than 300 mosquito traps that we monitor every week. So we capture mosquitoes, identify the species, then we plan our control measures - spraying pesticides is one way, but it depends on the species. Miami-Dade alone has 53 different mosquito species, and each has a different behavior, breeding habits, some transmit diseases and others don't. So it is a diverse group, and a monumental task. This Q&A with Dr. Mutebi has been edited for brevity and clarity. This story is part of a periodic Miami Herald series where we answer reader questions about climate change. Send us yours at climate@ This climate report is funded by Florida International University, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the David and Christina Martin Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all content.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Carolina urges residents to combat tick and mosquito diseases
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services urges North Carolinians to 'Fight the Bite' to reduce the risk of tick and mosquito borne diseases. In 2024, there were more than 900 cases of tick and mosquito borne illnesses reported statewide. With April being Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month the NCDHHS is announcing the return of the 'Fight the Bite' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of vector-borne diseases. 'Vector-borne diseases are on the rise in North Carolina,' Public Health Veterinarian, Emily Herring said. 'We encourage all North Carolinians to protect themselves from tick and mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved repellents, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.' Students in grades K-12 were invited to submit educational posters for the annual campaign contest. NCDHHS, local health departments and K-12 schools will use these illustrations to educate residents about measures they can take to protect themselves. Winners will be announced at the end of April on the NCDHHS 'Fight the Bite' webpage. There are many different tick-borne diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease that can cause fever, headache, rashes, flu-like illness and other symptoms that can be severe. Lyme disease accounted for 33 percent of all tick-borne diseases reported in 2024, and Ehrlichiosis, which is similar to Lyme disease, accounted for 38 percent of all tick-borne illnesses in 2024. These diseases are able to be treated with antibiotics, and if treated early on can prevent severe illnesses from developing. See your health provider as soon as possible if you feel sick after being bitten by a tick. Here are ways to reduce tick exposure: Use an EPA-approved repellent, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, on exposed skin and treat clothing with a pesticide called permethrin (0.5%). Use caution when applying insect repellent to children. Check yourself and your children for ticks if you have been in a tick habitat and remove them promptly. Reduce tick habitats around your house with selective landscaping techniques such as pruning shrubs and bushes, removing leaf litter and keeping grass cut short. Here are ways to reduce exposure to mosquitoes: Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent, such as those containing DEET or picaridin, when outside. Use caution when applying to children. Consider treating clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) with 0.5% permethrin. Install or repair screens on windows and doors and use air conditioning if possible. 'Tip and Toss' to reduce mosquito breeding: empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths at least once a week. Talk with your primary care provider or local health department if you plan to travel to an area where exotic mosquito-borne diseases occur and always check your destination to identify appropriate prevention methods, including vaccines. For more information on tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina, please visit the NCDHHS Vector-Borne Diseases webpage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
