Latest news with #KevinMichaels
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials issue warning over travel to popular US county after deadly virus is detected — here's what you need to know
A health warning has been issued in Mobile County, Alabama, after the area confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year. As summer begins and mosquito season ramps up, this case is a clear example of how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are starting to impact our day-to-day lives. Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels confirmed the infection, according to a Fox 10 News report on May 1, stating that a resident tested positive for West Nile virus. This virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause anything from mild fever to serious complications like seizures or paralysis, and in rare cases, it can even be fatal. In response, the Mobile County Health Department has increased mosquito spraying, set up traps to test for the virus, and started door-to-door outreach to keep residents informed and supported. Locals are encouraged to take practical steps: wear long sleeves, use insect repellent, and avoid mosquito-heavy times around sunrise and sunset. This isn't just an isolated case. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns shift, mosquito-friendly environments are expanding. That means illnesses like West Nile virus are spreading to new areas and sticking around longer than they used to. Earlier this year, Fiji issued a travel advisory after a deadly dengue fever outbreak saw over 1,000 cases in one part of the country. Similar mosquito-borne viruses have been spotted in Texas and Florida. These cases illustrate how a warming world is changing where and how people are exposed to infectious diseases. 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. Experts point to the role of stagnant water and waste in amplifying mosquito populations, especially in underserved areas. They also highlighted how unregulated trash and poor drainage were driving the rapid spread of dengue. These health threats underscore the importance of strengthening community infrastructure alongside environmental awareness. West Nile virus travels a specific route: from birds to mosquitoes to humans or animals. It doesn't spread from person to person, and there's no human vaccine yet, so the best protection is preventing mosquito bites in the first place. Mobile County is taking proactive steps. A new public-facing mosquito activity map and an easy-to-use online portal let residents report mosquito problems or request help. These tools make it easier for people to stay safe and informed. Simple changes around the home can also make a big difference, like draining standing water, fixing window screens, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents. In Florida, neighbors have planted mosquito-repelling greenery and set up DIY traps to reduce risk, showing how community-led action works. 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.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fire at Crucial Supplier Plant Threatens Boeing's Recovery Plan
A fire that struck a factory critical to the aerospace industry could threaten Boeing's recovery plan as the plane maker looks for an alternative supplier of fasteners. In February, a fire that took several days to control broke out at an SPS Technologies factory in Pennsylvania. The facility, about the size of 10 football fields, developed, manufactured and supplied a line of fasteners. According to AeroDynamic Advisory Managing Director Kevin Michaels, the site provided nearly 15% of the aerospace industry's fastener supply. The Wall Street Journal reported that Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company depends on SPS for many parts in its 787 and 737 jets but did not disclose the exact quantity or whether Boeing could access blocked inventory. Ortberg did, however, note that a parts shipment set for release before the fire became inaccessible. Most Read on IEN: Today in Manufacturing Podcast: Boeing Closes Shadow Factory; Volvo's Counterfeit Part Problem; Micro-Factories Build Homes Boeing Closes First Shadow Factory Lawsuit Targets Ford's Odd Doors VW Bringing Back Physical Buttons Boeing will now explore other sourcing options. But some parts that the company uses in landing gear, engines and other areas have complex designs and must be made to withstand air travel, the Wall Street Journal reports. The incident comes as Boeing attempts to regain profitability after losing more than $35 billion since 2019. In November, the Journal reported that Ortberg said the company would not achieve positive cash flow until 737 MAX production reached 38 units per month. Boeing has made progress toward this goal by rolling out nine in December, about 20 in January and 35 in February. The company also recently closed one of its two shadow factories, which would pull mechanics and engineers from their regular work to focus on maintaining and repairing old planes rather than building new ones. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
300 gallons discharges after Bayou La Batre sanitary sewer overflow
BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (WKRG) — A sanitary sewer overflowed at a manhole on Shell Belt Road in Bayou La Batre on Thursday. According to a news release from the Mobile County Health Department, the cause was a mechanical failure at one of the lift stations in the area, and about 300 gallons discharged. Angie Stone dies in car crash after performing at MAMGA Grand Marshal's Ball MCHD officials state that the discharge was absorbed by the ground and did not reach any body of water. Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels advised residents to wash hands and clothes carefully if they come in contact with any standing water that may have accumulated due to the overflow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Reuters
27-02-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Aerospace industry scrambles to deal with fallout from huge US factory fire
Feb 27 (Reuters) - Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab and other top aerospace firms are scouring their supply chains to determine their exposure to a major fire last week at a Philadelphia-area parts factory that has set off alarm bells across the industry, people familiar with the matter said. The days-long fire at SPS Technologies' century-old factory could put pressure on the industry's already strapped supply chain. GE Aerospace (GE.N), opens new tab and others are now trying to figure out who can replace the factory's lost production and also identify who has spare parts, the people said. Both Boeing and France's Safran ( opens new tab contacted suppliers asking about the potential effects, according to letters seen by Reuters. The fire, which caused no fatalities, is the latest in a string of supply setbacks in aerospace. This stadium-sized facility was crucial to the production of key parts, and some analysts warned that its loss could further strain the industry's ability to boost output. SPS products include titanium fasteners of the kind used to assemble carbon-fiber jets like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. Some fasteners produced at the factory are also highly specialized and not easily sourced by other manufacturers, analysts and industry executives said. Boeing and European rival Airbus ( opens new tab were already facing supply snags as they try to boost airplane output. "There's only so much inventory of this out there, and that something's going to have to change really fast to avoid potential (problems) that could affect production rates," said AeroDynamic Advisory Managing Director Kevin Michaels. In a letter sent to suppliers following the February 17 fire seen by Reuters, Boeing asked the companies whether they regularly used parts from the SPS factory, located in Jenkintown, and to explain the impact if SPS could not ship parts that were ordered. A Boeing spokesperson said it is "working with suppliers to assess impacts and ... taking steps to manage any impacts.' CEO Kelly Ortberg said last week in brief comments that he expected some disruption from the fire. French engine and landing gear maker Safran also contacted suppliers to see if they purchase directly from SPS, according to letters seen by Reuters and two suppliers. "We are assessing the situation with our supply chain and seeking alternative sources," a Safran spokesperson said. Engine maker GE Aerospace, the world's largest aerospace firm, said it had sent teams to SPS and was looking at alternative manufacturing sites and backup suppliers. "We are taking proactive steps to minimize disruption and to ensure continued delivery to our customers," a spokesperson said. A third industry source said SPS is also a significant supplier to Europe's Airbus. "It is still early to confirm the extent of our exposure, however we expect the impact to be limited for our operations," an Airbus spokesperson said. SUPPLY CONTEST SPS is part of Berkshire Hathaway-owned (BRKa.N), opens new tab Precision Castparts Corp (PCC), which was not immediately available for comment. SPS's website claims that "it's hard to find an aircraft" that does not contain some of its products. The near 600,000-square-foot (5.6-hectare) facility specialized in high-strength nuts and bolts for engines, wings, fuselages and landing gear, according to the SPS website. The fire burned for several days before the flames were fully extinguished on February 22, leaving the plant gutted. Planemakers have ample inventory of the parts they handle on a daily basis, but the production gap left by the fire sets the stage for a potential contest to secure supplies down the road. One senior supplier went so far as to predict 'rationing' by distributors unless alternatives can be found. Two executives at other fastener companies said they were being bombarded with requests in the wake of the fire, with one saying he had received dozens of queries in two days. While most SPS parts are produced by multiple suppliers, some portions of these aircraft fasteners were higher value and complex parts only produced by SPS, according to one of the two fastener company executives who spoke on condition of anonymity. It can take years for another factory to obtain the qualifications to produce them, he added. "These are not commodity fasteners," Michaels said, adding that there is 'a lot of concern given the large number of sole-source fasteners and unique capabilities associated with this facility.' Canadian business jet maker Bombardier ( opens new tab told Reuters that most of its parts can be sourced elsewhere. The factory still had some wooden floors and structures, according to two sources who had visited the site before the blaze. Even then, a shipment meant to be sent to Boeing survived the fire but is currently inaccessible, Boeing's Ortberg told analysts on February 20. "That's the kind of thing we're really working through on a real-time basis. It looks like pretty substantial damage."
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officer confirms case of Neisseria meningitidis in Mobile County
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels has confirmed a case of bacterial infection Neisseria meningitidis in the county. According to a news release from the Mobile County Health Department, this is the first case reported in Mobile County in 2025. Cannabis testing facility coming to Foley: Baldwin County EDA Mobile County health officials said Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcal disease, can cause meningitis, which is a severe swelling of the brain and spinal cord membranes, or meningococcemia, which is a severe blood infection. The disease is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and often vomiting. It can lead to serious complications including death, according to MCHD. Health officials said the bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat. It can transmitted through close, prolonged or intimate contact and is most common during winter and spring. According to MCHD, post exposure treatment with antibiotics may be indicated for those who may have been exposed. Gulf Shores High School indoor athletic training facility collapses Dr. Michaels said, 'that anyone can get the disease, and it is important to seek medical attention if you have symptoms. Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
