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Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said she’s aware of concerns about high-strength beer. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The World Health Organization has begun to intensely monitor the new COVID variant – baptized as Stratus – that is extending … For the world and that, despite being considered very contagious, its effects are not for now serious. In principle, this new strain causes a characteristic rumor, but the rest of the symptoms are shown mild or moderately.
Stratus is one of the seven variants that the World Health Organization (WHO) monitors and represents about 23 % of world cases of COVID. According to the global health agency, the health risk is “low” although there is a “simultaneous increase in new cases and hospitalizations” in Southeast Asia, so it has “a significant growth advantage.” In the West, one of the countries that has reported the arrival of Stratus is England. In the islands, the two strains of this variant, XFG and XFG 2, which currently represent approximately 30 % of the disease cases in England, according to the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Variant ‘Frankenstein’
Stratus is considered a variant ‘Frankenstein’, that is, it has emerged after two different strains have been randomly combined in an infected patient. In principle, one of the native virus is known as OMICRON. According to WHO, vaccines are efficient when dealing with Stratus.
Other of the most widespread covid variants so far was known as Nimbus, which has specially affected countries such as the United States or China. Its symptoms are intense throat pain, persistent fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Some also experience digestive problems such as nausea or diarrhea
Wildfires Force Evacuations on Crete Amidst Heatwave
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Fueled by powerful winds, wildfires raging in southeastern Crete have prompted the evacuation of around 1,500 people from their homes and hotels.Displaced individuals are being temporarily housed in a gymnasium in Ierapetra, as reported by local media outlets.
Evacuations and Emergency response
The rapid spread of the flames, exacerbated by dry vegetation and gale-force winds, necessitated the urgent evacuation of both residents and tourists. ERT, the Greek public television channel, reported that over a thousand people have been displaced due to the ongoing wildfires.
Did You Know? Wildfires are becoming increasingly common in the Mediterranean region due to rising temperatures and prolonged droughts linked to climate change.
Mediterranean Heatwave Intensifies Wildfire Risk
The wildfires in Crete coincide with a severe heatwave affecting much of Southern Europe. The combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds creates a perfect storm for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly, posing a meaningful threat to communities and ecosystems.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about local weather conditions and fire warnings is crucial during periods of high wildfire risk. Prepare an evacuation plan and emergency kit in advance.
Wildfire Statistics in Europe
Wildfires are a recurring threat in Europe,with thousands of hectares of land burned each year. According to the European Forest Fire Data System (EFFIS), over 400,000 hectares burned in the EU in 2022, making it the second-worst year on record [1]. Climate change is expected to further exacerbate the risk of wildfires in the coming years.
| Year | Area Burned (Hectares) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 178,000 |
| 2019 | 120,000 |
| 2020 | 140,000 |
| 2021 | 500,000 |
| 2022 | 400,000+ |
The Greek fire service, supported by volunteers, is battling the blazes. The immediate priority is to contain the fires and protect lives and property. The long-term challenge is to address the underlying factors that contribute to wildfire risk, such as climate change and land management practices.
What measures can be taken to mitigate the risk of wildfires in vulnerable regions? How can individuals and communities better prepare for and respond to wildfire emergencies?
evergreen Insights: Wildfires and Climate Change
wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, but their frequency and intensity have increased dramatically in recent years due to climate change.Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changes in vegetation patterns create conditions that are more conducive to wildfires. in addition to the immediate threat to lives and property, wildfires can have long-term impacts on air quality, water resources, and biodiversity. Addressing climate change and implementing lasting land management practices are essential for reducing the risk of wildfires and protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wildfires
- What causes wildfires?
- Wildfires can be caused by natural factors such as lightning strikes, or by human activities such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and arson.
- How do strong winds affect wildfires?
- strong winds can rapidly spread wildfires by carrying embers and igniting new areas. They also make it more difficult for firefighters to control the flames.
- What is the role of climate change in wildfires?
- Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires by creating hotter, drier conditions that make vegetation more flammable.
- How can I protect my home from wildfires?
- You can protect your home by creating a defensible space around it, removing flammable vegetation, and using fire-resistant building materials.
- What should I do if I am caught in a wildfire?
- If you are caught in a wildfire, stay calm, stay low to the ground, and cover your mouth and nose with a cloth. If possible,find a clear area with little or no vegetation.
- how are wildfires fought?
- wildfires are fought using a variety of methods, including water drops from aircraft, ground crews with hand tools and bulldozers, and controlled burns to remove fuel from the fire’s path.
- What are the long-term effects of wildfires?
- The long-term effects of wildfires can include air and water pollution, soil erosion, loss of habitat, and changes in forest composition.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about wildfires and is not intended to provide specific safety advice. Always follow the instructions of local authorities during a wildfire emergency.
Share this article to raise awareness about the dangers of wildfires and the importance of preparedness. Leave a comment below with your thoughts on this critical issue.
PSV managed to beat Willem II 0-2 in Tilburg, but it was not always easy. The home team put up strong resistance in the first half, while PSV finally struck after the break thanks to Ricardo Pepi, who scored both goals.
The match immediately started with fireworks when Willem II had a great chance within 35 seconds. Cisse Sandra shot into the side netting after a cross from Kyan Vaesen. Part of the stadium thought the ball was in, but the attempt went just wide. Moments later, PSV also had a great chance, but Malik Tillman collided with Willem II keeper Thomas Didillon-Hödl from close range.
PSV had more ball possession in the first half, but Willem II remained strong. The best chance for the Tilburg team came in the 19th minute when striker Kyan Vaesen headed Nick Doodeman’s cross towards the goal. A “cat-like reflex” from PSV keeper Walter Benitez kept the ball out of the net.
After the break the game pattern changed. Shortly after the restart, PSV took the lead. A free kick from Joey Veerman was headed in by Ricardo Pepi: 0-1. Willem II then seemed to lose control, while PSV increasingly took control. After a nice action by Rick Karsdorp, he neatly put the ball back in the 64th minute, after which Pepi shot in his second of the evening: 0-2.
Willem II tried to return the favor with long balls and high pressure, but PSV no longer ran into problems.
Peter Bosz saw how PSV was too strong for Willem II on Saturday afternoon with 0-2. Ricardo Pepi was personally responsible for the entire production on behalf of the Eindhoven residents. The American was allowed to start in Tilburg by the head coach.
“He is a good player, but is unlucky that he has a phenomenon in front of him,” Bosz said at the PSV press conference after the victory in Tilburg. The head coach is of course referring to striker Luuk de Jong. “Luuk scores, provides assists and is our captain. And he is also top fit. Ricardo also has that bad luck.”
“Towards the end of the last season I spoke to him more often, because he really needed it,” he continues. “It is very human that if you train well and substitute well, but still do not start in the starting line-up, it will be frustrating. But that is just his fate, that was also told to him when he came here. Earnest Stewart is I have been very clear about that. But I can imagine that it can be tough at times.”
“What Ricardo can improve on? Something he cannot do anything about: experience. Luuk has the experience: he has played at Barcelona, Seville, in England and in Germany. He brings that experience to the matches. Ricardo is that experience now, by playing at PSV, at the top, where it is not allowed but must and where he can play matches in the Champions League,” said Bosz.
Washington – Fall means it’s time for almost everyone to catch up on their flu and Covid-19 vaccines, and many older adults also need protection against another risky winter virus, RSV.
Yes, you can receive the flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time. Don’t call them boosters: They’re not just another dose of last year’s protection. Coronavirus and flu are escape artists, constantly mutating to evade the body’s immune defenses, so both vaccines are reformulated annually to target newer strains.
“Now is the best time” to get all recommended fall vaccines, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while getting her flu shot Wednesday. You also have an appointment to receive your Covid-19 vaccine. It is “the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community.”
While not perfect, vaccines offer strong protection against getting a severe case of the flu or Covid-19 (or dying from it).
“It may not prevent all infections, but those infections will be less serious,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the CDC. “I would rather my grandmother or great-grandmother have a cold than have to go to the emergency room on Thanksgiving Day.”
The challenge: getting more Americans to get the vaccine. Last year, only 45 percent of adults got vaccinated against the flu and an even smaller percentage, 23 percent, got vaccinated against Covid-19. A survey released Wednesday by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases shows that a similarly low number intend to get vaccinated this fall.
And the coronavirus killed more Americans than the flu last year.
“We may think it’s not going to be my turn, but let’s not take any chances,” said Dr. Michael Knight of George Washington University. “Why not get a vaccine that helps reduce that risk?”
Who needs to get vaccinated against covid-19 or the flu in the fall?
The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age receive the updated Covid-19 vaccine and the annual flu vaccine. If you recently had Covid-19, you can wait two to three months, but you should still get the updated vaccine due to the expected increase in cases in winter.
Both viruses can be especially dangerous for certain groups, such as older people and those with weak immune systems and lung or heart diseases. Young children are also more vulnerable. The CDC counted 199 childhood flu deaths last year.
Pregnancy also increases the chances of contracting a serious illness such as Covid-19 or the flu, and vaccination protects the mother and also ensures that the newborn also has some protection.
What’s new in vaccines against covid-19?
Last fall’s vaccines targeted a strain of coronavirus that is no longer spreading, while this year’s are designed for a new section of the coronavirus family tree. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are formulated against a subtype of virus called KP.2, while the Novavax vaccine is directed against its original strain, JN.1. Daskalakis said they should all offer good cross-protection against other subtypes that are now spreading.
The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines can be used by adults and children 6 months and older. The Novavax vaccine is a more traditional protein vaccine combined with an immune booster and is open to anyone 12 years of age or older.
Which flu vaccine to choose?
There are high-dose vaccines and one with a special immune booster designed for people 65 and older, but if they can’t find one easily, they can choose a regular flu vaccine for all ages.
For those who do not inject any vaccines, FluMist nasal spray is available in pharmacies and clinics for children between 2 and 49 years old, although next year it will be available for home use.
All of this year’s flu vaccines will protect against two strains of flu type A and one strain of flu type B. Another form of flu type B, once common, stopped spreading a few years ago and was removed from the vaccine.
What about the other virus, RSV?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a cold-like nuisance for most people, but it also fills hospitals each winter and can be deadly for children under 5, the elderly, and people with certain high-risk health problems. risk.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for everyone age 75 and older and for people ages 60 to 74 who are at higher risk. It is a one-time vaccine, not an annual one, but only 24 percent of seniors received it last year. It is also recommended in late pregnancy to protect babies born during the fall and winter.
And while “your arm may hurt and you may feel sick for a day,” it’s also okay to get RSV, flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time, Daskalakis said.
How much will it cost?
Vaccines are supposed to be free under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans if people use an in-network provider.
Last year, about 1.5 million uninsured adults received free Covid-19 vaccines through a federal program, but that program has since ended. Instead, the CDC is providing $62 million to health departments to help improve access, and states and big cities are starting to put their plans into action.
Call your local health department to ask about options because, in many areas, “vaccine availability at lower or no cost is expected to begin to appear in the coming weeks,” Dr. Raynard Washington advised. who heads the health department of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.