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Link to Flood Preparation, Response and Recovery Information Severe Summer Weather and Tornado Preparedness We have had several rounds of severe summer weather including tornado warnings. Take the time to prepare yourself and your family for severe weather. Be informed -- click here to learn the key steps to plan and prepare for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. Link to South Dakota State University Climate and Weather for all disaster related weather information. West Nile Virus Season Is Here Mosquitoes have always been a nuisance but with the spread of West Nile virus, they are also an important public health concern. Although the West Nile virus mainly infects birds, it can be transmitted to humans and other animals by certain species of mosquitoes that take blood meals from both birds and humans. The bite from just one infected mosquito is all that is needed to transfer the disease. In humans, West Nile virus disease symptoms vary from no visible effect to flu-like symptoms, paralysis, or even death. All age groups are susceptible, but the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe forms of the disease. The Culex tarsalis mosquito is the main and very effective vector of the virus in South Dakota and other western states. This mosquito often bites without being noticed and research has shown it tends to be most active in late evening. Public mosquito control programs have been started in many cities and towns across the country. Even the best community mosquito control program will only reduce the risk from West Nile virus and thus wherever you live, personal protection against mosquito bites is your best safeguard. Though the season has begun and will last until killing frost, research has shown the time of risk is greatest from mid-July trough August. Click here to see the -- WNV Risk Reduction Chart. Dengue fever another mosquito borne illness has been found Florida, the first cases since 1945. This is a disease which has no cure and is very painful, is found mainly in the tropics and poses no threat to South Dakotans at this time (if not traveling to these areas).
BEREADYBROOKINGS RADIO SHOW Join us the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 am on KBRK, 1430 for a live show to learn the latest on H1N1 and what folks are doing in the community to respond to pandemic influenza or any disaster. You may call-in or e-mail your questions to Bereadybrookings@yahoo.com
Pandemic Influenza We have seen the initial outbreak and second wave of H1N1 occur at a level milder than many predicted which is a good thing. South Dakota has one of the highest H1N1 vaccination rates in the nation, thus we are better positioned than most states should we see a third wave of H1N1. Will there be a third wave, we do not know. At this time with the exception of a couple hot spots worldwide H1N1 activity is low. In the event of a third wave check these resources for preparedness, planning, and response information: bReady for Anything -- South Dakota Department of Health, the Extension Disaster Education Network Pandemic Influenza web page. The resources on these sites will help individuals, families, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and communities make plans, prepare, respond, and recover from pandemic influenza. If you are prepared for pandemic influenza, you are prepared for any disaster.
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