Summer’s here, which means outbreaks of various diseases in Northern California.
Shasta County health officials report that a dozen cases of viral meningitis were identified in the county in the first half of June. One county resident survived a bout with E. coli bacteria from the Nestle Toll House cookie dough that has been recalled. Plus, a dead bird found earlier in the month has been confirmed as this year’s first case of West Nile virus.
The E. coli case was one of 66 nationwide connected to the refrigerated cookie dough. It’s not a disease that can be spread from person to person.
Viral meningitis is not the same as bacterial meningitis, which is a more serious illness, but people who contract viral meningitis can suffer sudden headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea and other symptoms, and they should see a doctor. Health officials say 41 cases have been reported so far this year in the county, which usually only sees 15 cases over a whole year.
A dead savannah sparrow found June 4 in North Redding was confirmed in lab tests as having West Nile, which is spread by mosquitos. Symptoms include high fever and stiff neck. Health officials say residents should take care to avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water around their properties.
For more info about these and other health threats, click here.
- On a much, much lighter note, check out the Redding Library on Wednesday when the Carnival of Chaos Comedy Show entertains at 1 p.m. “Professional goofballs” Mark Bunnell and Andrea Terry of San Francisco blend zany humor, juggling, stunts and music in a fun-for-the-whole-family show.
- Out and About: We spent part of Father’s Day driving out to Lassen Volcanic National Park and hiking around beautiful Manzanita Lake. Fluffy white clouds and towering mountains and splashing ducklings. Who could want more from a nature outing? And only 50 scenic miles from Redding.
- DVDs We’ve Seen: “Frozen River,” which earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination for Melissa Leo. Engrossing, if bleak, tale about a poverty-stricken family living near the Canadian border. Leo’s character gets mixed up with a Mohawk woman who is smuggling illegal aliens into the country. A terrific little film.
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