JAPAN ISSUES EMERGENCY WARNINGS AS TYPHOON SHANSHAN APPROACHES
On Wednesday, Japan issued rare emergency warnings as Typhoon Shanshan approached, prompting the evacuation of nearly a million people and the shutdown of all Toyota factories. The storm, which brought heavy rain and strong winds, was expected to hit Kyushu after passing the Amami Islands. The Japan Meteorological Agency’s warnings, the highest category, indicated potential large-scale disasters including flash floods, landslides, and structural damage. Authorities issued evacuation orders for around 990,000 people across southern, western, and central Japan. The storm led to power outages, canceled flights, and disruptions to Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail network. In Aichi Prefecture, rescuers searched for two missing individuals following a landslide. Despite a relatively quiet Pacific typhoon season due to La Niรฑa, which suppresses storm formation, Shanshan has proven severe, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these storms. (New York Times)
NYC SPRAYS INSECTICIDES AFTER WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED
Mosquitoes in New York City have been found carrying the West Nile virus, prompting city officials to start spraying insecticides to curb its spread. Although West Nile virus is relatively rare, it has raised concerns after Dr. Anthony Fauci was hospitalized with the disease. In 2024, the NYC Department of Health reported six confirmed cases of West Nile virus, including four cases of Neuroinvasive Disease and one case of West Nile Fever. The virus was also detected in three blood donors. The city began spraying pesticides in affected neighborhoods, including parts of Brooklyn, to target areas with high mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission. The increase in cases is not limited to NYC; New Jersey has also reported an earlier-than-expected surge in cases. Health authorities emphasize that controlling mosquito breeding sites, like standing water, is crucial to reducing the virus’s spread. (NBC NY)
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US REPORTS OROPOUCHE VIRUS CASES IN RETURNING TRAVELERS
As of August 27, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 20 travelers returning from Cuba have contracted Oropouche virus, a disease once confined to the Amazon region. This virus, which causes Oropouche fever, has spread significantly since late 2023, with over 8,000 confirmed cases across the Americas, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Cuba. Brazil recently reported its first fatalities and is investigating potential links to fetal deaths and malformations. The Pan American Health Organization raised the risk level for Oropouche to high due to its spread and fatal cases. The World Health Organization categorized the regional risk as high and global risk as low. The virus is transmitted by the midge *Culicoides paraensis* and has recently been detected outside its traditional Amazon range, causing local transmission concerns in other regions. There are no vaccines or treatments available, and symptoms are similar to other arboviruses, including fever and joint pain. (Nature)
NEW YORK PAID FAMILY LEAVE REDUCES INFANT RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics on August 27 found that New York state’s paid family leave policy, enacted in 2018, is associated with reduced acute-care visits for infants with respiratory tract infections, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The policy provides 8 weeks of paid leave for parents of infants or those caring for ill family members. Researchers compared acute-care encounters for infants 8 weeks or younger in New York with those in four New England states without paid leave policies. They found a significant 18% decrease in overall respiratory tract infection visits and a 27% decrease in RSV-related visits in New York following the policyโs implementation. The study suggests that state-paid family leave can protect young infants from severe respiratory infections. The findings support broader adoption of paid family leave, as 13 states and Washington, DC, currently have such policies. (CIDRAP)
TRADITIONAL MILPA PRACTICE SHOWS PROMISE IN PEST CONTROL
For thousands of years, small farmers in Mexico and Central America have used a traditional agricultural practice called milpa, which involves growing maize, beans, and squash together in a single field. This โThree Sistersโ method not only improves yields by enriching the soil and reducing weeds but also appears to reduce pest damage. Recent research presented at the Ecological Society of Americaโs annual meeting suggests that the intercropping system helps by utilizing plant teamwork to attract pestsโ natural enemies. Maize plants signal beans to produce nectar that attracts ants and wasps, which then prey on harmful caterpillars. In experiments conducted in Oaxaca, Mexico, researchers found that growing these crops together reduced pest damage compared to monocultures. However, similar benefits may not always occur with different plant combinations or varieties, as effective pest control depends on specific plant traits and the types of volatile chemicals they emit. Understanding these interactions could help modern farmers reduce pesticide use and improve crop protection. (Science)
FDA WARNS OF BACTERIA IN CONTAMINATED TATTOO INKS
The FDA has highlighted ongoing concerns about tattoo inks contaminated with harmful bacteria. A recent recall of three inks from Sierra Stain revealed high levels of various bacteria, including *Citrobacter braakii* and *Cupriavidus pauculus*. These inks, sold nationwide through Amazon, posed potential health risks such as infections and allergic reactions. A study published in *Applied and Environmental Microbiology* found that 35% of tattoo and permanent makeup inks were contaminated, including 22% of tattoo inks. Despite no reported adverse reactions linked to the recalled inks, the FDA emphasizes that contaminated inks can cause severe skin issues and permanent scarring. The agency advises consumers to scrutinize the quality and safety of tattoo products and encourages tattoo artists to maintain high hygiene standards to prevent contamination. (Ars Technica)
TOMATINA FESTIVAL SEES 150,000 KILOS OF TOMATOES SHIPPED
Around 150,000 kilos of tomatoes were shipped from Silla to Buรฑol for the annual Tomatina festival on Wednesday. The event, a Festival of International Tourist Interest, attracts around 22,000 participants who pelt each other with tomatoes for an hour, starting at noon. This year’s tomatoes, provided by Frutas y Verduras Massanassa, are exclusively for the festival and not fit for consumption. VIP tickets, priced over $500, offer an exclusive experience in the tomato-throwing trucks, though only five were sold. The Tomatina, which began in 1945 with a spontaneous tomato fight, is now a major global attraction. Tickets for the event start at โฌ15 ($16.70), and the local authorities are preparing for a full house. (El Pais)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
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