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AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) Avian influenza (bird flu) is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds. There are at least 15 types of avian flu, and they are all caused by various strains of type A influenza virus. Unlike wild birds, domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys are more likely to become severely ill and die when infected. Birds spread large amounts of the virus through secretions and droppings, eventually contaminating dust and soil, and possibly becoming airborne. Avian Flu can be carried on contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing and footwear. Insects can also act as carriers of the disease. People who have been infected with avian flu become seriously ill and in some cases have died. The symptoms can resemble those of human influenza, including fever, cough, aching muscles and sore throat. The human health effects of avian flu can also include eye infections and serious respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Currently there is no vaccine available for Avian Flu. WHO IS AT RISK? WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF Flu viruses have the capacity to combine amongst themselves, and mutate into a new strain. If someone with human influenza also becomes infected with avian influenza, there is a chance that the viruses could combine and create a new virus that could spread easily amongst humans, thus resulting in a world wide pandemic. There would be no immunity to the new virus, and it would take at least six months to develop a new vaccine. This is why it is extremely important to know how to minimize your risks of infection, and stop the spread of infectious diseases. | |
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WEST NILE VIRUS 2005 UPDATE West Nile virus has struck Toronto early this year with a 48 year old woman tested positive in Etobicoke. The fact that the first case in a human has occurred earlier this year creates concerns with the city's health officials. Last year, Toronto's first victim was diagnosed on August 13. This summer's hot & steamy weather could increase the risk of widespread illness. Mosquito traps set across the city have turned up infected insects at 20 locations, and six birds have already tested positive for the virus. In prior years, infected mosquitoes have been concentrated near Lake Ontario from Etobicoke and westward. It is now being reported that evidence of West Nile virus is present throughout the city, and there's no one area that is free of the virus at this point. Awareness and personal vigilance is the key to good protection. People should use insect repellents containing DEET anytime they go outside during mosquito season, especially at night, when mosquitoes are most active. DEET is the only ingredient that effectively repels mosquitoes and other insects. West Nile Virus can be a horrible disease. There are many people who go unprotected against mosquito bites, and need to take the necessary precautions. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin as much as possible when spending time outdoors. Use repellents containing DEET, and eliminate standing water areas around the home. It’s worthwhile to take those few seconds to reduce your risk of becoming infected. CROC BLOC Insect Repellents are one of the many fine products on the market that are highly recommended to provide outdoor protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects. Non-DEET mosquito repellent products such as picaridin and lemon eucalyptus pathogens may be effective for short periods of time, but not nearly as effective as DEET. |
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RECENT REGULATORY CHANGES FOR PERSONAL INSECT REPELLENTSIn Canada, all pesticide products including personal Insect Repellents are regulated by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) division of Health Canada in Ottawa. The PMRA has mandated changes to all personal Insect Repellents offered for sale in Canada. Insect Repellent products containing more than 30% DEET, MGK 264, Repellent 326 and Combination sunscreen and DEET cannot be manufactured in Canada after August 31, 2002. As a result the affect that these new regulations will have on our Croc Bloc Insect Repellents are as follows.
For more information on Health Canada's Pest
Control Products Act, you can visit the Parliamentary
Website.
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2003 HEALTH AND FACT ALERTHard to believe, but it's time to prepare for outdoor protection programs for those workers that will be exposed to the sun and insects. The CROC BLOC™ family of sunscreens and insect repellents is one of the most comprehensive lines available "PROTECTING WORKERS ON THE JOB OR AT HOME". We have prepared this information to help you understand the health hazards outdoor workers are exposed to each and every day and how to best protect against these potentially dangerous occupational injuries. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN!FACT - As printed in the OHS Canada's Jan/Feb issue, a construction worker was awarded an appeal from Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal ( WSIAT ) for compensation benefits claimed eight years ago for lost time injury due to skin cancer that he contracted after spending over 30 years in the construction industry. This gentlemen had 24,000 hours of cumulative outside exposure to the sun. After this decision, the WSIB confirmed that it has settled 45 other skin cancer cases since 1974 and that 10 of those cases involved construction workers. As written in the Canadian Occupational Safety and Health Regulations: Canada
Labor
code,
PART II 12.9 Where there is a hazard of injury or disease to or through the skin in a workplace, the employer shall provide to very person granted access to the workplace
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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE WEST NILE VIRUS!FACT - In 1999, the
West Nile Virus was first detected in the U.S.A., in New York City.
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one: (800) 332 - 1810 Fax : (800) 304 -
9629