Why Some People May Attract Mosquitoes | September 9, 2024

Summary

This week on CNN 10, the spotlight is on mosquito-borne illnesses like Triple E and West Nile Virus, which have hospitalized several individuals in the Northeast United States, with one fatality. Communities are implementing protective measures due to the increased risk during dusk and dawn. The script also addresses the intensifying landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, causing infrastructure threats and prompting a state of emergency. Additionally, the return of Boeing's Starliner capsule from the International Space Station after a three-month stay is covered, along with its technical issues and the significance of the commercial crew program. The segment concludes with a 10 out of 10 home site featuring a 3D printed, tornado and fire-resistant home, and a fun fact about Kansas being the Sunflower State.

Takeaways

• 🦟 Northeastern US communities are experiencing a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and Triple E, with one death reported.
• 🏥 Hospitals are seeing an increase in cases of rare and sometimes deadly mosquito-borne diseases.
• 🌡️ Symptoms of Triple E include sudden headaches, high fever, chills, and vomiting, with severe cases potentially leading to seizures and comas.
• 📈 The CDC has identified six cases of Triple E across five states, indicating a regional spike in this mosquito-borne disease.
• 🌆 Communities are implementing voluntary dusk-to-dawn curfews and closing recreational areas to reduce exposure to infected mosquitoes.
• 🌤️ Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increase in mosquito and tick-borne infections over the past decade.
• 🧪 There are currently no widely available vaccines for mosquito-borne diseases, making personal protection measures crucial.
• 🌍 Malaria and Dengue have also been detected in Texas and Florida, highlighting a broader issue with mosquito-borne diseases.
• 🏠 In Southern California, affluent communities are grappling with landslides that threaten homes and infrastructure, exacerbated by heavy rainfall.
• 🚀 The Boeing Starliner capsule returned to Earth after a longer-than-planned stay at the International Space Station due to technical issues.
• 🏡 A 3D printed home, capable of withstanding tornadoes and fires, was showcased as an innovative approach to construction.

Q & A

What is the primary concern in the Northeast United States communities mentioned in the script?

The primary concern is the spread of rare and sometimes deadly mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which have led to hospitalizations and even a death.

What are the first symptoms of Triple E virus?

The first symptoms of Triple E virus can include sudden headaches, high fever, chills, and vomiting.

How has the CDC responded to the mosquito-borne illnesses this year?

The CDC has identified six cases of Triple E in five states: Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

What measures have communities taken to protect residents from mosquito-borne diseases?

Communities have begun voluntary curfews, closed recreational and sports fields at dusk and dawn, and rescheduled or moved activities indoors.

Why are scientists concerned about the increase in mosquito and tick-borne infections?

Scientists are concerned because climate change and human activity have led to an increase in mosquito and tick-borne infections over the past decade.

What is the most common mosquito-borne infection in the US?

The most common mosquito-borne infection in the US is the West Nile Virus.

Why are some people bitten more by mosquitoes than others?

Some people are bitten more by mosquitoes due to their distinctive odor, which consists of chemicals that mosquitoes can sense.

What advice does Dr. Sanjay Gupta give to prevent mosquito bites?

Dr. Sanjay Gupta suggests using a fan to blow away carbon dioxide, avoiding dark colors like reds and oranges, and using insect spray with DEET or picaridin.

What is the situation in Rancho Palos Verdes regarding landslides?

Rancho Palos Verdes is experiencing active but slow-moving landslides that have recently sped up due to record amounts of rain, causing roads to buckle and homes to be partially swallowed by the ground.

What is the connection between climate change and the landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Climate change is believed to be contributing to heavier rainfall and more powerful storms, which in turn is causing landslides to become more frequent.

What was the outcome of the Boeing Starliner capsule's mission to the International Space Station?

The Boeing Starliner capsule experienced thruster issues and returned to Earth without the astronauts on board, and now NASA and Boeing need to address these issues before it can be certified for routine trips.

What is the significance of the 3D printed home mentioned in the script?

The 3D printed home is significant because it was built in less than a week, is made of a special concrete that makes it tornado and fire-resistant, and represents an innovative approach to construction.