Health officials in Los Angeles County on Wednesday warned of an "unprecedented" rise in dengue fever among residents who have not traveled out of the country.

At least three cases of dengue have been reported in residents in the Baldwin Park neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles after they were bitten by local mosquitoes, Los Angeles County public health officials said.

"This is an unprecedented cluster of locally acquired dengue for a region where dengue has not previously been transmitted by mosquitoes," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Dengue is typically acquired after traveling abroad to a country where dengue is commonly spread. The first locally acquired case in California was reported a year ago.

CDC WARNS OF MOSQUITO-DRIVEN VIRUS AS CASES SPIKE

Dengue spread from mosquito bites within the U.S. has been reported this year in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where officials have declared a dengue epidemic.

There have been 3,085 such cases in the U.S. this year, of which 96% were in Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of dengue fever can include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash and mild bleeding, according to public health officials. 

NORTHEASTERN TOWNS ISSUE VOLUNTARY LOCKDOWN TO PREVENT SPREAD OF MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE

Symptoms may mimic other viruses such as the flu, though officials say the most serious cases can result in shock, severe bleeding and severe organ impairment which require immediate medical attention.

Los Angeles County Public Health said it is working with other agencies and the city of Baldwin Park to go door-to-door and speak to residents about the risk of dengue and mosquito bite prevention.

Meanwhile, officials are increasing mosquito trapping to identify and test mosquitoes to reduce the risk of any additional spread in the neighborhood.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 49,000 people taking their own lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although most suicides stem from mental health disorders, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be "contagious," leading to "suicide clusters."

Suicide clusters are defined as "a group of suicides or suicide attempts that occur closer together in time, space or both than would normally be expected in a community," the CDC states.

ON WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY, NEW REPORT IDENTIFIES THREE TOP FACTORS DRIVING SUICIDE RATES

Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and the chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, confirmed that the act can have a contagion effect — particularly among young people.

"When individuals hear about a suicide, especially someone close to their age or in their community, it can feel more accessible as an option in moments of distress," she told Fox News Digital. 

"The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk."

Up to 5% of youth suicides can be attributed to contagion, according to Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical care social worker in Florida who works with JustAnswer, an expert help on-demand platform.

AMERICAN VETERANS WHO COMMIT SUICIDE ARE 95% MALE, CRISIS OFTEN DRIVEN BY FAMILY DISPUTES, SAY EXPERTS

"It doesn’t necessarily increase for everyone in that community, but rather for those who are struggling as well — with depression, anxiety and other feelings that may be overwhelming," she told Fox News Digital. 

Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, shared the following four factors that could contribute to suicide clusters. 

When people hear about suicides, it can normalize the idea of using it as a way to deal with problems, according to Gilman.

"People often look to others for cues on how to behave," she told Fox News Digital. 

"If they see that many others are choosing suicide, they may believe that it is the socially acceptable or ‘correct’ thing to do."

"Some individuals may feel a sense of connection or empathy with the person who died and may imitate their actions," Gilman said.

"In close-knit communities, schools or social groups, the suicide of one member can lead to others in the same environment feeling similar distress or engaging in similar behaviors."

Some individuals may imitate the behavior of someone who has died by suicide, especially if they are already struggling with their own mental health, she said. 

"This can be due to a sense of hopelessness or a desire to escape their own pain."

People may believe that if others are choosing suicide, it must be a valid option for them as well, according to Gilman. 

"From social learning theory, if the observed behavior — in this case, suicide — is seen as a positive outcome or a solution to problems, it may be reinforced and more likely to be imitated."

‘SLEEP DISORDER DROVE MY SON TO SUICIDE,’ NEW YORK MOTHER SAYS: ‘BROKE MY HEART’

This risk can escalate when a celebrity or widely admired person dies by suicide, she added, as it can have a disproportionate impact on those who look up to that individual.

"Individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues — especially depression and anxiety — may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors," Gilman warned. 

Those experiencing difficult life circumstances — such as job loss, divorce or financial struggles — may be more susceptible, she added.

"People tend to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easily recalled," Gilman said. 

"If a recent suicide has been widely publicized, it may make the idea of suicide more accessible and salient in people's minds."

For those impacted by suicide, experts agreed that it's important to watch for signs of deep distress, including the following.

"Experiencing recurring or intensifying thoughts of suicide is a critical warning sign that immediate professional help is necessary," Gilman advised. 

"For instance, the survivor may start having more frequent thoughts about ending their own life or making plans for it."

NEW YORK TEEN STARTS NONPROFIT FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION THROUGH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS: 'WANTED TO HELP'

They may also express feelings of being overwhelmed to the point where they believe suicide is the only option, she said.

People saying they feel like a burden is a "major red flag," according to Thomas Banta, a clinical mental health counselor in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

"Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor," he told Fox News Digital.

"When we hear that type of language, intervention is essential."

"Difficulty managing daily responsibilities or activities can indicate that the emotional burden is too great to handle without professional support," Gilman said. 

The survivor may struggle to maintain a job, manage household duties or care for themselves due to their emotional state.

Engaging in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree.

"For example, the survivor may start harming themselves physically, such as cutting or burning, as a means of dealing with their emotional pain," said Gilman.

"Or they may engage in dangerous activities, like reckless driving, promiscuous sex or substance abuse, which puts their health and safety at risk."

Significant changes in behavior or mood that affect a survivor’s ability to function in everyday life can be a sign that they need help, according to Gilman.

This might involve the survivor becoming unusually aggressive, withdrawn or apathetic, or displaying behavior that is significantly different from their "normal" demeanor.

"Pulling away from friends, family or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own," Gilman warned. 

The person might avoid social interactions, decline invitations or isolate themselves from people who usually offer support.

The signs aren’t always obvious, however, Banta noted.

"We also see the opposite end of the spectrum, where somebody will make a plan, and their mood lifts because they feel like they have found an escape," he said.

Experts offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of "clusters" following a suicide.

"It’s important to be cautious about how we discuss suicide publicly," Fenkel said.

The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, she advised.

"This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss," she said. 

Offering access to crisis resources can help vulnerable individuals feel connected and supported, Fenkel said.

"It's crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support," she said, noting that many schools and communities provide mental health services to help those who are grieving.

Banta agreed, noting that intervention and higher levels of care can stabilize people and help them develop a robust support system. 

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"In terms of public health communication, we must let people know that treatment works and that there is effective help out there," he said. 

"Stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to suicidal ideation," Gilman warned.

When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment, they are more likely to seek help from professionals, she noted. 

Fenkel agreed, encouraging people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health.

"Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should know that there is help available, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness," she said.

Suicide is a "fleeting state of mind," Banta pointed out. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

"I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did," he said.

"So if you are struggling and reading this, there is help. Don't give up."

Bayahibe.- The ninth edition of the Bayahíbe race, set for September 22, will see at least 600 participants competing to support the Solca Foundation, which promotes social and educational projects for vulnerable youth. The event is organized by the La Romana Bayahíbe Hotel Association (AHRB) and the La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB), with support from the Bayahíbe Municipal District.

The race will begin at 7:00 am from La Punta de Bayahíbe. Over 70 personnel from various security and emergency services, including the Tourist Police and the National Emergency System (911), will ensure runner safety. This year’s race, notable for its mixed asphalt and sand course, is described by Ana García-Sotoca of AHRB and CTRB as a milestone for integrating sports and offering a unique experience.

The event, supported by Santo Domingo Corre, expects 38% female participants, particularly between 30 and 50 years old. It is designed for runners aiming to complete the 10 kilometers in 40 to 55 minutes. Participants will receive medals, with prizes awarded to the top finishers in several categories. The event will also feature entertainment such as Zumba, a foam party, live DJs, and various raffles. Major sponsors include Mitur, Banreservas, and various local businesses and resorts.

A growing number of U.S. adults are hesitant to get recommended vaccines this fall, a new survey found.

The poll, which included 1,006 people, found that only 43% of respondents have gotten or plan to get the COVID vaccine.

Only a slight majority (56%) of adults said they have gotten or plan to get the flu shot this fall.

COVID VACCINE DISTRUST GROWING AMONG AMERICANS, SURVEY FINDS: ‘SHOULD BE A PERSONAL CHOICE’

The poll also found that 37% of those who have gotten vaccines in past years plan to skip the shots this season. 

Around one-third of respondents also said they don’t believe they need the vaccines mentioned in the survey — flu, COVID, RSV or pneumococcal pneumonia.

Vaccine hesitancy tends to skew younger, as adults aged 65 and older are the most likely to get the recommended immunizations.

The nationwide survey was conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in mid-August 2024.

NEW COVID VACCINES GET FDA APPROVAL FOR 2024-2025 SEASON

These findings come just weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the 2024-2025 season.

"We’re at the start of respiratory virus season, when you have the triple threat of flu, COVID-19 and RSV," said Nora Colburn, MD, medical director of clinical epidemiology at Ohio State’s Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, in a press release.

"Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about vaccinations, but the reality is that they are safe and highly effective in preventing serious illness and death," she went on.

"Older adults, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and those who are pregnant are especially at risk during respiratory virus season."

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, reacted to the poll’s findings.

"It’s obviously not surprising that 37% of people said they had been vaccinated in the past but weren’t planning to this year," he told Fox News Digital. 

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COVID VACCINE IDENTIFIED IN STUDY

"We just had a vaccine mandate a couple of years ago, and furthermore, childhood vaccines are very broadly administered, so those 37% are people who wouldn’t be getting a vaccine normally anyway."

The reported rate of 56% for the flu shot is a little above average, Glanville said, as it tends to hover at around 50%.

"Coronavirus vaccination rates are a little lower than for the flu," he noted. 

This could be due to lack of clarity with the public over how COVID should be treated post-pandemic, according to Glanville.

"It’s also fatigue due to the COVID vaccines not being particularly effective at preventing symptoms, which causes people to believe that they are not effective (although they do protect against severe illness)," he added.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, said he finds the poll’s findings concerning.

"Both vaccines wane over six months, so a yearly booster makes sense for high-risk groups," he told Fox News Digital.

Siegel estimates that this year’s flu season will be similar to last year’s, which was "moderate," with 25,000 deaths and 400,000 hospitalizations. 

"The flu shot decreases severity and number of hospitalizations by about a quarter, and helps to provide community immunity," he added.

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN BIRD FLU DIAGNOSED WITHOUT EXPOSURE TO INFECTED ANIMALS, CDC SAYS

For COVID, Siegel warned that the virus’ activity is still fairly high — "especially in the western U.S."

The doctor also warned of a new variant circulating in Europe, which he expects will soon be in the U.S., known as the XEC subvariant.

"It seems to be more contagious — it causes congestion, cough, loss of smell and appetite, sore throat and body aches," he told Fox News Digital.

"The new vaccine should provide at least some coverage."

Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told Siegel that very young children are being hospitalized at a greater rate — "likely because they haven't been vaccinated with the primary series."

"I recommend a yearly booster for the elderly, immunocompromised and those with chronic illness, along with anyone who is at risk for long COVID or has had it previously," Siegel said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the following vaccine recommendations.

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Flu: Everyone 6 months and older is advised to get vaccinated against influenza.

COVID-19: The latest version of the COVID vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

RSV: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 75 and older, as well as those aged 60 to 74 who have certain chronic medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, or who live in nursing homes, as they are at a higher risk of severe disease. Pregnant women are also advised to get the vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.

Pneumococcal: Everyone younger than 5 years and age 65 and older is advised to get the pneumococcal vaccine, along with those who are at increased risk of severe disease.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Fox News Digital reached out to the OSU research team for comment.

View the full post Delma Thomas appointed to serve as minister for 2 ministries on NOW Grenada.

The Vector Control Unit will visit communities in St Michael and St Joseph when it conducts its fogging exercise this week.

The team will focus on mosquito breeding sites in St Michael, from Monday to Wednesday, before moving on to St Joseph on Thursday and Friday.

On Monday, the Unit will fog Hindsbury Road, Tudor Road, Dr Kerr Land, Mottley Land, Prescod Bottom, Brathwaite Road, Progressive Road, Field Gap, Country Road, Laundry Road and environs.

The Unit will concentrate its efforts on Station Hill, Goodings Road with avenues, Bellevue Gap, and Deane’s Village on Tuesday.

The following districts will be sprayed on Wednesday: Mansion Road, Lower Bank Hall Cross Road, Prince of Wales, Queen Mary Road, King George Road, King Edward Road, Queen Victoria Road, Buckingham Road, 2nd Avenue Sealy Land, Gilkes Road, Powder Road, and Happy Cot.

On Thursday, several areas in St Joseph will be targeted for fogging. These include Blackmans Tenantry, Horse Hill, Blackman Development, Tourville, Bonwell Road, Surinam Road, Vaughn Road Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and Quarry Road.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, in the following St Joseph communities: Gaggs Hill, Hillswick Road, Phillips Road, Cleavers Hill, Bathsheba, Elizabeth Village, St Elizabeth New Road, and Foster Hall.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the spray.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time.

The post Fogging in St Michael and St Joseph this week appeared first on Barbados Today.

Vaccine coverage among primary school aged children remains high, but still not at optimum levels, the Ministry of Health says.

The ministry says the last statistics recorded at the end of 2023, show that there has been a promising improvement in vaccination rates over the years, but the 95 per cent coverage point has still not been achieved.

The statement said, “Barbados in 2023, coverage of primary vaccines was 85 per cent for Diphtheria tetanus toxoid and pertussis [DTP3] and Polio and MMR1 and 2 was 90 per cent and 76 per cent respectively. This was an improvement from the coverage achieved in 2021 and 2022 for MMR, however, the DTP3 and Polio3 coverage was similar to that seen in 2020 and slightly less than that for 2022. Overall, the coverage of primary vaccines is still below the targeted 95 percent coverage.”

Meanwhile, Veronica Kirton, acting senior health sister at the Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic, told Barbados TODAY on Saturday during a visit to the facility, that there has been a steady flow of parents bringing their children in for their shots.

“Right now we are seeing a steady flow of persons coming in for the vaccines, we’ve not really had any vaccine hesitancy per say. We’ve had some children who would have defaulted, and because we are open today, Saturday, which we normally wouldn’t do, we’ve had a few parents coming in bringing their children for the vaccines,” she said.  

Kirton pointed out that Mondays are typically designated as childhood days at the polyclinic, which typically covered vaccination appointments. She added that there has been a consistent flow of children, aged two months to five years, as well as those seeking to update their vaccinations after sitting the Common Entrance Examinations.

“What we do is that we organise a programme where we do a particular school on a set day and then after that, we have a day where persons who probably would have missed the vaccines would come on that day to get the vaccines.

“[On average] we tend to get probably 20 children per week at this location, coming in.” (SB)

The post Promising improvement in vaccination rates, Health Ministry says appeared first on Barbados Today.

Speaking at the association’s third quarterly general meeting at Stade’s Rum Visitors Centre in Brighton on Friday, BHTA Chairman Javon Griffith revealed that participation in the fund, established in 2003 to bolster tourism-related initiatives, has plummeted to a mere 26 per cent of hotel members.

“This is despite participation in the fund being a requirement of hotel membership via our articles of association. I cannot stress enough that this fund benefits the entire membership, but it’s being supported by a minority of hotel members,” Griffith said. “This situation is fundamentally wrong, and something which we will address over the coming weeks.”

The fund has historically financed various projects, including the restoration of the Holetown bridge, improvements to the Garrison Historic Area, and support for COVID-19 facilities. Contributions are primarily collected through a voluntary charge on hotel guests’ bills at checkout.

Griffith illustrated the potential impact of wider participation, stating that a 75-room hotel with typical seasonal occupancy could generate $59 000 annually for the fund, based on a US$2 ($4) per night contribution.

“I wish to see this fund grow to a level where the BHTA can make an even more significant contribution towards the tourism industry in collaboration with our partners at the BTMI,” he said, urging non-contributing members to contact the secretariat for information. (SB)

The post Most hoteliers blanking tourism fund – BHTA appeared first on Barbados Today.

View the full post Significant progress in healthcare delivery despite apparent slow pace on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo.- Médico Express highlights the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern medicine, improving safety, evaluation, and diagnosis of diseases. Dr. Melisa Ravelo, the center’s Medical Imaging coordinator, emphasizes their advanced diagnostic technology, including the 3D Senographe Pristina mammography, which uses AI to enhance image quality, reduce exam discomfort, and lower radiation doses.

The center also features the Signa Prime 1.5 Tesla MRI and the 128-slice GE Revolution CT scanner, both using AI to improve image clarity and speed up diagnoses while minimizing radiation exposure. Additionally, the Voluson S8 ultrasound system for maternal-fetal imaging integrates AI for clearer images and faster diagnoses, raising the standard of care.

AI enables efficient processing of large data volumes, identifying patterns and anomalies that aid in the early detection and prevention of diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions, leading to better patient outcomes.

About Médico Express

Médico Express is a state-of-the-art outpatient care center, adhering to international standards and focusing on patient and family-centered care. It is the first facility in Latin America to achieve Fitwel certification, recognizing its commitment to promoting health and well-being. Strategically located on the San Isidro highway, it serves both local residents and tourists. The center is dedicated to innovation, research, digital transformation, and best practices, advancing Dominican medicine on the global stage.