24 June 2014
Rare and Painful Mosquito Borne Infection Confirmed in Lane County
A rare and painful blood borne infection that originated in the Caribbean last year has been confirmed in a Lane County man who recently travelled to that region.
Lane County Senior Health Officer Patrick Luedtke says the Chikungunya virus is rarely fatal and symptoms include fever and joint pain. Luedtke says the best relief can come from bed rest, hydration and over the counter medications such as ibuprofen.
The disease is spread by mosquitoes and the official says prevention of their bites is the best way to prevent the spread of Chikungunya.
The disease first showed up in the Caribbean in 2013 and has since spread rapidly through the southeastern portion of the United States. This week’s detection was the first in Lane County.
Umpqua Bank to Shed Excess Branches
After a recent merger with Sterling Financial, Umpqua Bank has announced it will be closing 27 branches by the end of this year. The Roseburg based bank announced yesterday that more closures are possible in 2015.
The company did not identify the branches that will be closed, but according to the Daily Columbian 13 of the branches will be in Washington State with seven each in Oregon and California.
Umpqua says it has notified all customers who will be affected by the closures. Their accounts will automatically be transferred to “the most convenient” nearby branch.
Fireworks Season Prompts Advice
Fireworks season officially opened yesterday in Oregon, prompting a reminder by the Oregon State Fire Marshall.
Jim Walker says all fireworks stands and retailers must be licensed by the state with fireworks offered for sale only between June 23rd and July 6th.
They’re also not allowed to used on any Oregon beach, parks or campgrounds.
In Florence, fireworks are also prohibited in street rights of way and sidewalks in the Old Town Area, as well as all Port of Siuslaw properties.
Fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air are banned in Oregon.
Walker says fireworks pose a significant threat to forests. Last year there were 197 fireworks-related fires in Oregon, resulting in one death, 38 injuries and more than three-quarters-of-a-million-dollars in property damage. Violators could be fined up to $500 and users who cause fires could be made to pay the cost of firefighting and damages.
Road Work to Cause Lincoln Count Delays
If you’re headed north in the coming weeks, expect some delays on Highway 101 between Waldport and Newport. A paving project will result in single lane restrictions overnight in two areas in south Lincoln County: Through the Lost Creek recreation area near Seal Rock; and immediately north of the Alsea Bay Bridge.
Paving will be done between seven PM and seven AM through July 31st with traffic controlled by flaggers and pilot cars.
Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.
