12 WEEKLYPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 10, 2013


Te accidental import of Asian Tiger Mosquitoes wreaking havoc this year


H


eading out of the country this summer? You may be bringing


back more than just souve- nirs and a tan! According to the American Mosquito Con- trol Association (AMCA), the Asian tiger mosquito, or Aedes albopictus, hitched a ride to the U.S. in used tires likely shipped from Japan. They first appeared in Hous- ton, and since then, have spread throughout the south, mid-Atlantic and parts of the Midwest. “The Asian tiger mos- quito is not indigenous to the U.S. but has been able to thrive here, making ac- tivities such as gardening or picnicking less enjoyable because this species really loves to feed on humans,” said AMCA Technical Advi- sor Joe Conlon. “They will bite us throughout the day, not just between dusk and dawn.”


Because this species of mosquito was imported from elsewhere, it’s im- portant summer travelers vacationing internationally check luggage before re- turning to the states. Inter- national travel also includes eco-tourism, a travel trend emphasizing journeys to relatively undisturbed natu-


GFS Class of 2013 Graduates!


ral areas, which has gained popularity in recent years. “The U.S. is only a seven- hour flight from other continents such as Africa or South America, where different species of mos- quitoes–and the diseases they carry–may be picked up and brought back,” continued Conlon. “Travel- ers should make sure their checked luggage and carry- ons are free of any pesky insects, like mosquitoes, before boarding flights.” In addition, AMCA recom- mends the public practice the “Three Ds” of mosquito prevention—Drain, Dress and Defend: Drain: Empty out containers at least once per week. Fill in low-lying areas.


Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants and light-colored, loose-fitting


clothing. Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picardin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. About the American Mos- quito Control Association Celebrating 78 years of pro- tecting public health in 2013, the American Mosquito Con- trol Association (AMCA) is an international not-for-profit public service association. With more than 1,600 mem- bers worldwide, AMCA mem- bership extends to more than 50 countries and includes in- dividuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities. Please visit AMCA online at www.mosquito.org


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he American Red Cross issued an emergency request for platelet and blood donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give because many fewer donations than expected were received in June and the first week of July. “We are counting on gen-


erous volunteer blood and platelet donors to step up and give now,” said Brigid O’Neill LaGier, Chief Ex- ecutive Officer for the Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need.” Nationwide, donations


through the Red Cross were down approximately 10 percent in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer dona- tions than expected. The shortfall is similar to what the Red Cross experienced in June 2012.


n Friday, June 14, the Germantown Friends School Class of 2013 had its Com- mencement ceremony at the Arch Street Meeting House in Old City. West Phila- delphia graduates include: (left to right) Hilyard Nichols, Mazin Blaik, Sam Hill-


Cristol and Elijah Tatgenhorst.


Red Cross issues emergency call for blood and platelet donors Blood donations down about 10 percent in June


June can be among the most challenging months of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they adjust to summer schedules. High school and college blood drives account for as much as 20 percent of Red Cross donations during the school year. Donations from those who usually give at these drives drop by more than 80 percent when school is out for the summer. In ad- dition, a mid-week Indepen- dence Day holiday reduced the number of blood drives scheduled in early July. Many sponsors, especially businesses, were unable to host drives because employ- ees took extended vacations. The Red Cross urgently needs donations to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients all summer long. Each day, the American Red Cross Penn- Jersey Blood Services Re- gion needs approximately


1200 donors to step forward and give blood. Eligible do- nors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encour- aged to give. Type O nega- tive is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients. There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients - must be transfused within five days of donation, so it’s important to have a steady supply of platelets on hand. How to Donate Blood Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s


license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight require- ments.


About the American Red Cross


The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and sup- ports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.


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