Take protective steps to avoid mosquito bites
The Panhandle and Spokane Regional health districts are warning residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes, which can carry the West Nile virus.
Although North Idaho and Washington have not been touched so far, they are the last places in the lower 48 states where residents have not been infected with the virus. Last year, 13 human and 106 horses contracted the virus in Southern Idaho counties.
The Washington Department of Agriculture confirmed an equine case of West Nile in Prosser last September.
The virus, which is spread through the bite of certain mosquitoes found in the region, may cause flulike symptoms, including headache, body aches and mild fever. Occasionally, more severe symptoms appear, especially in people older than 50.
Although there is vaccine for horses, no human vaccine is available. So the best protection is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito by:
“ Insect-proofing your home and repairing old screens.
“ Reducing standing water that provides breeding habitat.
“ Covering exposed skin or applying federally approved insect repellent.
The Spokane Regional Health District has more information about insect-borne diseases at www.srhd.org/health/disease/animal.asp.
Week of activities
Cancer Awareness Week begins Friday at 6 p.m. with the Spokane Relay for Life at Spokane Falls Community College athletic field.
Other events, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Cancer Patient Care, Premera Blue Cross and Inland Northwest Candlelighters include:
“ Premier Ride with Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton on Saturday at 11 a.m.
“ Health Expo at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park at 3 p.m. Saturday.
“ Loreen Miller Bike Ride on Sunday at Mt. Spokane High School. Registration is at 7 a.m.
“ “Understanding Colorectal Cancer” at 7 p.m. on June 6 at the Rockwood Clinic, 400 E. Fifth Ave.
“ Pasta Dinner and Auction from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 7 at the Knights of Columbus, 302 E. Boone Ave.
“ Spokane Valley Relay for Life at 6 p.m. on June 9 at East Valley High School track.
For more information, call (509) 242-8299 or visit cancerawarenessweek.org.
Volunteers sought
The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers to assist in its Spokane office, 1403 W. Third Ave.
Volunteers are needed for a couple of hours a week to answer phones and perform light office work. Contact Cheryl Jennings at the American Cancer Society, (509) 455-3440, ext. 3, for more information.
Holistic fair
The summer solstice Intuitive Arts Moscow Holistic Fair will be June 23 through June 25, at The Orchard Studio and Retreat Center of Moscow, Idaho.
Events begin at noon on June 23 and 10 a.m. June 24 and 25. For details, call (208) 882-8159 or visit theorchardstudio.com and click on the “IAM Holistic Fair.”