EVACUATION LEVELS REDUCED NEAR FOX FIRE

BAKER COUNTY - (UPDATE 8/13 from the Baker County Sheriff's Office)Evacuation levels for the Fox Fire and Powder River Fire have been reduced. Map is attached.Fire personnel are still conducting operations in the vicinity of the fire. The Fox & Powder River Fire Information Facebook page will no longer be monitored as fire management is being transferred from the incident management team to local units. Evacuation information will continue to be shared on the Baker County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.Current levels are:Level 1 (BE READY): North of Bay Horse Creek and Powell Creek, east of I-84, west of Hibbard Creek Road and Lookout Mountain Road, south of Manning Creek RoadLevel 2 (BE SET): East of Lookout Mountain Road, west of the Snake River, north of Hibbard Creek Road, south of Sheep Mountain and Brownlee Reservoir ... See MoreSee Less

WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED IN UNION COUNTY MOSQUITOES

UNION COUNTY – (Press release from Union County Vector Control & Oregon Health Authority) West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has been detected in mosquitoes at a site in Union County, Ore., according to Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.The mosquitoes, found along Catherine Creek in the city of Union, are the first to test positive for the disease in Union County this year.People in Union County need to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. The incubation period is usually two to 14 days. People infected may develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms. Rarely, infected individuals may develop neuro-invasive disease (infection of the brain or spinal cord) that can be severe or may cause death. This is especially of concern to people 50 and older, people with immune-compromising conditions, and people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Please consult your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms describedabove. Testing for West Nile virus is available through commercial laboratories.Communities and individuals living in or spending significant time outdoors, particularly near irrigated land, waterways, standing water, and used tires—including those working in agriculture, such as migrant and seasonal farm workers—may be at increased risk of mosquito bites and related diseases.Wildlife and livestock can also be affected by WNv. Please contact your veterinarian for assistance in diagnosis and testing. “Although mosquitoes are an inevitable part of summer, mosquito bites don’t have to be—they are preventable,” said Emilio DeBess. “You can take simple steps to protect yourself and reduce the risk of contracting West Nile disease.”Tips for protecting yourself against mosquitoes:Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.During outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using repellents that contain DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or Picaridin, and always follow the product directions.Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.Additional information about West Nile virus: Oregon Health Authority website: public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspxU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.htm ... See MoreSee Less