RI, MA EHS Pest Control Blog

New Tick-Borne Disease Is Discovered

A new tick-borne disease that may be stealthily infecting some Americans has been discovered by Yale researchers working with Russian scientists.

The disease is caused by a spirochete bacterium called Borrelia miyamotoi, which is distantly related to Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease.

B. miyamotoi has been found — albeit relatively rarely — in the same deer tick species that transmit Lyme, and the Yale researchers estimate that perhaps 3,000 Americans a year pick it up from tick bites, compared with about 25,000 who get Lyme disease.

But there is no diagnostic test for it in this country, so it is not yet known whether it has actually made any Americans sick.

The same short course of antibiotics that normally cures Lyme also seems to cure it.

In Russia, where a team in the Siberian city of Yekaterinburg developed a test that can distinguish miyamotoi from other tick-borne spirochetes, it caused higher fevers than Lyme disease typically does. In about 10 percent of cases, the fevers repeatedly disappear and return after a week or two.

The study by the two teams is to be published soon in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. Since the disease was only recently discovered, it is unknown whether it does serious long-term damage, as untreated Lyme disease can.

The Yale medical school researchers — Durland Fish, an entomologist, and Dr. Peter J. Krause, an epidemiologist — have recently won a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the symptoms and develop a rapid diagnostic kit.

Dr. Fish found B. miyamotoi in American ticks 10 years ago, but was repeatedly refused a study grant until the Russians proved it caused illness. “It’s been like pulling teeth,” he said. “Go ask the N.I.H. why.”

The discovery will no doubt add to the controversy surrounding Lyme disease. While most Lyme victims are cured by a two-week course of antibiotics, some have symptoms that go on for years and believe they have persistent infections that the antibiotics did not reach.

Most medical authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Infectious Disease Society of America, take the position that “chronic Lyme disease” does not exist and that those victims either have other illnesses or are hypochondriacs. They oppose the solution demanded by some self-proclaimed victims: long-term intravenous antibiotics.

Dr. Krause said it was unlikely that the new spirochete could be responsible for chronic Lyme, because the symptoms do not match: Most of those who think they have chronic Lyme complain of fatigue and joint pain, not repeated fevers.

But he said doctors might consider the new infection, especially in patients who think they have been bitten by ticks, come up negative on Lyme tests and have recurrent episodes of fever.

B. miyamotoi does not appear to cause the “bull’s-eye rash” that helps doctors diagnose Lyme disease, the Russian team found.

“People shouldn’t panic,” Dr. Krause said. “And they also should not jump to the conclusion that we’ve found the cause of chronic Lyme disease. It’s not highly likely, but it’s possible. We just don’t know.”

The miyamotoi spirochete was discovered in Japan in 1995. It was at first believed to be limited to those islands.

In 2001, Dr. Fish found it in about 2 percent of the deer ticks in the Northeast and Upper Midwest and proved that mice could pick it up from tick bites.

Source = NY Times

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Bat Flu? Human Risk Unclear

For the first time, scientists have found evidence of flu in bats, reporting a never-before-seen virus whose risk to humans is unclear.

The surprising discovery of genetic fragments of a flu virus is the first well-documented report of it in the winged mammals. So far, scientists haven't been able to grow it, and it's not clear if — or how well — it spreads.

Flu bugs are common in humans, birds and pigs and have even been seen in dogs, horses, seals and whales, among others. About five years ago, Russian virologists claimed finding flu in bats, but they never offered evidence.

"Most people are fairly convinced we had already discovered flu in all the possible" animals, said Ruben Donis, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientist who co-authored the new study.

Scientists suspect that some bats caught flu centuries ago and that the virus mutated within the bat population into this new variety. Scientists haven't even been able to grow the new virus in chicken eggs or in human cell culture, as they do with more conventional flu strains.

But it still could pose a threat to humans. For example, if it mingled with more common forms of influenza, it could swap genes and mutate into something more dangerous, a scenario at the heart of the global flu epidemic movie "Contagion."

The research was posted online Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The CDC has an international outpost in Guatemala, and that's where researchers collected more than 300 bats in 2009 and 2010. The research was mainly focused on rabies, but the scientists also checked specimens for other germs and stumbled upon the new virus. It was in the intestines of little yellow-shouldered bats, said Donis, a veterinarian by training.

These bats eat fruit and insects but don't bite people. Yet it's possible they could leave the virus on produce and a human could get infected by taking a bite.

It's conceivable some people were infected with the virus in the past. Now that scientists know what it looks like, they are looking for it in other bats as well as humans and other animals, said Donis, who heads the Molecular Virology and Vaccines Branch in the CDC's flu division.

At least one expert said CDC researchers need to do more to establish they've actually found a flu virus.

Technically, what the CDC officials found was genetic material of a flu virus. They used a lab technique to find genes for the virus and amplify it.

All they found was a segment of genetic material, said Richard "Mick" Fulton, a bird disease researcher at Michigan State University.

What they should do is draw blood from more bats, try to infect other bats and take other steps to establish that the virus is spreading among the animals, he continued. "In my mind, if you can't grow the virus, how do you know that the virus is there?"

Donis said work is going on to try to infect healthy bats, but noted there are other viruses that were discovered by genetic sequencing.

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Cockroaches Make for Bad Neighbors

She wants out of her lease because of pesky insects that are taking over apartment.

"Sometimes we see them walking across the floor,” says Peggy Bublitz. “They come through the stove while we're cooking.”

She says cockroaches have taken over her Taylorsville apartment.

“They come through the vents and it oozes with sticky stuff,” she says. “Horrendous.”

That's why Bublitz keeps the light on at night. She says it keeps the cockroaches at bay.

For several weeks, Bublitz claims she has been seeing cockroaches take over.

And when she asked for help, the property manager for the Calloway Apartments sent over a pesticide company.

“They've been doing that for weeks now,” she says.

But she says cockroaches are still around and now she wants out of her lease without penalties.

“It's no way to live and I've begged them to get out of lease,” Bublitz says.

But the apartment's attorney says the cockroaches were brought in by a neighbor and it's not the landlord's fault.

“It's not a pleasant thing sometimes that when you have bad neighbors that do bad things and all the landlord can do is take the best action they can to remedy the problem," says Kirk Cullimore.

So she's stuck. She now duct tapes the stove, the windows and vents to keep cockroaches out.

“So I am to understand that I am going to have to live her for the duration of my lease sleeping with the roaches,” she says.

Cullimore says they can’t let her out of her lease because it’s about economics. He says if they let one tenant who complains they’d have to do it for the next person.

“They’d be bankrupt,” says Cullimore.

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Rats Eat Wiring Of $1 Million Dollar Cath Lab Machine

The digital subtraction angiography (DSA) catheterisation laboratory machine, commonly called the cath lab machine, is a sophisticated piece of equipment worth Rs. 6.5 crore. It can perform angioplasty and angiography procedures, and is a specimen of how much medical science has advanced.

At Jagjivan Ram hospital in Mumbai Central, this high-tech scientific innovation -- reportedly the first such machine in the western region and the second in the country -- has been allowed to become rat food.

Lying at the facility since July 2011, the machine, which hasn't been used even once, has fallen prey to rodents that have nibbled its wiring, hospital sources said.

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Bat Colony Forces Patients From Hospital

As a precautionary measure, 14 patients were transferred to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst over the weekend so work could continue to remove a bat colony from the walls of FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham.

The decision to temporarily discontinue inpatient care was made last Friday following consultation with The Joint Commission (TJC), an independent organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs.

It also followed a period of extensive eradication efforts by Get Bats Out, a professional bat removal service.

“Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our patients, families, visitors, and employees,” Gretchen Kelly, FirstHealth public relations director, said in a statement. “We are making every effort to accommodate all those affected by this event. ”

The 14 patients were transported Friday evening by FirstHealth EMS staff to a hospital of their choice. FirstHealth administration and medical staff coordinated patient transfers with area hospitals. The emergency department at Richmond Memorial remained open to walk-in patients, but those being transported by ambulances were taken directly to another area hospital.

While Richmond Memorial continued to provide diagnostic services necessary to support patients in the emergency department, scheduled outpatient diagnostic procedures were postponed or rescheduled at other area hospitals.

Some of the hospital employees scheduled to work Saturday and Sunday in areas of Richmond Memorial temporarily closed were offered the opportunity to work at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. On Friday, Richmond Memorial staff contacted the Richmond County Health Department to conduct a thorough inspection of the facility to determine if the facility posed a risk to staff and patient health.

The local health department staff teamed with hospital staff to thoroughly inspect all air handling units, intakes and returns, all rooftop areas, patient rooms, offices, common areas, laundry, food service, unused facility space, elevator shafts, stairwells, interior ceiling tiles and numerous other areas of the facility.

Health department staff consulted with the professional bat removal staff on site that also conducted an inspection of the facility. The bat removal company explained their strategic plan to alleviate any and all bats and their harborages from the facility as well as their plan for refusal of access.

After conducting the inspection, it was determined that there was no evidence of bat guano within the interior of the facility. With these findings, it was the determination of the Richmond County Health Department that there was no risk to hospital staff or patients.

“The bat situation currently does not prevent the hospital from resuming services in labor and delivery, intensive care and the outpatient departments, but as a precautionary measure while work continues in other areas of the hospital, FirstHealth will continue to suspend all services except for those patients who present in the Emergency Department,” Emily Sloan, assistant director of public relations, said in a statement.

Patients with scheduled appointments Monday and Tuesday will be offered the option to go to Moore Regional or reschedule at Richmond Memorial for a later date.

the hospital administration will reassess the situation this afternoon in consultation with the bat removal company. Following that assessment, the hospital will provide another update on the situation to patients and staff.

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Rodent Nest Blamed for Small Fire at University Campus

Rodents are blamed for spreading disease and stealing food and now for causing a small fire on the Dalhousie University campus Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were called to the Macdonald building on Alumni Crescent after flames broke out while workers were using heat guns to remove paint from the outside of the building along the roof line.

The guns don’t use open flame, but the heat was enough to ignite straw and grass used in a small rodent nest in the crevices of the woodwork.

The workers used a garden hose to quell the flames, fire department spokesman Dave Meldrum said. Firefighters checked for any extension of the flames and found some charred wood.

Officials at Dal checked the building for other nests, but didn’t find any, and aren’t sure what type of animal built the nest.

Source = Associated Press

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

U.S. Marshals Seize Food from Durham Warehouse After FDA Check Discovers Pests

U.S. Marshals seized products from a Durham Food distributor this month to prevent the circulation of food from a rodent-infested facility, according to a federal news release.

At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals seized all FDA regulated food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination or other filth held at the Hoover Road warehouse of CFSD Inc, which does business as Chan’s Food Service.

The products were seized earlier this month after an FDA inspection from July 5 to Aug. 3 found evidence of an active and widespread rodent infestation, the release states.

“FDA investigator observed rodent nesting sites, numerous rodent excreta pellets on and around food products, rodent gnawed containers of food, as well as one live and eight dead rodents in the vicinity of food storage,” the release states.

Source: Newsobserver

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Fleas: Endemic Typhus Cases On The Rise

Endemic (flea-borne) typhus, an illness that prior to 2006 was considered rare in Orange County, continues to occur, with five confirmed or probable endemic typhus cases reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency in the past three months. However, there have been no reports to date in Laguna Niguel.

In the recent cases, four of the people are adults, and one is younger than 18. Endemic typhus is transmitted by the bite of infected fleas, in particular those from cats, opossums and rodents, although other animals may carry the fleas.

The most recently affected individuals live in the northern part of the county, but because these animals are present throughout the county, human cases may occur in any area. Typhus occurs naturally in Southern California, with eight cases reported in Orange County for 2011 to date, six each in 2010 and 2009, 15 in 2008, six during 2007 and one in 2006. Prior to 2006, the last case reported in Orange County was in 1993.

Source = Associated Press

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Cockroach Allergens May Play Key Role in the Development of the Asthma Epidemic.

Mucosal exposure to allergens leads to development of allergic sensitization. This may cause the development of asthma, which is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Researchers studied the allergic effect of cockroach extracts in mice. It was found that exposure of mucosa (mucus secreting inner linings) to cockroach extract induces allergic reactions even in the absence of adjuvants.

More than 30% of the world’s population suffers atopy and allergic diseases. A study in 10 European countries showed that respiratory allergic conditions alone have a prevalence of up to 36.6%. These diseases pose severe global economic burden. In spite of all the efforts that spanned over the past three decades, the underlying mechanisms of allergic reactions have not been completely understood.

Cockroach allergens are an important cause of asthma exacerbations in many parts of the world. Early life exposure to cockroach allergens is supposed to lead to the development of specific allergic sensitization to cockroaches. The risk for persistent asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness is increased by childhood exposure. Cockroach-derived proteins that we inhale arise from several sources, including cockroach saliva, feces, cast skins, debris and dead bodies.

Most of the studies have been done in animal models. Animal models have aided profoundly in learning about the pathogenesis of allergic conditions, especially asthma. Animal models of asthma have a number of limitations. Humans and animals may differ in the development of allergic immune responses. An allergen may not evoke the same allergic reaction in animals as in humans. The utility of murine models of asthma as predictors of the response of human asthma to therapeutics has been a subject of controversy. Hence multiple models are required for better understandings.

A number of different models in mice have been developed for the purpose. Recent studies of allergic responses to cockroach extracts were performed in mice. The mucosa lining the nasal cavity of mice was exposed to cockroach extract. Hyperresponsiveness of airway and the allergic inflammation induced were assessed.

All the expected characteristics of asthma were found to develop in mice sensitized to cockroach through the intranasal route even in the absence of an adjuvant. These include airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophilic airway inflammation and allergen-specific IgG1 antibodies. Immune regulator proteins called Th2 cytokines and chemokines were found elevated. These immune reactions were noticed following exposure to allergens over a period of 2 weeks.

Most of the previous studies in mice were performed by intraperitoneal injection, i.e. injection into the body cavity, in the presence of an adjuvant. Another relevance of the current study is that it focuses on the regulation of the mucosal immune system in the lung. The mucosa lining body cavities play key roles in the body’s immune mechanism. The study of mucosal immunology had been restricted to gastrointestinal diseases so far.

The new study has presented a detailed analysis of a model of allergic sensitization. This model will definitely lead us to a better understanding of the role of cockroach allergens in allergic disease and in the inner city asthma epidemic.

Reference: Mucosal exposure to cockroach extract induces allergic sensitization and allergic airway inflammation: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 2011, 7:22 doi:10.1186/1710-1492-7-22

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA 

Pizzeria Cosed for Renovations has Reopened with a Bang, after “Do it Yourself” Pest Control Products Set by the Restaurant's Owner Exploded and Blew the Doors Off.

The owner of Mercadante Woodfired Pizzeria on Lygon Street, in the inner city suburb of Carlton, had set 10 fumigation cans in the restaurant and the vapours were ignited accidentally, causing an explosion at 10am (AEDT) on Friday.

The pressure of the explosion forced the front glass doors and back roller door of the restaurant out, said Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) commander Darren McQuade.

"The pressure rapidly expanded and has just forced out either end," Mr McQuade said.

The owner, who was in the restaurant setting more fumigation cans at the time of the explosion, was shaken but unhurt, he said.

The restaurant had been closed for renovations over the Christmas period.

No damage was done to the interior of the building, but the damage to the front and rear doors was worth about $50,000, Mr McQuade said.

He said it was lucky no passers-by had been hurt.

"One part of the window was one-and-a-half metres on to the footpath, so that would certainly have had the potential to push someone over had they been walking past at the time," he said.

Mr McQuade said there had been an increasing trend of explosions being caused by the incorrect use of fumigation cans.

He said the owner had not followed the instructions on the can, which indicate that ignition sources must be switched off.

Firefighters are investigating which appliance caused the explosion.

Click here to view the News Video

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA