u/christbot

From email alert:

Health Department: longer mosquito season possible 
People with weakened immune systems particularly at risk

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reminds people with weakened immune systems to take additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as increased rainfall and heat may drive a longer mosquito season than usual. 
 
West Nile virus is the most common disease transmitted by mosquitoes in New Mexico, with most cases typically occurring in late summer, but this West Nile season may not be typical. 
 
“With above-average rain and heat forecasted for New Mexico through October, mosquito season may last longer than usual,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “West Nile virus is expected to persist until the first local hard freeze.”   
 
Recent studies have shown that people who take medications that affect the immune system known as B cell-depleting or B cell-modulating medications are at a higher risk for severe disease from viruses such as West Nile virus. 
 
NMDOH recommends talking to your doctor about any medications or conditions that might affect your immune system, and how those might change your risk of diseases such as West Nile virus infection. Notify your doctor of any concerning changes to your health, such as headaches, fever, weakness, loss of balance, or confusion. Do not stop taking your medicines unless told to do so by your doctor. 
 
Take extra precautions to avoid insect bites, including: 
Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside and follow the instructions on the label. EPA-approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol.
Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.   
Remove or empty any items that hold water, such as old tires or cans. Drain birdbaths, wading pools, and plant saucers weekly.  
Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.   
If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes. 
 
For any additional questions about West Nile virus and your health call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833 796-8773). You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).
###

NMDOH

David Morgan, Public Information Officer. | david.morgan@doh.nm.gov | (575) 649-0754

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, NMDOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.  

—
Adding that there are reports and studies on DEET resistance. DEET might not be the gold standard in the region now or soon.

Air Quality Alert issued August 20 at 8:47AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM

Santa Fe Metro Area

AQAABQ

The following message is transmitted at the request of the New
Mexico Departments of Health and Environment.

* WHAT...Unhealthy air quality levels due to wildfire smoke.

* WHERE...Santa Fe Metro Area.

* WHEN...through 6 PM Today.

* IMPACTS...For sensitive groups, don't do any intense or lengthy
physical activity. Move activities indoors or to a time when the air
quality is better. For everyone else, limit intense or lengthy
physical activity. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.

* HEALTH INFORMATION...Remember, your eyes are your best tools to
determine if it is safe to be outside. Use the 5-3-1 Method available
at https://phdp.doh.nm.gov/health-topics/nm-tracking/air-quality/fire-smoke

If visibility is:

Under 5 miles, the air quality is unhealthy for young children,
adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart
and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness.
Outdoor activity should be minimized.

Around 3 miles, young children, adults over age 65, pregnant
women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other
respiratory illness should avoid all outdoor activities.

Around 1 mile, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone. People
should remain indoors and avoid all outdoor activities including
running errands. Unless an evacuation has been issued, stay inside
your home, indoor workplace, or in a safe shelter.

For smoke forecast outlooks from the Interagency Wildland Fire Air
Quality Response Program please visit:

https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

Special Weather Statement issued August 19 at 7:54PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM

Jemez Mountains; Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains; Espanola Valley; Santa Fe Metro Area

At 754 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a line of strong
thunderstorms extending from near Rio En Medio in Santa Fe County to
9 miles northwest of Cochiti Lake, moving south at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.

Locations impacted include...
Santa Fe, Los Alamos, White Rock, Pojoaque, Bandelier National
Monument, Frijoles, La Cienega, Pojoaque Pueblo and Nambe Lake.

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

Radar to eyeball storm duration: https://radar.weather.gov/station/kabx/standard

Kinda have a craving for vegan fudge, maybe something maple walnut. Is there someplace in town that has vegan fudge or do I have to order something online? Budget is non-astronomical.

From the FEMA app notification:

Flood Advisory issued August 17 at 4:22PM MDT until August 17 at 7:15PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM

Santa Fe, NM

* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...West Central Santa Fe County in north central New Mexico...

* WHEN...Until 715 PM MDT.

* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Rises in small streams and normally dry arroyos.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 421 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to a slow
moving thunderstorm north of La Cienega. This will cause arroyo
and small stream flooding. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have
fallen.
- This includes the following streams and drainages...
Into Santa Fe River, Alamo Creek, Into Arroyo Calabasas, Arroyo
Calabasas, Santa Fe River, Hondo, Arroyo, Galisteo Creek, Cienega
Creek, Ancha, Caada, Chamisos, Arroyo de los and Acequia de Los
Pinos. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.5 inches are
expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor
flooding.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
La Cienega and La Bajada.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

In hilly or mountainous terrain there are numerous low water
crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not
attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

Reporting from Source New Mexico on an announcement from the EPA Air Now ( https://fire.airnow.gov/#7.96/36.005/-105.478 ) forecast and more.

There was an accident by the Chamisa center by Zepol and Airport Road. Motorcycle looks to have been hit by a black suv. I overheard that the SUV was driving too fast, but didn’t witness it myself. Wanna probably avoid the area for a couple hours.

Just earlier that day I was noticing that the lane delineation has completely faded both ways across Zepol Rd… I don’t know if that had anything to do with the accident itself. Just be careful in the area, traffic gets tricky.

*Edited for clarity.

This would be absurd if it wasn’t terrifying. A reviewer at The Drive, a car review blog/podcast got tailed for days and essentially swatted by Flock’s automated system after some bad data got pushed nationwide. He’s on Bluesky if you wanna ask him any questions about his experience.