Health professionals in Wisconsin are urging residents to take precautions as the state faces a triple threat: a heatwave, poor air quality due to wildfire smoke, and a cyclosporiasis outbreak. With these challenges in mind, here's a breakdown of the situation and essential safety tips to keep in mind.
Heatwave Hazards
Wisconsin is currently experiencing a heatwave, with hot and humid conditions posing significant risks, especially for those without air conditioning. Last year, the state saw a grim reminder of the heat's impact, with 10 heat-related deaths and 1,004 emergency department visits. Here's how to stay safe during this period:
- Stay Indoors: The simplest advice is to remain inside air-conditioned buildings during the hottest parts of the day. If you don't have air conditioning, consider finding a public cooling center by calling 211.
- Beat the Heat at Home: Take cool showers, soak your feet in cold water, or place a wet cloth on your forehead. Keep windows covered to block direct sunlight. These simple measures can make a big difference.
- Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol, caffeinated, and sugary drinks. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink; stay hydrated proactively.
- Protect Children and Pets: Never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked car. On an 80-degree day, temperatures inside a car can soar by almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Limit outdoor time for pets and ensure they have access to fresh water.
- Recognize Heat Stroke Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke, including confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, body temperatures above 104 degrees, and nausea and vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.
- Check on Others: During prolonged heat waves, check in on loved ones and neighbors, especially the elderly and those with chronic conditions. Look for signs of heat illness and ensure they are cool and hydrated.
Air Quality Concerns
Northeast Wisconsin is also grappling with poor air quality due to wildfire smoke from Canada. This poses risks, particularly for sensitive groups:
- Outdoor Activities: Sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activities to shorter, less intense durations. Take more breaks and watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
- Medicine Management: People with asthma should keep quick relief medicine handy, while those with heart disease should be vigilant for symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue, which may indicate a serious issue.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is contracted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically appear a week after infection and can include:
- Frequent watery or "explosive" diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach cramps and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks or months, coming and going. Dr. Burmeister advises washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water and practicing good hand hygiene before preparing food. Seek medical care for severe or persistent diarrhea, especially if dehydration is a concern.
Tick Season Dangers
As summer progresses, tick season looms, and Dr. Burmeister emphasizes the importance of tick prevention:
- Clothing and Repellents: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Opt for light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily. Apply insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
- Treat Your Gear: Treat clothing with permethrin before heading outdoors, but do not apply it directly to skin. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded areas with tall grass and leaf litter.
- Tick Checks: Conduct daily tick checks after outdoor activities. Check all body parts, paying special attention to armpits, behind the knees, scalp, ears, belly button, and groin. Parents should inspect their children for ticks.
- Post-Outdoor Care: Take a bath or shower within two hours of outdoor exposure to aid in tick removal. Place clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.
- Tick Removal: If you find a tick, remove it properly using tweezers or fingers shielded with tissue paper or rubber gloves. Clean the bite site and hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Take a picture of the tick for identification purposes.
- Disposal: Never crush a tick. Dispose of it by placing it in alcohol, a sealed bag, tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
In summary, Wisconsinites face a challenging summer with heat, air quality, and parasitic outbreaks. By following these safety guidelines, residents can mitigate risks and stay healthy during these difficult conditions.
