Ald Terrace Review —

Wednesday, November 28, 1990

Beaver fever _ Continued from page A138. aaa a

No

Dr. David Bowering: evidence of a water problem in Terrace,

will be.in the neighbourhood of 30 percent.

As strange as it might sound, though, this is good news. It is expected the cause of this dramatic increase is an outbreak of beaver fever in Kitimat last spring. Kiti- mat takes their drinking water from the Kitimat River and last spring erosion destroyed their filtration system. The damage was repaired fairly quickly but the outbreak of beaver fever occurred during the time when the system was down and the water was not being filtered at all. This is seen as positive proof of the effectiveness of Kitimat’s filtration system.

As for Terrace, there were nine cases of beaver fever diagnosed in Terrace between August and Sep- tember of this year (two of the nine were not Terrace residents), but according to Bowering that isn’t an unusual number. Incidents of giardiasis normally peak around that time of year, and for that Tteason Bowering made a point of asking local physicians to keep an eye open for the disease. And it would seem reasonable to assume that without this "increased aware- ness" there might have been fewer incidents diagnosed.

_ "There is no evidence of a water problem in Terrace," says Bower- ing. "If we had 20 cases in two weeks, and no other obvious rea- son, we would have to believe it was the water and we would ask that water be boiled."

In addition to the Kitimat example, Bowering notes that community systems are monitored, True, this monitoring hasn't been an exact science up until this point but that is changing rapidly. As early as this spring, tests were only about 25 percent effective. Tech- nology is closing the gap, how- ever, Testing today is about 75 percent effective and it may not be long before they reach the 100 per- cent mark. :

More work needs to be done, though. Of the 100 or so different Strains of giardia that exist, only one or two will actually make

humens sick, but even with modern technology there is no way of identifying the individual strains. In other words, we can determine if giardia cysts are pre- sent in a specific water supply, but

we have no way of knowing if the strains found in the sample are cause for any real concern.

Still, the Skeena Health Unil is

working towards. offering “us gtealer security as far as giardiasis is concerned. As we reported last

week, the Skeena Union Board of ©

Health came up with a $1,000 for a giardia sampling unit for our

region and this will allow indivi- m= ©6©dual communities in our area to do

some testing of their own.

At the present time, there are nine such units owned by the province and the Skeena Health Unit has access to one. Testing done with the provincial unit is

free. While municipalities will

have to pay $110 for a filter and lab work when they use the health

wnit’s. machine, there are a number of advantages. Having our own piece of equipment means each community can test its own water supply and monitor specific situ-

ations or improvements as the need arises.

As we have already pointed out, these tests are not conclusive sim- ply because the presence of giardia cysis is not necessarily a hazard.

The tests do help in improved monitoring of the situation, how-

ever, and Dr. Judy Isaac-Renton, head of UBC’s laboratory testing facility at Vancouver General Hospital, is using her five years of experience working on the giardiasis problem to narrow the gap. It may not be long, says Craig, before a test is developed that will identify the one or two percent of all giardia strains that are at the core of the problem.

Testing will only help to warn the public of a health hazard, though, and won't necessarily eliminate the disease. But there are things individual communities can do to reduce the risk of infection, says Craig, Filtration, for example, is an effective way of removing the cysts from water but it is not a solution many communities can afford. The best system, he explains, is slow sand filtration but it is a very expensive system to build and maintain.

Something else individual com- munities can do, according to Craig, is to consider replacing existing reservoirs with a type which will allow giardia cysts to

settle to the bottom before reaching - .

the reservoir outlet. Failing this, the removal of beaver from the Source, shoring up the banks of watershed creeks to keep surface runoff. water out of the domestic system, and fencing the watershed to keep animals and people out of the area can all be effective pre- ventative measures. -

"Here again, we’re back to people.

It’s possible that a little public education, the right kind of aware- ness, may be the most economical and effective method of prevention there is. A few simple precautions can thwart the best efforts of the giardia and allow everyone to enjoy a safe supply of drinking water and have a satisfying out- door experience as well.

Like many communicable diseases, beaver fever can very simply and effectively be avoided. There are a number common human ailments that are passed on "hand-to-hand", so to speak, and a few good habits and a little com-

mon sense could save everyone a ©

lot of misery and trouble. When you’re in the bush, for

-exaniple barry’ your, awn supply of city water-or boil any. ‘you: take from those clear mountain streams.

Five minutes is the recommended

boiling time, but even heating the

water will kill many of the giardia ‘cysts. Freezing water makes no difference at all. If your water supply is contaminated, the ice.

cubes you put in that favourite |

drink will be loaded with giardia. cysts as well: ‘Another thing. to keep in. mind

“when you hit nature’s trail is that

human wastes should be buried six to eight inches deep and at least 150 feet from any body of water. And whether you’re in the bush or your own home, washing your.

“hands thoroughly after using the

facilities can prevent the spread of a number of communicable diseases, including beaver fever.

One final note, in fairness to anyone suffering from giardiasis or some other communicable disease: just because they are ill doesn’t necessarily mean they are guilty of poor hygiene. It is much more probable that the poor hygiene of someone else is the source of their suffering.

a

The Northwest’s 5 Gay | Connec- tion’ wants to get the word out that there is a local gay group that gathers for social events such as dinners, hikes, camping trips and movies of a general nature.

The group presently numbers 15 and they’re hoping that, with media exposure and word-of- mouth advertising, they can en- courage new members to join. Maureen, a Gay Connection rep- resentative, says "People often ask why we find it necessary to gather as a gay group, rather than just with friends. It’s really important to have a social setting where you

can. be. acknowledged as gay. It

helps to have a place to meet ordinary people who are gay." The local organization was estab-

- lished a few years ago as Northern

Lesbians. They conducted informa- tion workshops on a variety of topics, including AIDS; lobbied for gay rights, distributed a provincial newsletter and held dances. Eliza- beth explains that they are now less political, and more social. But they are still available to do infor- mation workshops or provide other

_ services to supply the needs of the

IN AWORLD OF

PRICES

effect.

costs.

lot. too.

FREE INFORMATION... -cesccwcnesa.

@ Don't exceed speed limits. Reducing your

gay comntunity.

For people “coming “out" or acknowledging to family and co- workers that they are gay, the group feels that they can offer support. They stress, "Ciosets are

really unhealthy places to live, The .

air is stale and it's lonely, too." And they assure prospective mem- bers of total confidentiality.

The Gay Connection offers a telephone support service between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. nightly (Phone 638-1256). Bob explains that it provides an opportunity for gay people "to connect up. And if someone is struggling, we’re there for support and to advise of resources such as Angles, the

provincial gay newspaper, and.

other support organizations."

The Gay Connection has events planned every second week. A different person will organize each one and callers will be advised as to the time and location. Informa- tion will also be available on about upcoming events. The Gay Con- nection is also planning a Christ- mas party. Call for more informa- tion.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN NiAKE EVERY

DROP COUNT.

speed from 120 km/h to » YOUR WORLD 100 km/h will save 23% @& Just about every piece of - attng back from Ferived frord a fossa fuel. 100 km/h to eo km/h will The production of paper. save about 18%. metal and glass uses

he situation YOUR HOME energy. $0 the BR's of

in the Middle A nual energy use Bowe t 3 environmental protection

+ has ual ene

driven up the world price for oil and every country is feeling the

im 6«=-_ But there are a lot of mm things you can do to use me less energy and help reduce your costs. You can make every drop count. Right now,

Not only will you be reducing your costs, you'll be helping the environ- ment by cutting back on greenhouse gases and the

transportation will save a

@ Having your car well tuned and serviced regularly can save you 10% in fuel costs,

heat our homes. Here are a few tips on how to take some of the heat off your home energy costs,

@ If you lower your thermostat from 22°C to 20°C during the day and to 17°C at night you could save up to 15% on your heating bills.

g Oil furnaces should be tuned up once a year,

w Clean or replace

use of fossil fuels. furnace filters regularly. Here are just a few tips. ® Seal your furnace

ductwork with duct tape

YOUR CAR and insulate hot air ducts

Here's how to drive down Passing through unheated spaces,

g@ Walking will save 100%

of your fuel costs. WEATHERPROOFING

@ Using public @ Weatherstrip windows

and doors.

m Caulk windows and door frames.

@ Insulate attic, walls and basement to recom- mended levels. Install a vapour barrier where

necessary.

W

are vital as well. Reduce your energy needs whenever you can. Reuse bags, containers, bottles and wrappings when possible. Your community probably has local recycling programs ‘in which you can get - involved.

WE CAN HELP

We've got a lot more helpful tips on how to conserve energy. And they're free. Just send us the coupon. We'll rush a package of brochures to you.

OR CALL CUR TOLL FREE ENERGY UNE = 1-800-267-5166

During business hours from Monday to Friday

Hearing Impaired. 1-800-267-4248

LE you can't get through, lease | ry again a little

ater. Wel ll make it worth your while,

j Name . { Address City Province - Postal Code { Send to: Energy Publications, 580 Booth Street, Ottawa. Gniarlo K1A OE4 <aetm ooo Jake Epp, Cana BY

A A

pir

an eee

waa

Sr

nee we