(09-06-2023, 01:11 AM)Snarl Wrote:

(09-06-2023, 01:00 AM)Ninurta Wrote:

(09-05-2023, 03:24 PM)Snarl Wrote: We had a property down in Florida had a lake on it. Damned turtles. I use to shoot them with a BB gun. Sure keeps your shooting skills up.

It sure does!

There used to be a "swinging bridge" across Clinch River about a mile below our house. For them that don't know, a swinging bridge is a foot bridge across a body of water that has a board floor suspended by either rope or steel cables, and anchored only on the ends at the river bank. It swings in the wind, or even just when your weight shifts on it taking a step. Every little breeze seems to whisper Louise as it makes you try to dance to stay on it.

Right after my mom and dad were married, he used to take a .22 down to that swinging bridge, walk out into the middle of it, and start shooting turtles that were sunning themselves on rocks sticking out of the river.

While the bridge was swinging.

That gent was what they call "a crack shot".

It's amazing what you can do with a small caliber. It's also amazing to see people with unusual (and near impossible) skills.

I remember hearing about that frogman mission where they interdicted hostage takers on the open sea. I don't think I'd have had the nerve to take the shots that were made to neutralize the bad guys. Not even sure I could pull off a shot from the tree tops. More skills required than I have in my bag o'tricks.

(09-06-2023, 01:11 AM)Snarl Wrote: It's amazing what you can do with a small caliber. It's also amazing to see people with unusual (and near impossible) skills.

I remember hearing about that frogman mission where they interdicted hostage takers on the open sea. I don't think I'd have had the nerve to take the shots that were made to neutralize the bad guys. Not even sure I could pull off a shot from the tree tops. More skills required than I have in my bag o'tricks.

Quote:CDC Issues Warning to Be on Alert for Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Health News

Jack Phillips, Breaking News Reporter
Sep 4 2023
biggersmaller

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on April 23, 2020. (Tami Chappell/AFP via Getty Images)

0:005:44






The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a national health alert warning doctors and health care workers to be aware of infections from a flesh-eating bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, that has been found in multiple states this year.
The agency noted that an estimated 80,000 Vibrio bacteria illnesses each year are reported in the United States, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. However, the deadliest one appears to be Vibrio vulnificus, which officials say can sometimes cause death within one or two days, although the CDC noted that only about 150 to 200 such infections are reported to the federal agency every year.
“People who are at increased risk for V. vulnificus infection should exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities,” the CDC stated on Sept. 1. “Prompt treatment is crucial to reduce mortality from severe V. vulnificus infection.”
Although such infections tend to be reported in the Gulf Coast, the CDC noted that infections have risen about eightfold between 1988 and 2018 in the eastern United States.
Vibrio bacteria generally live in salt water or brackish coastal waters. People can become infected after exposure to the organism, such as by eating undercooked or raw shellfish or through an open wound, a cut, or a bite that has been in contact with infected water or shellfish.
“V. vulnificus wound infections have a short incubation period and are characterized by necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection,” the CDC also stated. In some cases, people may also develop bleeding blisters. If left untreated, infection can spread throughout the body and cause blood poisoning.
Many people who contract an infection “require intensive care or limb amputations,” and the possibility of necrotizing fasciitis is why the bacterium is called “flesh-eating.”
The CDC recommends that people stay away from brackish or salt water if they have an open wound and should leave the water immediately if they receive a cut while swimming. It noted that wounds should be treated with a waterproof bandage and washed with soap and clean water.

‘Initiate Treatment Promptly’
It also stated that people who believe they have an infection after swimming should get treatment quickly, as they will have a better chance of survival. The bacteria also have developed some resistance to antibiotics, while 50 percent of infections don’t respond to treatment, other officials have said.
“Initiate treatment promptly. Early antibiotic therapy and early surgical intervention improve survival,” the CDC stated. “Do not wait for consultation with an infectious disease specialist or laboratory confirmation of V. vulnificus infection to initiate treatment.”
The CDC advised doctors and health care workers to “consider V. vulnificus as a possible cause of infection in wounds that were exposed to coastal waters, especially in patients at higher risk for Vibrio infection, including those with underlying health conditions such as liver disease (including alcohol-associated liver cirrhosis), diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions.”
“Ask the patient or family about relevant exposures, including whether they entered coastal water with an open wound; acquired a scratch or a cut while in coastal water; or had open-wound contact with raw or undercooked seafood,” it advised.
The federal health agency also warned against eating raw oysters and other shellfish, saying that they should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. People should also wash their hands with soap and water after handling them.
[/url] A flooded street is seen near the Steinhatchee marina after Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida on Aug. 30, 2023. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images)
This summer, health officials in New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina reported multiple fatal or severe V. vulnificus infections, while most infections this year have occurred in Florida. At least five have died in those three states, officials have said.
‘Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly’
The CDC notice also advised local officials to tell tourists and residents about the risk of V. vulnificus, including by putting up signs on coastal areas and beaches. Hurricanes tend to bring considerable amounts of ocean water onto land, where it then mixes with rainwater or other freshwater.
There have been concerns that Hurricane Idalia, which hit northwestern Florida last month, will bring a rise in Vibrio infections because it can be present in floodwaters. State officials in Florida have [url=https://twitter.com/HealthyFla/status/1696306090219094184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1696306090219094184%7Ctwgr%5E5e133b0b083657506e00a9f73b69e2c8bf248662%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fiframe.nbcnews.com%2F1e6K96q%3F_showcaption%3Dtrueapp%3D1]issued warnings about the pathogen.
The potentially deadly bacteria “shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Florida Health Department press secretary Jae Williams told media outlets over the weekend. “It needs to be treated with proper respect—the same way we respect alligators and rattlesnakes.”
After Hurricane Ian slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast last year, officials reported that 38 people were infected with V. vulnificus. At least 11 people died, and one person had a leg amputated, officials said.

(09-10-2023, 10:44 AM)727Sky Wrote:

Quote:CDC Issues Warning to Be on Alert for Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Health News

Jack Phillips, Breaking News Reporter
Sep 4 2023
biggersmaller

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on April 23, 2020. (Tami Chappell/AFP via Getty Images)

0:005:44






The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a national health alert warning doctors and health care workers to be aware of infections from a flesh-eating bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, that has been found in multiple states this year.
The agency noted that an estimated 80,000 Vibrio bacteria illnesses each year are reported in the United States, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. However, the deadliest one appears to be Vibrio vulnificus, which officials say can sometimes cause death within one or two days, although the CDC noted that only about 150 to 200 such infections are reported to the federal agency every year.
“People who are at increased risk for V. vulnificus infection should exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities,” the CDC stated on Sept. 1. “Prompt treatment is crucial to reduce mortality from severe V. vulnificus infection.”
Although such infections tend to be reported in the Gulf Coast, the CDC noted that infections have risen about eightfold between 1988 and 2018 in the eastern United States.
Vibrio bacteria generally live in salt water or brackish coastal waters. People can become infected after exposure to the organism, such as by eating undercooked or raw shellfish or through an open wound, a cut, or a bite that has been in contact with infected water or shellfish.
“V. vulnificus wound infections have a short incubation period and are characterized by necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection,” the CDC also stated. In some cases, people may also develop bleeding blisters. If left untreated, infection can spread throughout the body and cause blood poisoning.
Many people who contract an infection “require intensive care or limb amputations,” and the possibility of necrotizing fasciitis is why the bacterium is called “flesh-eating.”
The CDC recommends that people stay away from brackish or salt water if they have an open wound and should leave the water immediately if they receive a cut while swimming. It noted that wounds should be treated with a waterproof bandage and washed with soap and clean water.

‘Initiate Treatment Promptly’
It also stated that people who believe they have an infection after swimming should get treatment quickly, as they will have a better chance of survival. The bacteria also have developed some resistance to antibiotics, while 50 percent of infections don’t respond to treatment, other officials have said.
“Initiate treatment promptly. Early antibiotic therapy and early surgical intervention improve survival,” the CDC stated. “Do not wait for consultation with an infectious disease specialist or laboratory confirmation of V. vulnificus infection to initiate treatment.”
The CDC advised doctors and health care workers to “consider V. vulnificus as a possible cause of infection in wounds that were exposed to coastal waters, especially in patients at higher risk for Vibrio infection, including those with underlying health conditions such as liver disease (including alcohol-associated liver cirrhosis), diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions.”
“Ask the patient or family about relevant exposures, including whether they entered coastal water with an open wound; acquired a scratch or a cut while in coastal water; or had open-wound contact with raw or undercooked seafood,” it advised.
The federal health agency also warned against eating raw oysters and other shellfish, saying that they should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. People should also wash their hands with soap and water after handling them.
[/url] A flooded street is seen near the Steinhatchee marina after Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida on Aug. 30, 2023. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images)
This summer, health officials in New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina reported multiple fatal or severe V. vulnificus infections, while most infections this year have occurred in Florida. At least five have died in those three states, officials have said.
‘Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly’
The CDC notice also advised local officials to tell tourists and residents about the risk of V. vulnificus, including by putting up signs on coastal areas and beaches. Hurricanes tend to bring considerable amounts of ocean water onto land, where it then mixes with rainwater or other freshwater.
There have been concerns that Hurricane Idalia, which hit northwestern Florida last month, will bring a rise in Vibrio infections because it can be present in floodwaters. State officials in Florida have [url=https://twitter.com/HealthyFla/status/1696306090219094184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1696306090219094184%7Ctwgr%5E5e133b0b083657506e00a9f73b69e2c8bf248662%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fiframe.nbcnews.com%2F1e6K96q%3F_showcaption%3Dtrueapp%3D1]issued warnings about the pathogen.
The potentially deadly bacteria “shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Florida Health Department press secretary Jae Williams told media outlets over the weekend. “It needs to be treated with proper respect—the same way we respect alligators and rattlesnakes.”
After Hurricane Ian slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast last year, officials reported that 38 people were infected with V. vulnificus. At least 11 people died, and one person had a leg amputated, officials said.

https://lists.youmaker.com/links/4OGmyrQUX/sPLsIDpr1R/aa2an41Ga/uEBTiC6yH

(09-11-2023, 01:44 AM)Schmoe Wrote: As a PSA, if you use those neti pots for flushing out your nose, DO NOT USE TAP WATER.  People have gotten those amoebas from tap water.

(09-11-2023, 03:02 AM)Snarl Wrote:

(09-11-2023, 01:44 AM)Schmoe Wrote: As a PSA, if you use those neti pots for flushing out your nose, DO NOT USE TAP WATER.  People have gotten those amoebas from tap water.

Thanks, Schmoe (makes mental note not to read Schmoe's posts just before bedtime).

(09-12-2023, 03:26 PM)sailorsam Wrote: in my younger days I would swim after dark @ state parks whilst camping.
verboten.
I remember seeing the rangers drive through looking for swimmers.  one night they shone their spotlight on the water.  I dove under, saw that light go right over me.
never got caught.
fun then.  stupid now.

(08-30-2023, 03:34 PM)Schmoe Wrote: Good old New Smyrna.  I never had the pleasure to swim in the shark bite capital 

I did love Florida though.  My aunt had a house in New Port Richey, complete with a closed-in pool that was screened and covered with anoles every morning.  They were fun to catch until one latched onto my thumb.  That little prick stayed latched on for about 10 minutes, but I'm the one who messed with it, so I couldn't harm it.

They also had a gator in their community pond that people would brilliantly feed.

We went to the Gulf of Mexico one day we were there, that water was amazing.  Up to my chest in water and I could see my feet.  No waves though.  Can't have it all, I guess.

I enjoyed Florida, but I'm a cold-weather guy.  Once the charm wore off I'd be miserable in humid-year-round Florida

(09-16-2023, 05:16 AM)Grace Wrote:

(08-30-2023, 03:34 PM)Schmoe Wrote: Good old New Smyrna.  I never had the pleasure to swim in the shark bite capital 

I did love Florida though.  My aunt had a house in New Port Richey, complete with a closed-in pool that was screened and covered with anoles every morning.  They were fun to catch until one latched onto my thumb.  That little prick stayed latched on for about 10 minutes, but I'm the one who messed with it, so I couldn't harm it.

They also had a gator in their community pond that people would brilliantly feed.

We went to the Gulf of Mexico one day we were there, that water was amazing.  Up to my chest in water and I could see my feet.  No waves though.  Can't have it all, I guess.

I enjoyed Florida, but I'm a cold-weather guy.  Once the charm wore off I'd be miserable in humid-year-round Florida

Lol @ shark bite capital... 

There's an inlet where bait fish are, the bait fish are why sharks go there. 

Also happens to be the inlet where the surfers go surfing... I think it's the only place they can actually surf. 

In my personal opinion, if you have to go surfing in the shark's food dish then you should probably skip surfing all together - but apparently you can't tell that to the surfers..

"I just wanted to surf! I don't know what happened, I was playing in the bowl of Cheerios and they mistook me for an 0 of Cheer... I have no idea why!" Lol

.

(09-18-2023, 02:12 AM)Schmoe Wrote:

(09-16-2023, 05:16 AM)Grace Wrote:

(08-30-2023, 03:34 PM)Schmoe Wrote: Good old New Smyrna.  I never had the pleasure to swim in the shark bite capital 

I did love Florida though.  My aunt had a house in New Port Richey, complete with a closed-in pool that was screened and covered with anoles every morning.  They were fun to catch until one latched onto my thumb.  That little prick stayed latched on for about 10 minutes, but I'm the one who messed with it, so I couldn't harm it.

They also had a gator in their community pond that people would brilliantly feed.

We went to the Gulf of Mexico one day we were there, that water was amazing.  Up to my chest in water and I could see my feet.  No waves though.  Can't have it all, I guess.

I enjoyed Florida, but I'm a cold-weather guy.  Once the charm wore off I'd be miserable in humid-year-round Florida

Lol @ shark bite capital... 

There's an inlet where bait fish are, the bait fish are why sharks go there. 

Also happens to be the inlet where the surfers go surfing... I think it's the only place they can actually surf. 

In my personal opinion, if you have to go surfing in the shark's food dish then you should probably skip surfing all together - but apparently you can't tell that to the surfers..

"I just wanted to surf! I don't know what happened, I was playing in the bowl of Cheerios and they mistook me for an 0 of Cheer... I have no idea why!" Lol

.

I have to say I'm actually surprised surfers aren't chomped more often.  When you look at the silhouette a surfer produces from under the surface of the water, it's looks an awful lot like a turtle or a large seal.  A favorite food of tiger sharks and great whites.

Still, I'll pass on being a floating charcuterie board 

(09-19-2023, 02:43 PM)Snarl Wrote:

(09-18-2023, 02:12 AM)Schmoe Wrote:

(09-16-2023, 05:16 AM)Grace Wrote:

(08-30-2023, 03:34 PM)Schmoe Wrote: Good old New Smyrna.  I never had the pleasure to swim in the shark bite capital 

I did love Florida though.  My aunt had a house in New Port Richey, complete with a closed-in pool that was screened and covered with anoles every morning.  They were fun to catch until one latched onto my thumb.  That little prick stayed latched on for about 10 minutes, but I'm the one who messed with it, so I couldn't harm it.

They also had a gator in their community pond that people would brilliantly feed.

We went to the Gulf of Mexico one day we were there, that water was amazing.  Up to my chest in water and I could see my feet.  No waves though.  Can't have it all, I guess.

I enjoyed Florida, but I'm a cold-weather guy.  Once the charm wore off I'd be miserable in humid-year-round Florida

Lol @ shark bite capital... 

There's an inlet where bait fish are, the bait fish are why sharks go there. 

Also happens to be the inlet where the surfers go surfing... I think it's the only place they can actually surf. 

In my personal opinion, if you have to go surfing in the shark's food dish then you should probably skip surfing all together - but apparently you can't tell that to the surfers..

"I just wanted to surf! I don't know what happened, I was playing in the bowl of Cheerios and they mistook me for an 0 of Cheer... I have no idea why!" Lol

.

I have to say I'm actually surprised surfers aren't chomped more often.  When you look at the silhouette a surfer produces from under the surface of the water, it's looks an awful lot like a turtle or a large seal.  A favorite food of tiger sharks and great whites.

Still, I'll pass on being a floating charcuterie board 

Pretty sure they know the difference. I'd bet most people only get bit out of curiosity. Problem is ... getting bit a little bit by a shark is pretty damned traumatic for one of us.

My most interesting encounter with sharks was on a blue water dive. Blue water dives are open water experiences (usually a one-and-done) where you're way out in the ocean and there are no reference markers anywhere. The bottom is too far down to make out, the surface is 60' above ya, and the water 'blues out' in every other direction. I don't know what that distance is where the blue out occurs ... 60 yards or a hundred (can't be much more than that).

Anyway ... I'm out there with a bunch of newbs ... wasting time. Then a pack of pelagic scavengers comes through. These are the BIG sharks nobody _ever_ sees. These are the ones that'll eat a boatload of shipwrecked sailors and leave nary a soul behind. Gobble down big ol' whales.

Let me tell ya ... sharks _know_. They know what's in the water the same way a bear knows what's in the woods. But, they've got the same visual limitations we have. That blue-out phenomenon affects them same way it does us. Imagine it like a circle surrounding you. Anything outside the circle can't _see_ you and you can't see anything beyond the perimeter. You can catch glimpses of the sharks as they pass through it to have a look for themselves.

Thing to do at that moment is inflate the orange sausages and float 'em. When the boats come back get your fat-ass the fuck out of the water in a damned hurry. It's the one time (as a safety) that I get out of the water first ... 'cause I wanna make damn sure nobody dilly-dallies on the steps. Everyone (and their heavy-assed equipment) is pretty much yanked by the elbow right the Hell out of the water.

I can tell ya after decades of diving, I've never seen a critter leave a mess behind after finishing its meal. So, if you won't fit into its stomach, it'll probably leave you alone. When something like those pelagics are hunting in packs, it makes for a different equation.

Pro tip: You almost never see the shark that gets hold of you. So ... if you're diving with a knife on your calf, for the purpose of fending off a shark attack ... you're a newb.  LOL