Tag Archives: April 2004

Hydrogen Fuelled London Buses

The UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell buses have gone into service in central London for a two-year trial that also involves nine other European cities, making it the largest project of its type in the world.   DaimlerChrysler developed and manufactured the Citaro buses and BP is managing the project and providing the hydrogen-refuelling facilities.  In London, three of the No 25’s are being trialled on the 11-mile from Ilford to Oxford Circus from January 14th.  Each bus has a range of 125 miles between each refuelling.   

Fiji Storms Cause Loss of Life

Seven people have died and hundreds have lost their homes in Fiji after severe storms hit the main island of Viti Levu in the South Pacific.  Nine people are still missing.  In one of the worst incidents, five people died when their bus was swept away by a landslide.  

Rift Valley Fever

What is it: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects domestic animals (such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels) and humans.  RVF is most commonly associated with mosquito-borne epidemics during years of heavy rainfall.

Where could I get it: RVF is generally found in regions of eastern and southern Africa where sheep and cattle are raised.  However, RVF virus also exists in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.

What happens if I get it: people with RVF typically have either no symptoms or a mild illness associated with fever and liver abnormalities.  In some more extreme cases, it can lead to hemorrhagic fever (which can lead to shock or haemorrhage), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain, which can lead to headaches, coma, or seizures), and eye disease.

What do I do if I get it: usually patients recover within two days to one week after onset of illness.  About 1% of humans that become infected with RVF die of the disease.  There is no specific treatment – just rest and taking plenty of fluids.

How can I prevent catching Rift Valley Fever: avoid bites of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects, so use of mosquito repellents and bed nets.  Also you should avoid exposure to blood or tissues of animals that may potentially be infected.

Frequent Flyers Vetted for Fast Track

The US government wants to begin testing a program this summer that would allow low-risk frequent fliers to avoid extra security inspections at airports.  Passengers could volunteer to pay a fee and submit to government background checks.  If they are not found to be potential threats, they would avoid being randomly selected for the follow-up screening at checkpoints where carry-on bags pass through metal detectors.  The aim is to move law-abiding and non-threatening travellers more quickly to their planes and permit screeners to focus more on people about whom the government has less information, said David Stone, acting chief of the Transportation Security Administration.  The program, which will last 90 days could begin in June, is expected to appeal mostly to frequent travellers who would think the cost would be offset by the time saved at airports.