Document text
52 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, September 18, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 29, 2004 Since WE Asked: Bugged by the West Nile Virus With Oregon (and Jackson County) finally joining the rest of the nation in being a home for the potentially fatal West Nile virus, we wondered whether folks around here would be changing their ways toward the outdoors ... and mosquitoes: We asked: "Will the confirmed presence of West Nile Virus in Southern Oregon affect the way you spend time outdoors?" Your answers follow, along with this week’s new question. Please take a moment to voice your opinion. Advertisement No, I am going to gather my tormenting yellow jackets and killer bees to scare them out of town! — J. Hess, Rogue River It will just make us more aware and take better precautions, such as mosquito repellent, etc. — J. Lacy, Talent This may sound a little cynical, but I think the presence of air would affect the way we spend time outdoors. People these days spend so much of their time worrying about EVERYTHING — rather then getting out and getting stuff done. When we didn't know West Nile was there, all was well. I guess ignorance really is bliss. If you spend all your time worrying about what will happen, you can't savor what's happening right now. To sum it up ... it shouldn’t, but it will. — Constance H., Medford Yes, after witnessing three men that are on total ventilation because of the West Nile, I will be much more careful of the time I spend outdoors. — Victoria, Central Point Yes, this can be very serious. This valley should have started preparing for this problem a couple of years ago. I have put up a bug zapper and I have had my yard sprayed. — Kathy M., Medford It already has, but not to the point of paranoia; just in the sense of being educated, aware and more cautious. My bug zappers are on more now than they used to be (programmed timers) and I've repaired my window screens (which went unrepaired for a long time). It's part of improving the quality of life. The little things I can do to protect myself and the children in my life without becoming obsessed by it. Life means living, which also means being comfortable and all that shouldn't be ruined by such insignificance as a mosquito. I continue to be diligent and to enjoy the beautiful Southern Oregon outdoors. — Heather H., Medford Since we go camping quite a bit during the summer, we always put bug spray on our children. With the presence of the West Nile virus, we just make sure to always have our children protected and reapply often. — L. Hartley, Medford Of course not! The odds of getting bitten by an infected mosquito are very slim (I've heard as little as 1 percent). The odds are even better in our favor when you consider the odds of that small percentage of bitten people who will actually get sick. I look forward to visiting Medford in October, probably long after the worst of the mosquito season, and intend to enjoy your scenic beauty.— Richard O., Sunnyvale, Calif . Absolutely not. The media-induced hysteria over a simple disease which has killed 20 people out 380 million is insane. Wear a little bug repellent, and get outside for heaven’s sake. — Ed C., Eagle Point This Week’s Question Before the last couple of week’s, how many of us actually knew what a "Swift boat" was, nevermind what presidential contender John Kerry did or didn’t do while in one? On the other hand, President Bush’s dental records from 35 years ago when he was in the Air Force Reserves are getting their share of exposure as well. Is it just us, or does it seem like the presidential campaign has turned into a schoolyard brawl? With that in mind, we ask: "Does negative campaign advertising have an impact on either your decision to vote for a candidate, or whether to vote at all?" Please keep your answers brief and on the issue at hand. Responses received without your name and town can not be considered for publication. All responses will appear on the Web site a week from today. You may submit your answer by using the form here on the Web site, or you may respond directly to [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities