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SAVE OUR PLANET… West Nile virus takes toll in Greece. With 15 people who have succumbed
to the disease, 39 are currently hospitalized, 9 of whom are in intensive care as the total
number of cases rises to over 160. Most stem from areas in Macedonia that are in close
proximity to lakes and rivers. Nearly all of the victims have suffered from the serious
condition of encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain caused by the illness. In response,
the Greek government has allocated an additional €250,000 beyond the €300,000 initially
pledged to help ensure prevention in the area. The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes
and has become a growing health concern globally as its range widens with climate change. Spokeswoman
for Greece’s Hellenic Centre for the Control and Prevention of Diseases, Dr. Doritsa Bakka,
noted that the spread of the disease had worsened from this year’s hot, wet summer that created
ideal breeding grounds for the insects. In a recent article published in the infectious
disease journal “Eurosurveillance,” Italian researchers studying organ donors found to
their surprise that certain serum samples testing positive for the virus originated
in regions where infection previously wasn’t known to be a risk. In a related “Eurosurveillance”
editorial, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warned that heightened
monitoring and preparedness for West Nile virus is needed in Europe as human cases increase.
We thank Dr. Bakka, the Hellenic Center for the Control and Prevention of Diseases, and
the Greek government for your concerned alert about the increased vulnerability to this
disease. Our heartfelt prayers for the recovery of those suffering from the West Nile virus,
and that we may speed our actions to halt climate change and restore the vitality of
both humans and the Earth.
Speaking with concern for humanity’s welfare during a July 2008 videoconference with our
Association members in Washington, USA, Supreme Master Ching Hai explained the most efficient
way to curb such perils related to global warming.
Videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai
Seattle, Washington, USA – July 6, 2008
Supreme Master Ching Hai: And some places may have more mental illness, and all kind
of other illnesses, and diseases go where they have not been before even. Like mosquitoes,
they migrate into different areas where they have not been before because the climate is
warmer. Supreme Master Ching Hai: So it depends on
how many people join the vegetarian diet. The more vegetarian people, the less killing
of the animals, the more time we have to rescue the planet and the lives on the planet. So
everybody has to join into the vegetarian diet, and stop the killing, stop the harm
to other people and the animals and save energies every way possible and go green wherever possible.
THEN WE STILL CAN SAVE THE PLANE�