What is Breakbone fever & How Can It Effect You

Dengue fever cases are drawing increased attention across the United States as health officials report more infections linked to international travel and occasional local mosquito transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most U.S. cases still occur in travelers returning from countries where dengue is common, but locally acquired infections have also been documented in states including California, Florida, and Texas. In early 2026, hundreds of cases had already been reported nationwide, prompting renewed travel alerts and mosquito-control warnings.

Dengue is a viral illness spread by infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which thrive in warm and humid environments. Symptoms usually begin within a few days of a mosquito bite and often include high fever, severe headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, rash, and fatigue. Because the pain can be intense, dengue is sometimes called “breakbone fever.” While many people recover within a week, severe dengue can develop quickly and become life-threatening, especially for people who have had dengue before.

Health experts say one reason cases are rising is the growing overlap between global outbreaks and warmer conditions that allow mosquito populations to expand farther north. Increased travel to tropical regions also raises the chance that infected travelers return while still carrying the virus, creating opportunities for local mosquitoes to spread it further. Although widespread outbreaks remain uncommon in the continental U.S., public health agencies warn that small clusters can occur when infected mosquitoes are present.

The best protection against dengue is preventing mosquito bites. People should use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and keep windows and doors screened. Emptying standing water from buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, and gutters is also important because mosquitoes breed in even small amounts of water. Travelers visiting high-risk countries should be especially careful during daytime hours, when dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active.

Doctors also recommend paying attention to symptoms after travel or mosquito exposure. Anyone who develops fever, rash, or severe body aches should seek medical advice quickly, especially if symptoms worsen with vomiting, stomach pain, or bleeding. Early diagnosis helps doctors monitor for complications and prevent severe illness. As dengue cases continue to rise, prevention at home and while traveling remains the strongest defense.

Toxic Lead Exposure found in Affordable Housing Complex in Vallejo

Community Activists in All Positives Possible are sounding the alarm on a recent discovery shedding light on how residents were exposed to harmful lead in low income apartment housing. Sereno Village Apartments formerly known as Vallejo Office Complex was a dumping ground for toxic lead unfortunately they have built apartment complexes on those same dumping grounds for low income housing in historically disadvantaged communities.

Since then residents (which consists of mostly disabled, elderly, and single parents) have reported noxious odors, severe illnesses including frequent hospital/doctors visits, including a child being found with dangerously high levels of lead in the body, along with suicides & deaths.

On February 20,2025 All Positives Possible raised this issue with both the Water Quality Control Board & the Department of Toxic Substance Control questioning if any clean up or knowledge of toxic exposure had taken place the answer was no followed by a broken link being sent. All Positives Possible did not let up & continued to press for answers. The next day DTSC sent documents revealing Sereno Village did in fact have a clean up which took place under a different name accompanied by a neighboring store having an oil cleanup take place but it was allegedly a “closed site”.

This proves that despite DTSC & the Water Quality Control Board denying involvement a cover up had taken place.

Popular Food Brands Recalled due to rodent feces, urine, and salmonella risk

In late December 2025 and into January 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversaw one of the broadest food and consumer product recalls in recent memory after inspectors found extensive rodent and bird contamination at a large distribution facility operated by Gold Star Distribution, Inc. in Minneapolis. The unsanitary conditions — including rodent excreta, urine, and bird droppings — raised concerns that products stored there may have been exposed to harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Leptospira. Federal officials classified the recall as Class II, indicating that while serious health issues are unlikely, exposure could still cause temporary or reversible illnesses. (The Economic Times)

Among the nearly 2,000 products pulled from shelves were a host of well-known food brands that many households recognize. Snack favorites like Skittles, Pringles, and Nerds candies appeared on the list alongside breakfast staples like Cheerios and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. In addition, popular beverages including Coca-Cola, Gatorade, and Arizona Iced Tea were affected, as well as pantry items such as Heinz ketchup and Crisco oil.

The inclusion of these high-profile names underscored widespread consumer concern about product safety and food chain oversight.

The recall wasn’t limited to just snacks and drinks; it also encompassed a wide array of non-food items and other groceries, spanning pet foods, toiletries, over-the-counter medicines, and household products. While no illnesses have yet been definitively linked to the contaminated goods, public health authorities are urging consumers who purchased any listed items to destroy them immediately and to contact a physician if they experience symptoms consistent with foodborne illness. Retailers, too, have been instructed to remove recalled goods from inventory and work with Gold Star Distribution on refund procedures. (People.com)

The incident has reignited discussions around supply chain safety and the importance of stringent sanitation standards at storage and distribution centers. As regulators and industry stakeholders assess the fallout from the recall, experts emphasize that vigilance at every step — from warehouse management to retail shelves — remains critical in protecting public health. Consumers are encouraged to check FDA recall notices regularly and follow guidance on disposal and refunds for affected products. (mint)