Blog note.
Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur
leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a
combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types
of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they
could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of
these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity,
frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences
in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season
of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great
Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and
pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
(Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and
upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves
roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which
are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy
3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of
grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from
throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the
intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of
severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes,
typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual
places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records
everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This
list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and
massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this
Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are
familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like
a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.
Philadelphia declares a public health emergency after surge of Hepatitis A
By Susan Scutti, CNN Updated 11:00 AM ET, Fri August 2, 2019
The Philadelphia Department of Health has declared a public health emergency due to a surge in Hepatitis A, Dr. Thomas A. Farley, Health Commissioner of the City, said Thursday.
So far this year, 154 people have tested positive for the highly contagious liver disease, with 85% of diagnoses occurring since May, the department said. Typically, the city sees between two and nine cases each year.
Preliminary information indicates 67% of people who have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A say they have used drugs, while 26% report homelessness, according to health officials. All but four of the confirmed cases have occurred in adults.
“While there’s not an exact cause that we can pinpoint, Philadelphia had been in the grip of the opioid crisis, which the Health Commissioner had called the worst epidemic here in more than a century,” James Garrow, spokesman for Philadelphia Department of Public Health, told CNN in an email.
Garrow said the bulk of cases have occurred among at-risk populations in the northern neighborhood of Kensington.
“We’ve seen, in other cities, similar outbreaks tied to homelessness and illicit drug use so believe this outbreak is the same,” he added. “There hasn’t been a specific change, just a bad situation that has been going for a while.”
Viral symptoms
Caused by a virus, Hepatitis A is an infection that people pick up either by coming into contact with human waste or by consuming contaminated food or water. Unwashed hands and unsanitary conditions help spread the disease.
Fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, joint pain and jaundice (yellow skin or eyes and dark urine) are symptoms, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms usually appear two to six weeks after infection and last less than two months.
Southern New Jersey and suburban Pennsylvania counties around Philadelphia are also reporting higher than usual numbers of Hepatitis A among the same at-risk populations, according to the city’s health department.
The Hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses given at least six months apart for long-lasting protection, according to the CDC. Since last summer, 12,439 vaccinations have been dispensed to adults in Philadelphia. The city has distributed more than 4,000 personal hygiene items, including hand sanitizer, soap, tissue packets and condoms, to at-risk populations.
“Despite these aggressive and extensive efforts, Hepatitis A virus is spreading rapidly and is expected to continue doing so, thereby necessitating further action… and expanded resources to control this epidemic,” wrote Farley.
In response to the emergency, Philadelphia will offer free vaccinations for at-risk populations including the homeless, drug users, people recently incarcerated, men who have sex with men, and people with chronic liver disease, Farley said. Close contacts of those who are infected will also be eligible.
Context for the crisis
The 2017 Hepatitis A epidemic in San Diego County, California, included 592 infections, primarily among the homeless and illegal drug users. Twenty people died, wrote Farley in his statement. The California epidemic was controlled by increased vaccination and improved sanitation, Farley said.
Based on its annual “Point in Time” count, Philadelphia has experienced rising rates of homelessness over the past few years, according to CNN affiliate KYW. The year 2017 saw a 36% increase over the prior year, followed by a 13% jump in 2018. This year’s increase was 5%.
Meanwhile, illicit drug use rates, which can be difficult to gauge, may also be rising. Almost half of people admitted to treatment reported using heroin as their primary drug. That is a 26% increase from 2016, according to one recent government report.
Pestilence
Disease
Death
Virus
Bacteria
Superbugs
Contagion
Epidemic
Pandemic
Spreading from one person to another
Perilous times have come
Pestilence spreading around the world
Pestilence in diverse places
Disease spreading around the world
Disease in diverse places
Disease increasing in frequency
Disease increasing in size
Disease increasing in strength
Disease increasing in duration
Increasing like the pains of a woman in labor