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.
Health officials warn of deadly mosquito-borne virus found in Florida chickens
Max Chesnes. USA TODAY•August 14, 2019
STUART, Fla. – Several Florida chickens recently tested positive for a mosquito-borne virus known to sometimes cause fatal brain infection and swelling.
According to a statement released Thursday by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, several sentinel chickens recently contracted Eastern equine encephalitis virus and had antibodies present in their system to fight the disease.
Sentinel chickens are used for disease prevention research and are tested regularly for Eastern equine encephalitis and the West Nile virus.
Encephalitis symptoms usually emerge between four and 10 days after the bite, which usually include fever, disorientation and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About 30 percent of people infected with Eastern equine encephalitis die from the disease.
Barry Alto, an associate professor at the University of Florida Medical Entomological Laboratory in Vero Beach, said the black-tailed mosquito is the primary carrier of encephalitis.
This species is most active near swampland during hot, damp summer months and typically bites during the two hours after sunset.
While infections typically rise in the summer, transmission can occur any month of the year, Alto said. Just because the disease was found in Orange County does not mean it is isolated, and it could spread around the state.
The Treasure Coast is no stranger to mosquito-borne illnesses. West Nile virus was found in sentinel chickens in Martin County in 2018. Populations of these chickens are scattered across the state and experts are always monitoring the severity of contamination, Alto said.
“This is a very serious virus,” Alto said. “You do not want to get infected with this.”
Even if the infection is not fatal, encephalitis can have life-long debilitating effects, including mental disorientation and brain damage, Alto said.
Preventing the disease with insecticide has proven difficult, as many mosquito populations are in protected areas that cannot be treated with the repellent.
Zika: New Florida Zika cases prompt Miami travel warning
There are at least 10 cases of encephalitis in humans each year, Alto said. Florida’s sub-tropical climate and geography can make it an epicenter for disease contraction.
Health officials said they will continue to monitor the infections and research prevention efforts. Florida Health reminds everyone to take the basic precautions necessary to avoid mosquito bites.
“Floridians should be paying attention to this,” Alto said. “Avoid being bitten by covering up with clothes and repellent.”