H
Longtime Cumberland County 4-H Volunteer Willie S. Geddie
was inducted into the North Carolina 4-H Hall of Fame during the
annual N.C. 4-H Congress June 23 at the McKimmon Center on
the North Carolina State University campus.
Geddie, a lifelong resident of the Wade community, was
nominated by the North Carolina 4-H Alumni and Friends
Association.
Geddie currently serves on the Cumberland County Cooperative
Extension Board of Advisors. His work with the 4-H Youth
Development and Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County
has spanned three decades.
co.cumberland.nc.us
Longtime Volunteer Inducted
Into State 4-H Hall of Fame
Travelers To Caribbean Advised To Guard
Against Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health
cautions travelers to the Caribbean to take preventative measures
against the spread of the
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV),
which is carried by 80 percent
of the mosquitoes in the
Caribbean. The Centers for
Disease Control has confirmed
four cases of the disease in
North Carolina.
Travelers who visit the
Caribbean are asked to use
mosquito repellent for 10 days
after returning to the states
to prevent local mosquitoes
from picking up CHIKV. The Health Department also reminds
Cumberland County residents they can pick up free Mosquito
Dunks insecticide at the department while supplies last.
CHIKV is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, also known as
Asian Tiger mosquitoes. The virus causes fever and joint pain,
especially in the hands and feet. The virus does not often result
in death, but the symptoms can be severe and persist for months.
The most effective way to guard against CHIKV is bite
prevention. The disease can be spread to local mosquitoes that
bite travelers who were bitten by mosquitoes in the Caribbean.
County residents can pick up a four-month supply of the
insecticide at the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey St., Monday
through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. There are extended
hours on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The round-shaped product
is placed in water, where it floats. For more information, call 910-
433-3680.
From left, Cooperative Extension Director Lisa Childers, State 4-H
Hall of Fame Inductee Willie Geddie, 4-H volunteer Eleanor Getz,
former Cumberland County Extension Agent Betty Green and 4-H
volunteer Mabel Murray attend the North Carolina 4-H Congress
in Raleigh June 23.
Mosquito Dunks available
at the Health Department.