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Death toll from tick bites rises to 18 in Henan
A fatal but contained disease brought on by tick bites has led to 18 deaths in Xinyang, in Henan province. The provincial Public Health Department said in a statement yesterday (Sep. 8th) that since May 2007, 18 people have died amongst 557 reported cases of suspected HGA (which stands for human granulocytic anaplasmosis). HGA reduces white blood cells in the blood, leading to organ failure and death. People in close contact with the patient can also be infected if no precautions are taken but the disease is curable if treated soon enough. Experts have been sent to Xinyang to help local doctors diagnose the disease and attempt to contain it.

photo from xinhuanet

Schedules for Upcoming National Holidays Released
The schedule for the two upcoming national holidays was announced by the State Council. The Mid-Autumn Festival holidays will begin on September 22nd until September 24th. The National Day Golden Week will start on October 1st until the 7th. However, to make up for some of the time off, people shall need to work on the weekends, on Sept 19th, 25th, 26th and October 9th.

Another Tropical Storm Ready to Hit GD
Only days after typhoon Lion Rock hit the province, the 10th tropical storm so far this year, Meranti, will land in eastern Guangdong or Fujian province tonight (Sept 9th) or tomorrow (Sept 10th). Under the influence of the storm, there will be mild showers in eastern Guangdong and in the east of the Pearl River Delta. This shall turn into heavy rain across the province tomorrow.