Facts You Probably D on’t Need

 An eponym is a person, a place or a thing after whom or which someone or something is, or is believed to be, named.

 In Sparta, only two classes of people could have their names inscribed on their tombstones: men who died in battle and women who died in childbirth.

 George Washington died in 1799. The first dinosaur fossils were not correctly identified until the early 1800s. Therefore, George Washington never knew dinosaurs existed.

 Caffeine does not actually give you energy. It just blocks the adenosine receptors in your brain which let you know when you are tired.

 Your blood turns green as you go deeper under water due to the lack of red light being present.

 In 2018, scientists found the fossils of fish on the peaks of the Himalayan Mountains. This contributes to the theory that the Earth was once completely covered in water.

 According to a Harvard study, people who are always running late tend to live longer and healthier lives.

 Japanese trains are among the world's most punctual with their average delay being well under one minute.

Facts by Sean McVeigh, factologist.

By Peter Galvin, MD

Rabies is a very rare but deadly disease caused by the rabies virus. Most rabies infections are due to exposure to infected saliva from an animal bite or scratch. Worldwide, dog bites are the most common source of rabies infections. Here in the U.S., however, because most dogs are vaccinated against rabies, rabies is spread to humans by bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Rabies is more common in resource-poor countries, accounting for 59,000 deaths per year worldwide, but only three per year in the U.S. Initial symptoms may include fever, headache, weakness, and sometimes burning or itching at the wound site. The virus then travels to the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system or CNS) where it causes progressive CNS inflammation that results in neurological symptoms. The time frame (incubation period) between exposure and the development of neurological symptoms may be weeks to months, depending on both the specific type of rabies virus and the distance between the wound and the brain. Symptom onset also depends on whether or not the exposed individual has been vaccinated against rabies.

There are two forms of rabies: encephalitic, which accounts for 75% of U.S. cases, and paralytic. Encephalitic rabies presents with agitation, confusion, and a fear of water (since swallowing can cause intense throat spasms). Paralytic rabies presents with muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma. Death occurs in almost 100% of cases because there are no effective treatments once the virus infects the CNS. Rabies is diagnosed by a history of exposure to an infected animal along with detection of the virus in saliva, blood, skin, or cerebrospinal fluid. In the U.S., rabies testing is done only after consultation with the state or local health department. People in the U.S. should not feed or approach wild animals, and in other countries, they should also avoid stray dogs.

Preexposure prophylaxis with a series of rabies vaccinations can prevent rabies in people at high risk of infection, such as people who work directly in contact with the rabies virus or those at increased risk of exposure to wild animals (e.g., veterinarians and people who frequently explore caves [spelunkers]). Postexposure prophylaxis after a bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal blocks the virus from entering the CNS, thus preventing the development of rabies. This is done with injections of human rabies immune globulin (rabies antibodies) and rabies vaccine. Both should be given as soon as possible after exposure, ideally on the same day as the exposure. Usually, three additional does of rabies vaccine is given within 14 days of the first vaccine. Animal bites or scratches should immediately be cleansed with soap and water. Individuals who may have been exposed to an animal with rabies should seek immediate medical attention. If possible, the responsible animal should be caught and tested. If the animal tests negative, then obviously postexposure prophylaxis unnecessary.

For more information go to the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

Please direct questions and comments to editor@rockawaytimes. com

By Kami-Leigh Agard

Éirinn go Brách! This Saturday is the 48th Annual Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and even if you’re unable to snag a prime spot along the parade route—there are loads of local spots celebrating Rockaway’s rich Irish heritage. From live music performances to post-parade pub and food crawls, here’s the ultimate guide on where to celebrate a truly Rockaway Irish good time! Plus, Purim celebrations happening next week!

FRIDAY, March 3

8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Back at Bar Marseille is newly-crowned country music queen, Lauren Jaimes, bringing in her dreamy vintage western vibe, reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves and Johnny Cash.

190 Beach 69th Street

FRIDAY, March 3 9 p.m.

As stated by “Farce The Music,” "If you've got a fetish for some good-times, floor-stomping songs you'd hear during a happy hour…along with plenty of spilled shots of Jameson’s, Murphy’s Lawyer will ring your bell.” Don’t miss him tonight at Rogers!

203 Beach 116th Street

FRIDAY, March 3

Enjoy a Breezy treat with a fine dining and music experience with JoJo at Kennedy’s. Call (718) 9450202 for showtime and reservations.

406 Bayside, Breezy Point

SATURDAY, March 4 2 p.m.

What better band to salute Irish pride than The Brooklyn Bards— charging in with their classic and contemporary Irish war marches, rebel and folk songs at RBQ.

97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd

SATURDAY, March 4 3 p.m.

The Irish Mutts are back at Bungie, throwing down their never-outdone lineup of craic led by Bobby Butler.

377 Beach 92nd Street

SATURDAY, March 4 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Connolly’s is open just for parade day—ready with your favorite green