FYI
Russia test-fires missile
From correspondents in Moscow
April 21, 2004
RUSSIA early today launched an intercontinental ballistic missile in a test-firing, news agencies cited the Strategic Missile Forces as saying.
The missile was fired from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia and it landed in the intended area of the Pacific Ocean, the reports said.
The launch's purpose was to test systems at the cosmodrome and to gather technical data on the rocket flight, the Interfax news agency cited the missile forces' press service as saying.
The launch followed two embarrassing failures of ballistic missile launches from submarines during highly publicised naval manoeuvers in February.
Later that month, Russia said it had successfully tested a space vehicle that could lead to weapons capable of penetrating missile defences
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9344991%255E1702,00.htmlIs this a new virus?
Virus sparks NT-wide warning
By Paul Jackson
April 21, 2004
A NORTHERN Territory-wide warning has been issued after a young child was diagnosed with the potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis virus.
The Department of Health and Community Services issued the warning after the child contracted the virus in Central Australia. The virus is carried by mosquitoes.
The warning particularly applies to people living, visiting or camping within 5km of swamp, creek and river systems overnight.
Symptoms of the virus include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremors and seizures - especially in young children.
In some cases the disease progresses to coma.
The department has warned people experiencing these symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.
It said above average rainfall for many regions in February and March had set the scene for increased mosquito numbers and an increased risk of the virus.
February to May is the peak risk period for the virus in the Territory.
The department also issued a warning for the Kunjin virus.
The disease is not normally fatal. Symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle and joint aches and pains.
Both viruses are transmitted by the common banded mosquito.
This mosquito bites only after sundown, with a peak in the first two hours of the night.
Northern Territory News
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9344950%255E26462,00.html