CRAZY stuff i tell you...CRAZY stuff.

ok, so i'm sitting here at my desk, minding my own business when mike asked if i had checked my email. of course the answer is no, so i go check. THIS is the email i received from the univerisity today...

Tuesday, October 12, 2004


Resident

College Inn

Via Campus Mail


Dear Resident:

I hope your semester is going very well and that you are enjoying your time in College Inn - and studying hard for your classes. You may have recently heard some concern about insects in our home, including Loxosceles Reclusa, the brown recluse spider. While it is very unlikely the brown recluse spider has bitten anyone, this commonly misdiagnosed injury is a concern for everyone in Residence Life.

The brown recluse spider is indigenous to this area of Texas, but it is extremely unusual to be invenomated by a brown recluse spider, even though a bite diagnosis from a physician is common[1]. There are more than twenty other medical conditions that mimic many of the symptoms of a recluse bite. Several sources (American Medial Association News, The University of Washington) note the misdiagnosis rate is upwards of 80% with regard to brown recluse spider bites. Sean Bush, M.D., an emergency room physician and professor of emergency medicine who is often seen on the television show Venom ER, indicates the misdiagnosis is very common for a very uncommon affliction. Misdiagnosis is so common that several hundred bites are reported every year in areas of the country where there are no brown recluse spiders.

Residence Life is working closely with the contractor we use for pest control to address this situation - whether any bites are caused by a brown recluse or some other pest. Our contractor will be in San Jacinto Hall /College in ON Thursday 14th , between 10am - 5pm to determine if there are brown recluse spiders in the building, to spray for all spiders and other insects, and to help insure the safety of all who live in our home. So that our contractor can spray correctly, it is critical that you follow these directions!

1. Move your furniture and personal belongings at least eight inches from every wall
2. Empty your closet floor of all items, including shoes, luggage, boxes, etc.
3. Tightly seal all food products
4. Remove fish from the room, or tightly cover the aquarium top

While we spray, we will briefly cover your bed with a protective plastic tarp. This will prevent any spray from hitting your bedding.

If you do not follow these directions, you will be subject to judicial sanctions that include reimbursement for the pest control contract to return to the hall to spray again, a fine of $40.00, and community service. Most importantly, you may contribute to another student being bitten.

If you believe you have been bitten by some insect, you should go to the Student Health Center (SHC) immediately. The medical staff at the SHC can treat the bite and make sure you are well. If you are bitten and believe you can safely capture the spider, please do so - it will help us and the medical staff to make sure we know exactly what insect may have bitten you.

Spiders, the insects they feed on, and many other "critters" are most often attracted to food in unsealed containers, and to food (crumbs, etc.) spilled in your room. You can help us to prevent infestations by all bugs if you make sure to keep all food in your room tightly stored, if you promptly dispose of all trash, and if you keep your room clean.

If you have any questions about the pest control schedule, spiders, or any other issues, please come to my office. I want to meet with you and answer your questions!

good to know, huh!? makes me feel REALLY safe living here. but...i guess they're doing all they can do. at least they're not just like "oh well. let 'em die!" haha...but that WOULD be an interesting way to think about it! *wink* sorry, i know...i'm morbid. instead of finishing this post here, i think i'm going to publish this and start another one!!! YAY!!