Wal-Mart finds safety issues at Bangladesh factories

The Wal-Mart company logo is seen outside a Wal-Mart Stores Inc company distribution center in Bentonville, Arkansas June 6, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Rick Wilking

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D.C. Health Department issues measles alert

A woman infected with measles, a contagious and potentially dangerous disease, traveled through the District and Maryland after flying into Dulles International Airport, it was disclosed Monday.

The 27-year-old New Mexico resident landed at the airport Feb. 20 and left the region Feb. 22, from Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport. In between, D.C. Health Department officials said Monday, she spent time in the District, apparently in Georgetown and Columbia Heights.

The city Health Department said people exposed to measles should determine whether they have received two doses of measles vaccine. Those who have not or who show symptoms should contact their health-care providers, the department said.

People with measles should stay home for four days after the characteristic rash appears, the health department said. Other symptoms include fever, redness of the eye and a cough.

The department said that on Feb. 21, between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the woman apparently went from Georgetown to Columbia Heights, using buses on the D1 or D6 route for part of the trip. She apparently returned between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on an S2 or S4 bus, the health department said.

In Columbia Heights, the department said, she might have been at the Potbelly Sandwich Shop in the 1400 block of Irving Street NW.

Dr. Maggi Gallaher, medical director of the public health division of the New Mexico Health Department, said the woman apparently was exposed to measles while in Europe. She flew from BWI to Denver, and then to Albuquerque, Gallaher said.

She was hospitalized for a few days in New Mexico but is recovering at home, Gallaher said.

Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said alerts sent out "a couple of dozen" times a year call attention to possible exposure to travelers with measles.

It is "a testament to the importance of making sure we're all vaccinated," he said.

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Bank of Latvia issues 'Baby coin'

In Latvian tradition the newborn baby is visited about a month after arrival for wellwishing and to provide some tangible gift. It has been popular to give a newborn a silver or gold coin as a present. The latest coin would be ideal for such an occasion.

RIGA(BullionStreet): This post will highlight two coins recently released by the Bank of Latvia. The first is the “Baby coin” which is issued in dedication to folk traditions.

The obverse features the charming image of a cradle with baby being held by a bird. The inscription “LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA” appears beneath. On the reverse is the image of a mouse pulling a chest full of sweet dreams. The denomination “1 Lats” appears beneath.

In Latvian tradition the newborn baby is visited about a month after arrival for wellwishing and to provide some tangible gift. It has been popular to give a newborn a silver or gold coin as a present. The latest coin would be ideal for such an occasion.

Each coin is struck in .925 silver to proof quality. The weight is 22 grams and the diameter is 35 mm. The mintage is limited to 5,000 pieces. The price at Latvian Cashier’s Offices is 32.92 Lats (about $62).

The next coin is issued by the Bank of Latvia for the Eurostar Programme, which this year highlights European writers. Latvia’s coin honors RÅ«dolfs Blaumanis, a writer, journalist, and playwright. He is considered a master of realism and one of the greatest writers in Latvian history. The release coincides with the 150th anniversary of his birth.

The obverse design features a portrait of the author with the titles of some of his works in the background. His name appears in the left field with the date “2013? below. The Eurostar symbol also appears. On the reverse is a homestead surrounded by trees, which appears on a tree leaf. The inscription “LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA” appears above with the denomination “1 LATS” below. The design seeks to convey the search for human harmony centered around the ideal of family and native land which had been the theme of the author’s works.

Each coin is struck in .925 silver to proof quality with a weight of 22 grams and diameter of 35 mm. The maximum mintage is 5,000 pieces, and the coins are available at Cashier’s Offices at 32.92 lats.

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