NEWSLETTER

Spirit of Healing

West Nile Virus

Q: What are West Nile virus, West Nile fever, and West Nile encephalitis?
A. West Nile virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals.

West Nile fever is a case of mild disease in people, characterized by flu like symptoms. West Nile fever typically lasts only a few days and does not appear to cause any long-term health effects.

More severe disease due to a person being infected with this virus can be West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, or West Nile meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it.

Q. Where did West Nile virus come from?
A. West Nile virus has been commonly found in humans and birds and other vertebrates in Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, and the Middle East, but until 1999 had not previously been documented in the Western Hemisphere. It is not known from where the U.S. virus originated, but it is most closely related genetically to strains found in the Middle East.

Q. Historically, where has West Nile encephalitis occurred worldwide?
A. See the map describing distribution of flaviviruses, including West Nile virus: Click Here

Q. How long has West Nile virus been in the U.S.?
A. It is not known how long it has been in the U.S., but CDC scientists believe the virus has probably been in the eastern U.S. since the early summer of 1999, possibly longer.

Q. I understand West Nile virus was found in "overwintering" mosquitoes in the New York City area in early 2000. What does this mean?
A. One of the species of mosquitoes found to carry West Nile virus is the Culex species, which survives through the winter, or "overwinters," in the adult stage. That the virus survived along with the mosquitoes was documented by the widespread transmission during the summer of 2000.

Q. Is West Nile virus now established in the Western Hemisphere?
A. The continued expansion of West Nile virus in the United States indicates that it is permanently established in the Western Hemisphere.

Q. Is the disease seasonal in its occurrence?
A. In the temperate zone of the world (i.e., between latitudes 23.5° and 66.5° north and south), West Nile encephalitis cases occur primarily in the late summer or early fall. In the southern climates where temperatures are milder, West Nile virus can be transmitted year round.

Symptoms

Q. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?
A. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not have any type of illness. It is estimated that 20% of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever: mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands.

The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis, meningitis, and meningoencephalitis) include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. It is estimated that 1 in 150 persons infected with West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of disease.

Q. What is the incubation period in humans (i.e., time from infection to onset of disease symptoms) for West Nile encephalitis?
A. Usually 3 to 14 days.

Q. How long do symptoms last?
A. Symptoms of mild disease will generally last a few days. Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent.

Q. I think I have symptoms of West Nile virus infection. What should I do?
A. Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your health. If you or your family members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headaches, you should see your doctor immediately.

Common Sense Approaches to West Nile Virus

The best way to avoid the virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. They live in damp areas with standing water. It is safest to avoid such areas. There are also mosquito repellants to help keep them away. Try to use natural repellants and avoid ones with chemical pesticides as they may harm you.

It is not always possible to completely avoid mosquitoes altogether. You can help protect yourself by keeping your immune system strong. A strong immune system will be better able to ward off the virus before it can work its way deeper inside. All the usual things like eating right and getting enough sleep are advisable. There are also some herbal products to boost your immune system. Ginseng products do just that. In fact most of the

Astragals, Deer Tail, Ginseng Tonic, Royal Jelly, Goldenseal, Echinacea, and Bee Pollen are all used to improve the immune system.

If you should find yourself with flu-like symptoms Natures Sunshine VSC capsules or VSC liquid should be used immediately as they are Chinese herbs used for fighting viral infections.

If the symptoms worsen such as severe headache or high fever, contact your doctor without further delay. Whether or not it is West Nile Virus, the symptoms are severe and you should seek the advice of a doctor. The odds are that, if bitten by a West Nile Virus carrying mosquito, you will never even notice any symptoms. If you do notice symptoms, and they are mild, you may be able to fight it off on your own or with the help of herbal medicines. But, if the symptoms become severe or you are weak to begin with, don’t take any chances; contact your physician right away!