What is West Nile virus?

West Nile Virus (WN) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that can cause encephalitis or meningitis in humans and animals. The virus is named after the West Nile region of Uganda where it was first isolated in 1937. The virus appeared for the first time in the United States during a 1999 outbreak in New York that killed seven people. The first case in Canada was confirmed to have been an Ontarian man in September 2002.

How do people get infected with West Nile virus?

The evidence shows that most people infected with West Nile virus got it from the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on the blood of a bird that is infected with the virus. About two weeks later, the mosquito becomes capable of passing the virus to people and animals by biting them. There is some evidence that female mosquitoes may be able to transfer WN virus to their offspring, but researchers are still looking into this possibility.

In 2002, scientists discovered that people could be infected with West Nile Virus in other ways, including blood transfusions and organ/tissue transplants. The risk of getting WN virus this way is considered to be quite low. There is also evidence that pregnant women can pass the virus to their unborn babies and that the virus may be passed through breast milk. In addition, laboratory workers who handle infected specimens can get WN virus through needle punctures or cuts.

It is estimated that fewer than 1% of mosquitoes in any given area are infected with WN virus. This means the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito is low. However, it could happen to anyone in areas where WN virus is active. The best way to reduce your risk is to avoid getting mosquito bites.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?

Most people who are infected with the 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: mils symptoms, including:

• Slight fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph glands
• Occasionally a skin rash

The symptoms of severe infection (WN encephalitis or meningitis) include:

• Intense headache
• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Stupor
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis

It is estimated that 1 in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of disease.

What is the incubation period in humans (i.e. time from infection to onset of disease symptoms) for West Nile encephalitis?

Usually 3 to 14 days.

How long do symptoms last?

Symptoms of mild disease will generally last a few days. Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent.

What treatments are available for people with WN?

There is no specific treatment, medication or cure for WN virus. Serious cases are treated with supportive therapies to ease symptoms and prevent secondary infections. These cases may require hospital or nursing care.

What homeopathic prevention methods are recommended?

BIO 93 - Immune System fortifier
Indicated for conditions of immunodeficiency, causing an increased susceptibility to infectious disease. A non-specific immune stimulator and effective biological agent causing regulation of the body's defensive mechanism.

BIO 88 - Viral infection
Indicated for viral disease such as viral meningitis, poliomyelitis, influenza, etc. A safe, effective immunization formula, to increase the body's natural defenses against viral infection.

Remedies to help alleviate symptoms (remember that homeopathy treats the symptoms, not the disease):

R1 - Inflammation, fever, infection
Indicated for sudden infections and high fever, with irritation of the meninges, conjuctivas and pharynx.

R193 - Intense fever, inflammation
Belladonna: Sudden and intense congestion, heat, redness, swelling, hypersensitivity to the touch.
Echinacea augustifolia: Stimulation of the immune system.
Ferrum phosphoricum: Throbbing pain, local redness, swelling, heat, exhausting sweats.

BC-10
Its main indications being: infection in general, purulent expectoration, anti-viral, anti-bacterial.

BC-11
Its main indications being infection in general, fever, perspiration, headache during fever.

R6 - Influenza, colds, fever
Aconitum: Acute, sudden and violent illness with high fever.
Baptisia: Typhic fever, stupor, lethargy, cold, irritation of mucous membranes. Feeling of soreness, heaviness and aching muscles.
Bryonia: Bursting, splitting headache
Eupatorium perf.: Fever with sensation of prostration, aching in bones of limbs with soreness of flesh.
Ferrum phos: Remedy for fever and inflammation
Gelsemium: Congestive headaches, sleepiness, prostration, aching, tiredness, heaviness and soreness of limbs.
Causticum: Progressive weakness, loss of muscular strength, causing uncertainty of control over the muscles, finally ending in paralysis of single organs or parts.

IMPORTANT

If someone suspects having a severe West Nile infection, a health care practitioner should be consulted as quickly as possible.

What to do if you find a dead bird?

The Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre urges you NOT to handle dead birds until instructed on how to do so by your local agency. If you would like to report a freshly dead bird, consult their website for information on how to reach your local agency.

Sources:
Virginia Department of Health www.vdh.state.va.us
Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre: http://www.wildlife.usask.ca/

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