The West Nile Virus (WNV), is already more widespread in the US than it was last year and experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predict that it will eventually spread throughout the entire US.
"We know that the virus has spread and will continue to spread, " Dr. Lyle Petersen with the CDC told Reuters Health. "For all we can tell, nothing is going to stop it from spreading throughout the entire US," he added.
According to the CDC:
"There may be more potential for humans to become infected in future years than currently," said Dr. Petersen. He advises people take the following precautions during the summer months, in order to minimize risks:
Wearing mosquito repellent Wearing long sleeve shirts and pants Avoiding being outside at times around dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by keeping gutters clear and draining any sources of water in yards
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, November 24, 2000; 49:1044-1047
However, I believe that what is having much greater adverse health effects than the virus itself is the massive pesticide spraying campaigns that have been going on the try to kill off the mosquitoes. These pesticides are poisons, not just to the insects, but the people as well. We had an article earlier this year about some of the toxic effects of these chemicals, particularly on the thyroid gland.
Although this virus has been striking fear into the hearts of many recently, it does not really deserve such fear. Nearly all people in whom the virus proved fatal were elderly and quite sick already. In a vast majority of cases, the virus produces symptoms of a cold and that is all.
Keeping healthy, especially by following the proper diet will make all the difference in how your body deals with infections, including the West Nile Virus. For a good example of how diet can effect the immune system, read the 50 year-old "Sugar and Polio" article this week.
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New York Encephalitis Caused By New Virus - But What is the Real Story?
Pesticides Targeting West Nile-Carrying Mosquitoes May be a Thyroid Danger