The West Nile Virus

The West Nile virus belongs to a family of viruses called Flaviviridae. It is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on the blood of infected birds. West Nile virus is closely related to the viruses that cause Dengue fever, Yellow fever and St. Louis encephalitis.
The virus was first isolated in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda. Since then, there have been outbreaks in Egypt, Israel, South Africa, and in parts of Europe, Asia and North America. The first recorded outbreak in North America happened in New York City in 1999.

Most people infected with West Nile virus received 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 the virus to their offspring, but researchers are still looking into this possibility.
Out of the 74 known types of mosquito, only ten carry the Virus, those being the types that feed on birds.
At any given moment, only 1% of the mosquitoes in an area carry the Virus, therefore the probability of being bitten by an infected mosquito is very low.
Even after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the probability of getting the disease is very low, usually affecting those people with low resistance (weak immune systems).

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 West Nile 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 the virus through needle punctures or cuts.
There is no evidence to suggest that people can get West Nile Virus by touching or kissing someone who is infected, or from being around a health care worker who has treated an infected person. Likewise, there is no evidence to date that the virus can pass from infected animals (horses, pets, etc.) to people.

Many infected people have no symptoms and do not get sick or have only mild symptoms. When infection does cause illness, symptoms will usually appear within two to 15 days. The extent and severity of symptoms vary widely from person to person.
In mild cases, there may be flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. Some people may also develop a mild rash, or swollen lymph glands.
Individuals with weaker immune systems are at greater risk of developing symptoms and health effects that are more serious, including meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord. Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain itself. These conditions can be fatal.
In these cases, symptoms could include the rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness and paralysis.
During 2002, several other symptoms of West Nile Virus were identified including movement disorders, parkinsonism, poliomyelitis-like syndrome and muscle degeneration.
Anyone who has a sudden onset of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Two conclusions can be drawn from this information:

1. People with stronger immune systems stand a better chance of warding off the virus should they receive a bite from an infected mosquito.  Watkins Super Multi in Canada or Superfood Multiple in the USA helps to maintain a healthy body.   Rezist Plus is a unique Immuno-Enhancer that helps to boost the immune system.  For the down to earth types (like us) there is good old Garlic, and Watkins Garlic Soft Gels are a convenient way to get it, without losing your friends.
2. People who take precautions to avoid mosquito bites will probably not be exposed to the virus in the first place.  Watkins Insect Repellant is one of the best insect repellants on the market.  It contains DEET which is recommended as the most effective deterrent of insects (including mosquitoes, black flies, deer ticks and sand flies).  Lasting up to six hours per application, Watkins Insect Repellent contains 28% DEET, which is within the safe guidelines of Health and Welfare Canada (a very conservative agency) that recommends a maximum of 30%.
   For more information about DEET and Insect Repellants download the .pdf file from:
   http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/pnotes/deet-e.pdf
   This information sheet has a lot of important information about different types of insect repellants, their application and use for both adults and children.
   Please take a moment a read it.
   If you need Acrobat Reader to view and/or print this file you may get a free copy here:
   http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

The information for this article was obtained from the Canadian Government site:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/wnv-vwn/index.html

and the Center for Disease Control in the USA:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/

We encourage you to visit both these sites and learn all about this health hazard.  Armed with knowledge, and Watkins products, your Summer should be fun and worry free.

To order Watkins Products, contact your Watkins Independent Associate.  If you do not have one and wish to order directly from Watkins (800# or online),  Click Here To Learn How.