Dissipating Pharaoh's Curse
The West Nile virus infects
mosquitoes, and every year causes a number of infections in people whom the
mosquitoes bite. This article describes the disease and gives both prevention
and treatment information - both "allopathic" or standard medical,
and "alternative" or complementary & alternative methods.
Original article published in
Explore! for the Professional Volume 16, Number 1, 2006 with the title
"Dissipating Pharaoh's Curse: Thwarting the West Nile Virus".
So far in 2008, 44 cases of
human infection from West Nile virus have been reported in Maricopa County
alone, with a total of 49 cases in the state of Arizona.
Epidemiology of West Nile Virus
The West Nile virus (WNV) is indigenous to Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. It was first isolated from the blood of a woman in Uganda in 1937, and reported in 1940 in the medical literature.[2] It was found in the United States for the first time in 1999 in New York City.[3] It migrated rapidly west, and was found in Arizona by 2003. Since that time, it has become the most frequent cause of epidemic meningoencephalitis in North America. In the State of Arizona through the year 2006 there have been 106 cases of West Nile encephalitis, with 4 deaths. In the country as a whole, 19,710 cases of West Nile virus have been reported, 8,388 of them neuroinvasive, with 785 fatalities, making a 9.3% fatality rate for neuroinvasive West Nile. Statistics for the year can be reviewed at the Centers for Disease Control website. [4] Birds are the natural reservoir for the virus, and mosquitoes are the transmitting vectors.
West Nile virus is a member of
the flavivirus, a small RNA virus whose family is a member of the Japanese
encephalitis serogroup, which also includes the St. Louis encephalitis virus,
as well as hemorrhagic fever (mosquito-borne) and tick-borne viruses.[5]
Eighty percent of infected
patients are asymptomatic. Of those who do develop serious infection, most are
over the age of 50, with only 4% of cases reported in children under the age of
18.[6] Meningoencephalitis is associated with significant muscle weakness,
sometimes with an acute flaccid paralysis, sometimes with brachial plexus
symptoms. It is estimated that 1 in 150 infections results in serious
neurologic illness, encephalitis being reported more commonly than meningitis.[7]
If one in 150 people with
infection develop serious neurologic illness, this means that 149 in 150 people
develop lesser symptoms, either a flu-like illness, or minimal symptoms.
Although less than 1% of people who are infected develop serious neurologic
illness, to the person who develops encephalitis, the incidence of serious
illness is 100%. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, the very young,
those with chronic illness and diminished immune function (e.g. diabetics,
patients who have been treated with chemotherapy or who are on
immunosuppressive drugs ( eg. for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, organ
transplants, or cancer). In the outbreak reported from Israel in 2000, patients
older than 70 years were more likely to have encephalitis. Other associated
symptoms were headache, myalgia (muscle aches), chills, and rash, also
abdominal pain and diarrhea.[8] The Israeli study reported a 14% mortality rate
for hospitalized patients during that outbreak, very similar to that reported
from the initial outbreak in New York City, raising the possibility that a more
virulent form of the virus had evolved since the outbreak in Romania in 1996.
Sequellae of serious neurologic
illness are considerable, and persistent weakness is common.[9] Outcome is
significantly worse in experimental dogs (and presumably, by extension, in
humans) treated with corticosteroids.[10]
Monitoring
In Arizona, 300 samples of
mosquitoes are collected every month between March and October, and tested at
the Arizona State Health Laboratory for virus infection, including Western
Equine Encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus.
Horses and flocks of chickens are also monitored twice a month, and tested to
determine whether they have been bitten and infected.
Mosquito-based surveillance
seems to provide the earliest evidence of transmission of the West Nile virus,
but requires that the collectors wear mosquito repellant, lest they themselves
become bitten and infected.[11]
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is through
measurement of WNV-specific IgM, with at least a 4-fold rise in titer over a
2-week period.[12] Serum may be positive or negative for WNV-specific antibody
at initial presentation, therefore acute and convalescent sera should be drawn.
The IgM may persist in serum for as long as 12 months, so the presence of IgM
in the serum may not be diagnostic of acute infection. However, IgM does not
readily cross the blood-brain barrier, so its presence in the cerebro-spinal
fluid (CSF) is strongly suggestive of acute WNV infection. IgM levels are
commonly positive in the CSF at initial presentation. CSF commonly is positive
for WNV culture. Immunocompromised patients may never muster an antibody
response. Ideally testing should be by MAC-ELISA of both WNV and St. Louis
encephalitis virus, as these may have very similar clinical presentations.
Clinical laboratory
characteristics
Laboratory findings are similar
to any viral meningoencephalitis – pleocytosis with a predominance of
lymphocytes, high CSF protein and normal CSF glucose, normal to slightly
elevated peripheral white count, sometimes hyponatremia (particularly in those
with encephalitis).[13]
Allopathic Treatments[14]
Supportive care and
pharmaceuticals are the mainstay of allopathic treatment, for fever, headache, nausea, vomiting,
hydration, seizures and monitoring for increased intracranial pressure with
subsequent development of acute respiratory failure
No specific pharmaceutical
therapy is available as of 2005.[15] No studies have been reported as yet,
although a few therapeutic trials are in progress.
• Antiviral medications – Ribavirin, a
synthetic nucleoside analogue and RNA mutagen with in vitroactivity against
WNV. This drug has low lipid solubility and does not cross the blood-brain barrier
well. Thirty-seven Israeli patients, of whom 14% eventually died, received
Ribavirin in 2000.
• Interferons[17] – associated with risk
of anaphylaxis, depression, pancytopenia, seizures, liver failure, kidney
failure. Cornell University has an interferon alpha-3n study
Efficacy of interferon is
markedly diminished when treatments are delayed beyond 4-6 hours before viral
challenge, making this a somewhat less than useful therapeutic tool, although
it might have some effect prophylactically.
• Vaccines are currently in the initial
stages of clinical trials.
• Monoclonal antibodies – One group has
developed a humanized monoclonal antibody against WNV, which has been tested in
mice with excellent results.[18] It has not yet been tested in humans.
Orthomolecular and Homeopathic
Treatments
Many other forms of supportive
and helpful treatments are available. Herbal remedies include Humic acid
extract (e.g. Ultimate Viral Defense, Perfect Solutions)[19],[20] Yin Qiao
(Chinese herbal formulation) to relieve heat symptoms[21], formulae containing
Coptis chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis to relieve heat and toxicity.[22]
Orthomolecular treatments can
be extremely helpful, both in the acute phase, and in the chronic recovery
phase – these substances can all be given intravenously, bypassing the
intestinal tract. Their function is to restore cellular health and to enable
the body to deal with the viral infestation.
Supportive nutrients may
include IV minerals – (magnesium & zinc especially are required for
multiple enzymes, and are rapidly depleted with any physical stress), IV
vitamins – especially Vitamin C in high dose, since Vitamin C is markedly
depleted in severe infection and/or stress.[23],[24],[25],[26] Vitamin C is
known to be viricidal in sufficiently high concentrations (serum levels over
400 mg%).[27] Phospholipids given intravenously can to help heal the cell
membranes whose damage leads to unnecessary cell
death.[28]Glycerophosphocholine is used for neuroprotection[29], and lipoic
acid for liver protection.
Homeopathic treatments are
often used in conjunction with standard allopathic treatments as necessary.
These may include things like Oscillococcinum – for flu-like symptoms without
encephalitis, available in most health food stores.
The HEEL homotoxicology
approach is two pronged.[30] One arm treats the acute symptoms. The other is
aimed at supporting the immune system, so that it can fight off the viral
infection.
Among the remedies used acutely
are encephalitis remedies like Belladonna Homaccord or Apis Homaccord[31],
combination remedies which work well in conjunction with standard allopathic
treatments. Practitioners may also choose to use more specific viral remedies
like Gripp Heel and Engystol. They may also choose to use auto-sanguis therapy
– blood (or other body fluid) is diluted with the appropriate Heel remedy and
given by injection or ingestion. This serves to boost the body’s immune system and
helps to relieve the toxicity of infections.
Another homeopathic company
approaches a patient with acute infections somewhat differently. The GUNA
homeopathic approach uses remedies like GUNA-flu to mitigate the acute
symptoms, drainage remedies to support detoxification mechanisms at the
lymphatic, extra-cellular matrix and cell level, and specific organ remedies to
support the major organs of detoxification – kidney and liver.
Single homeopathic remedies can
also be used in treatment, for mild to moderate cases. Most of these are
available at health food stores.
• Sulphur – for patients who are thirsty
for cold drinks, with offensive body odor and sensations of great heat
• Calcaria carbonica – for patients who
are cold and clammy, despairing of recovery
• Hyoscyamus – for patients who are
manic, with significant muscle weakness, restlessness and delusions
• Nux vomica – for patients with
seizures and vomiting
• Phosphorus – for patients who are
cold, with salt cravings and anxiety
• Aconite – for patients with sensation
of impending death, restlessness, facial weakness
Any of the orthomolecular and
homeopathic treatments may be used as post-infection treatments as well, to
help restore the individual to full metabolic and brain function and excellent
health. Their aim is not necessarily specifically to kill the virus. Anti-viral
pharmaceuticals, as we have already seen, are ineffective against the West Nile
virus. The aim of the orthomolecular and homeopathic remedies is to restore the
body’s function to health, by strengthening the immune system, neutralizing the
effects of acute infection, and normalizing the
hormonal-endocrine-neurotransmitter balance.
Preventive Treatment for the
Individual
Preventive treatment can be
either active or passive. With active treatment, we look to get rid of the
pests. With passive treatment, our goal is to keep ourselves from being bitten
by the pests.
Official governmental websites
recommend DEET-containing insecticides, and also include some information on
Lemon Eucalyptus.
The biggest problem with
chemical insecticides is that they not only kill mosquitoes, but also the
mosquito hawks that eat mosquitoes, the bees that pollinate fruit trees and
flowers, and ladybugs that eat many insects, as well as the frogs and other
reptiles which eat the bugs. Doris Rapp, MD, a well-known pediatric allergist,
wrote about this issue in 2004.[32] The venerable journal Science, and even the
popular press, are now commenting on the impending extinction of the entire
reptile family, due to environmental toxicity. [33]
Toxicity of insecticides is
rated by measuring acute toxicity, the lethal dose being given in a single
bolus. This author was unable to locate any studies which measure the toxicity
of low doses of insecticide poisons absorbed over a period of time.
Topical conventional insect
repellants for the most part contain DEET(N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). This
compound was invented in 1953. According to Science, “it smells evil, melts
plastic, and is perceived by many people to be poisonous.” [34] Toluene is a
well known carcinogen which should probably be applied very sparingly, if at
all, and not to small children, especially those with already-compromised
immune and detoxification systems (like our autistic population).
Many products are available.
Those containing 7% DEET will repel mosquitoes for about 5 hours. Those
containing 12% DEET will repel them for a little over 7 hours.[35] A much quoted article in the New England
Journal of Medicine states: “Until a better repellant becomes available,
DEET-based repellants remain the gold standard of protection…”[36] In the same article, we find the following
statement about repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus: “The repellent had a mean …
complete-protection time of 120 … minutes.” If the goal is to repel mosquitoes
for up to 8 hours without reapplication of product, then clearly the DEET based
products are the most effective. If the need is only for one or two hours of
protection, then the oil of lemon eucalyptus products would be equally
effective and significantly less toxic. The issue may not be so much the DEET
itself, as the DEET as it affects the Cytochrome P450 system. Concern has been
voiced about the role of DEET in the Gulf War Syndrome. “DEET in combinations
with pyridostigmine bromide or permethrin can lead to significant
neurobehavioral deficits associated with significant inhibition of brainstem
acetylcholinesteraseactivities” [37]
Some other less toxic
repellants appear to be less potent than DEET.[38], [39] Nevertheless, several
remedies, some of which have been in use for hundreds of years with little or
no known toxicity, are also effective.[40][41]
Non-toxic Treatments
NoBite XF contains Neem Oil,
Karanja Oil, Catnip Oil and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. This compound requires more
frequent application than DEET but has no known toxicity and is effective in
repelling mosquitoes.[42]
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is
recommended by the CDC and discussed in the New England Journal of Medicine.[43]
This product seems to be effective for about two hours, before it must be
reapplied.
Soybean Oil repellant is as
effective as lemon eucalyptus oil, also providing about 2 hours of repellant
activity, similar to the lower concentrations of DEET.[43] One example of such
a product is Bite Blocker which contains soybean oil, geranium oil, and
vanillin.[44]
Catnip Oil has significant
mosquito repelling properties, being initially as active as DEET. The effect
diminishes after 30 minutes, and wears off within 3 hours[45], thus it requires
frequent reapplication. Your cats will certainly love you.
Neem Oil is known for its
larvicidal properties[46],[47],[48] as well as its anti-viral
properties.[49] In a 1993 study[50] Neem
Oil provided complete protection from mosquito bites for 12 hours.
Treatment of the Environment
The least toxic way to treat
the environment is to destroy mosquito breeding grounds – all standing water,
puddles, containers, old tires, ponds which have no active circulation, bird
baths… It is possible to do this without toxic chemicals, simply by emptying
containers and cleaning up ponds, but most municipalities choose the chemical
route.
In the final analysis, the best
preventive treatment is a healthy body, fueled with nutritious foods, with an
adequate supply of vitamins and nutrients so that there is significant
functional reserve. When an infection threatens, this body can martial its
defenses and throw off the infection with very little disruption to its normal
every day function.
Back Pain and How to Get
Rid of It
Back pain is
associated with body posture, but is also influenced by diet, digestion and
stress. Almost all people experience them from time to time. Many natural
methods successfully deal with the problem.
Back pain may be a
slight problem if you disappear for a day or two, but are able to create
serious discomfort. They arise as a result of trauma or carry heavy objects,
reckless load sciatica exercises incorrectly lifting, twisting or bending.
Unnatural posture, lack of exercise, sitting together in a posture for a long
time, pregnancy and obesity also causing and worsening back pain. Another
factor is stress. Rarely, the cause may be a disease that persons directly
related to the back, such as urinary tract infections.
Causes of
Back Pain
Structure of the
spine
The backbone consists of 33 closely related vertebrae. Between the first
24 are natural shock absorbers, consisting of cartilage disks filled with a
substance similar to gel. The integrity of the spine is supported by ligaments
(thick rings of fibrous tissue), muscles and joints of each vertebra.
Back pain may be associated with dysfunction in any part of the complex
structure of the spine (see illustration) and is often triggered by the
accumulation of such factors as:
• stretched muscle or tendon.
• Muscle spasm obtained as a defensive reaction to the restraint back after
injury, or stress overload. Then the muscles around the area vulnerable to
strain and stiffness painful, thus preventing any movement.
• Hernia of inter vertebral disc. The pain is due to pop because of the
soft core of the disc, which depresses the nerve or irritate adjacent
tissues. Over the years, the discs "dry" and become more
susceptible to injury. Immobilization is also a factor that leads to problems.
• Sciatica - sharp, stabbing pain around the waist and down the leg, most often
caused by osteoarthritis or herniated disc putting pressure on the
nerves.
• Osteoarthritis, which proved the most common cause of back pain in people
aged over 50 years.
• Osteoporosis, which reduces the calcium content of the vertebrae, so they are
easily broken or hurt.
• Spinal stenos, representing a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts
pressure on both the spinal cord and the nerve endings.
PREVENTION
The surest way to prevent back pain is keeping its strength and flexibility
through exercise. Avoid overloading and unmeasured movements that can lead
to injury. Follow these tips:
• Do not carry heavy bags in only one arm or one leg. If necessary, divide
the contents into two bags. An even better option is to use a
backpack.
• To lift a heavy object, came as close as possible, bend your knees and lift
the burden and tighten your knees and keep your back straight.
• While carrying some weight and want to ask, do not twist from the
waist. Instead, turn your whole body.
• If you sit down, look back to face and cross be with support. In the
driving seat pull back to increase the angle between the thighs and upper
body.
• Wear comfortable shoes that do not prevent you from walking
normally. Prescribed by orthopedic insoles often relieve back
pain. If you work long and a computer, watch for the right to stand (see
photo). If you cannot step firmly on the floor, use a footrest.
• Do not lean and squat, if you need to perform tasks such as weeding.
• Sleep on a firm mattress for better support on the back without too much with
firmness. If you use soft, so strong, with a board placed me do it and
bedsteads.
TREATMENT of
Back Pain
If stress affects back pain, Use techniques for dealing with it
Heat and cold
This form of hydrotherapy blood circulation and stimulate healing.
To relieve pain due to muscle strain or sciatica, place the affected area
immersed in hot water and well wrung towel. If you looking for easy treatment,
they not exist.Leave it for 2 minutes and then replace it with a towel dipped
in cold water, which must be stayed 1 minute. Rotate them for 15
minutes. This is particularly effective in pain due to muscle strain and
inflammation, use only cold compress.
Twisting
in the supine position / Back Pain
Smooth exercise
relieves stiffness in the back, but not recommended if you hurt.
Lie on your back. Place left foot over right knee and lower the left knee
to right, while twisting at the waist. The right hand is on the left
thigh. Reach your left hand side y palm you follow up with a
look. Relax for 1 minute and povtoreg1 with the other leg in the opposite
direction;
Herbalism
• Herbs help relieve pain and stiffness and stimulate circulation.
• Rub the painful place a mixture of equal quantities of glycerin and tincture
of paprika.
• Use frequent hot compresses on the back with red viburnum bark, Valerian,
chamomile or ginger.
• In sciatica massage into your skin.
Homeopathy
• Arni ca: for back pain due to trauma take by mouth 2 times daily.
• Hypericum: to relieve back pain due to inflammation of the nerve. Take
orally 2 times daily.
Other methods: chiropractic and osteopathy help with chronic back
problems.
Massage for back pain
Gentle massage of the muscles
on both sides of the spine often relieve pain. Sciatica is influenced by the
seat massage and stretching of the spine. The latter technique granted
rigid muscles along the spine.
Body seat of Back Pain
Lie on your stomach on a mat or
blanket. Massaging his knees to you and massage opposite buttock with slow
circular movements of the whole hand, then massaged the other side.
Stretching the spine of Back Pain
Kneeling on the floor and your forehead against the ground, arms are stretched
back, hands and feet are up. For convenience, you can put lead between the
legs and buttocks. Your partner stands on his knees to you and puts his
hands on top of the spine at the base. He pressure with both hands and
helps you stretch your spine
