Homotoxicology: Treatment of the West Nile Virus

© Copyright 2003 by Bruce H. Shelton, M.D., M.D.(h), DiHOM, with thanks to P.J. Broadfoot, D.V.M.; USA
(Explore Issue: Volume 12, Number 6)

From January 2002 till mid-year 2003, the CDC has reported 4,266 cases of West areas of the United States. Of these 4266 cases, 291 of those affected have died, which is a mortality rate of 6.8%. In 2003 so far, the largest outbreak of cases thus far has been in Colorado, indicating that the disease is spreading westward across the United States.

Other statistics from earlier years have shown that this is an even more serious problem in horses, with 14,717 cases reported in 2002 alone, and an associated death rate of 35%.

This viral disease of the arbovirus family, and specifically the genus FLAVIVIRADAE, is therefore a serious problem for many species of mammals, is carried by mosquitos, and has a likely vector in birds. It does not appear transferable from one mammalian to another, and requires our little flying friends to infect humans.

It presents as a neurological condition, with encephalitis and meningitis as the main presenting symptoms.

From a Homotoxicology perspective, this should be approached both from the standpoint of the presenting disease state; ie: encephalitis, and also as the severe Virus that is its known cause.