Mosquitoes are on the rise this season and several cases of West Nile virus infections from mosquitoes have been reported in Texas, along with a few deaths. Other states have reported cases of West Nile virus infection as well.
After the first U.S. case in New York in 1999, the virus spread throughout the nation. The worst of West Nile infections occurred during 2002 and 2003. Then, severe illness reactions occurred to almost 3,000 people and caused over 260 deaths.
Last year there was a decline in cases, as fewer than 700 were reported. But the CDC announced that the disease was off to an early start this year. Some experts are citing heavy rainfall, especially in normally dry areas, that could create a situation similar to 2002 and 2003.
The infection can be transmitted from mosquitoes that feed off the blood of infected birds that act as vectors for the virus. Mosquitoes feeding off birds can then infect humans and mammals.
The good news is that humans and animals don’t transmit the disease to other humans and animals. Other good news is that 80 percent of humans who are infected don’t display symptoms.
For those who do show symptoms, they usually are similar to a bad case of the flu, except for the unlucky 1 of 150, who gets severe symptoms that include paralysis, permanent neurological damage, or even death.
It’s generally recognized that the best remedy is to prevent mosquito bites.
Mosquito repellents
The conventional drug endorsement for mosquito prevention is insect repellents containing toxic DEET. It is generally advised that consumers use insecticides with a 20 to 30 percent level of DEET to avoid adverse reactions. But any amount of DEET is hazardous to the human neurological system. Even if you don’t keel over dead, you may be harmed.
Fortunately, there are some good, natural alternatives.
Neem oil was studied by scientists at the Malaria Institute in India. They concluded that neem oil was superior to repellents containing DEET, and their findings were confirmed by the Journal of the Mosquito Control Association and the National Research Council.
Soy oil insecticides were found to be as potent as DEET repellents, according to a New England Journal of Medicine report. Just make sure the soy oil source is at least non-GMO. Organic soy is best.
Catnip oil was found to be considerably more effective than DEET in Iowa Universtiy lab experiments – 10 times more effective. But the testing was not done on mammals…
Read more: Natural News
