In the fight to prevent mosquito borne diseases from harming more and more people, scientists have been looking for different ways of battling the scourge that these insects may bring with them. From mosquito repellants, insecticide to bug zappers, scientists are looking for other new ways of trying to control the spread of mosquitoes to limit the spread of diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, dengue and the West Nile virus. A team of researchers from the University of Arizona may have found a new way to combat these pests- by taking a pill.

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona in Tucson is in the process studying novel solutions in trying to decimate mosquito populations on the way to prevent the spread of different mosquito-borne diseases. And one of the solutions that the researchers are looking for might be in a form of a pill that people in mosquito heavy areas can take to poison the insects.

The researchers are looking into trying to interrupt a part of the mosquito’s digestive processes to prevent it from digesting human blood as food. It is not such a surprise that mosquitoes are known to be ravenous blood suckers. It is only the female mosquitoes who feed on human blood in order to produce the essential proteins needed to produce healthy young critters. Researchers have learned that in order to make use of the blood meal, mosquitoes have to get rid of the ammonia in the blood, a by-product brought about by the complex breakdown of blood. This may be produced along the way as mosquitoes try to digest and break down their meal blood.

By being able to find a way to block a digestive process that allows mosquitoes to get rid of ammonia, researchers may be able to develop a lethal means of bringing down mosquito populations someday by disturbing their reproduction cycle. A possible solution might be a pill that humans take containing the digestion-interrupting molecule that works on mosquitoes. The molecule will then find its way into the bloodstream that makes it a lethal blood meal for mosquitoes. Research on how this can be done is undergoing and may prove useful in the future in trying to develop newer applications for controlling the mosquitoes and their ability to spread diseases.

Another solution being looked at is breeding a strain of mosquitoes that contains inside them a pathogen lethal to ordinary mosquitoes. But this approach may pose its own set of problems that may have uncertain consequences, making it a very scary proposition. The fact that such an approach of releasing millions of mutant mosquitoes can be scary enough to imagine. But certain means to further control mosquito population are being done. Further research is needed in order to find better way of combating the threat that such insects bring to humans.

The West Nile Virus has been a constant threat in many of the US states today. In absence of a vaccine and effective treatment, prevention seems to be the best solution in fighting off the infection. With the threat still not under control, it seems that people may need to be more vigilant and be more knowledgeable in trying to make their homes free from the West Nile Virus.

It is possible to make homes pose a lesser risk to the West Nile Virus. It all comes down to controlling mosquito breeding areas around the home. Using pesticides that target mosquitoes can also help make homes protected from the West Nile Virus threat.

Another thing to consider when protecting your home is the kids. Although the said virus may not be a high risk for your children, you might still need to protect them from being possible victims, considering that they are often outside the home and may be likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.

When protecting kids form mosquitoes, it is always important to keep them properly covered when they go out of doors. When you decide to let the kids play in the yard, you might consider having them wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, socks and a hat to keep as much of the skin area covered as possible. This is especially important during summer, the time when the mosquitoes are usually out and about.

Another way to help your kids avoid mosquitoes is to use kid-friendly repellent whenever they go out to play. There are different kinds of repellents available in different concentrations. It is important for parent to know which ones are effective for use in children. One type of repellent effective against mosquitoes is DEET. A repellent with 10 percent DEET is considered safe for use on children.

Another way to keep mosquitoes from bothering your kids is by not attracting them. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and may bother more those who wear black or blue outfits when going outside. Having your kids wear light colored clothing can help them become less attractive to the disturbing insects.

It is important to know that certain fragrances can also help attract mosquitoes and other insects. As much as possible try to avoid using scented soap and other fragrant products on your kids so as not to make them attractive to mosquitoes.

Keeping your kids safe from mosquitoes is one way of trying to protect them from the West Nile Virus. By following the tips above, you might be able to make your own home more secure from being threatened by the said virus. By trying to help your own home and protecting your family, you are also doing your part in trying to limit the threat of the West Nile Virus in your area.

The spread of the West Nile virus in the US has increased the awareness of more people in the use of insect repellents containing DEET. Scientifically known as N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, DEET is the active ingredient used in most insect repellents that are applied directly on the skin. Primarily used to protect against mosquitoes, especially those that help spread the West Nile Virus, DEET insect repellents are also effective protecting against other disease causing insects such as ticks.

DEET is said to be effective in protecting against mosquitoes by blocking insect receptors used by the insects to locate possible hosts. The chemical disrupts the ability of mosquitoes to detect carbon dioxide sources, a gas that is naturally given off by the skin as well as by the breath and what the mosquitoes use to detect hosts.

Putting it simply, DEET blinds the insect’s senses enough not to trigger its feeding instinct in the presence of the chemical. DEET was first developed by the US Army following experiences of soldiers in jungle warfare during World War II. It was first tested as a pesticide on farm fields and later on used to repel insects instead by the soldiers. It was approved for military use in 1946 and eventually entered into civilian use in 1957.

Today, DEET is widely marketed all over the world as an active ingredient of insect repellents and is available in a number of concentrations. There are some products that contain 100 percent DEET while there are also others that contain only a certain percentage. Some studies have shown that DEET concentrations are related to the number of hours that they can protect humans from the insects. DEET with 100 percent concentrations are said to provide protection for up to 12 hours. Formulations containing 20 to 34 percent DEET can offer three to six hours of protection.

Because of its effectiveness in protecting against insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, DEET-based insect repellents has been recommended for use by a number of recognized organizations such as the World Health Organization, the US Army and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.

DEET is considered safe to use if applied as instructed. But users are still cautioned against using DEET based repellents on damaged or broken skin or under clothing. In rare cases, skin rashes may be experienced while extensive DEET exposure is also said to cause insomnia, mood disturbances as well as impaired cognitive functions. For children, an insect repellent containing from 10 to 30 percent DEET is considered safe although it is recommended that DEET should not be used on infants under two months old.

A team of scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Utah State University have found a possible explanation to a puzzling and serious complication caused by a West Nile Virus infection. The researchers have shown that how the West Nile virus spread from nerve cell to nerve cell has a lot to do with triggering acute flaccid paralysis, a condition that leaves one or more limbs of an individual infected with the West Nile virus limp and unresponsive.

Studies made by the researchers showed that the West Nile virus can enter a nerve cell, replicate itself and then move on to other nearby nerve cells. Viruses that go through this pathway can get into the central nervous system and may trigger acute flaccid paralysis. As of now there is now current treatment to cure the condition apart from rehabilitation to relearn the use of the affected limb.

Senior author of the study, Michael Diamond, M.D., Ph.D., and an associate professor of molecular microbiology, of pathology and immunology and of medicine, said that the research was done to find an answer to the puzzling contrast that the West Nile virus infection may have on the central nervous system. In experiments that were led by Melanie Samuel, a graduate student from Dr. Diamond’s lab, the researchers found out that the virus can spread in either direction along the branches of neurons in a cell culture. They observed that the virus can travel down in nerve branches in small capsules known as vesicles. The researchers also found out that the infected nerve cells also releasing the virus.

In testing their observations in an animal model, the researchers used a suture to close off the sciatic nerve in hamsters. The West Nile virus was then directly injected into the nerve, either above or below the said suture. Animals that were injected with the virus below the suture came down with encephalitis while those injected with the virus above the suture develop both encephalitis and paralysis. The reason for this was that the virus was able to follow the sciatic nerve back to the central nervous system.

An infection that may lead to paralysis may not require high level of infection as that require by a West Nile infection that leads to encephalitis. It can happen as an infected mosquito bites a person and the virus is able to replicate somewhere in the area of the nerve. A small amount of the virus may be following the nerve back to the spinal cord even though the immune system may have cleared out the infection in the skin. This might lead to paralysis.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071018132950.htm

The West Nile Virus has been known to be spread mainly by birds but is also known to infect other animals such as dogs, horses, cats, and rodents. But the main source of human infection comes by way of a bite from an infected mosquito. Once infected, the virus may spread and may affect humans in three different ways.

The first effect that the West Nile virus can have on humans is asymptomatic, or one that shows no symptoms whatsoever. The infected person does not experience any noticeable signs of the infection and may not be discovered at all if the patient does not undergo medical testing. What makes this type of infection a threat is that those infected with the virus may still be able to pass it along to others through blood to blood transmission.

Another effect that the virus may have on humans is a mild febrile syndrome known as West Nile Fever. This stage usually has an incubation period of three to eight days after infection which can then be followed by fever as well as other symptoms such as headaches, chills, weakness and drowsiness among others. At times, some patients will experience rashes for a short time period while others may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, loss of appetite or diarrhea. All these symptoms may last for seven to ten days although fatigue and weakness may last weeks longer.

The third effect of the virus is a neuroinvasive disease that is known as West Nile meningitis or encephalitis. At his point, there is an inflammation of the protective membranes for the central nervous system that can lead to serious neurological damage. It may further lead to the inflammation of the brain. This stage can also be characterized by similar early symptoms exhibited by the West Nile Fever but may also be followed by a decreased level of consciousness that can sometimes be considered as coma-like conditions. Natural deep tendon reflexes may become hyperactive at first but may later on diminish.

There are also other effects of the West Nile virus that have been studied but are still considered as rarer outcomes of the said infection. West Nile poliomyelitis is less common than meningitis and encephalitis brought about by a West Nile virus infection. This can be characterized by the onset of asymmetric limb weakness or paralysis caused by sensory loss. Some level of pain may come before the onset of paralysis and may occur without exhibiting the common symptoms associated with the West Nile virus infection. A more serious form of this syndrome would involve the respiratory muscles that can lead to acute respiratory failure.

The best way to avoid getting infected with the West Nile virus is by avoiding coming into contact with its carriers- the mosquitoes. Although this cannot be avoided most of the time especially when you find yourself out of doors, there are many things available that may help protect yourself from getting bitten by these upsetting insects and avoid getting the West Nile virus.

One of the most effective weapons against the West Nile virus carriers is the mosquito repellent. The most effective mosquito repellent available is made with the chemical commonly known as DEET. Repellents have proven to be effective in keeping the mosquitoes away. A mosquito repellent containing 30 percent or less DEET is considered safe for use. It can be safely applied in the skin without experiencing allergic reactions with less concentrated repellents recommended for child use.

Gadgets more commonly known as zappers can also be effectively used to kill mosquitoes, especially inside and even outside of your home. This device is made up of a lamp equipped with a bulb that emits ultraviolet light and an electrified wire grid surrounding it. The ultraviolet light attracts the mosquitoes which led them to contact with the electrified wire grid that "zaps" of kills the mosquitoes.

Handy ultrasonic devices may also help in driving the mosquitoes away. Such devices are usually handheld, worn on the wrist or clipped on a keychain. These devices emit a noise that seems to repel the mosquitoes away. But sometimes the noise may also be a distraction for some people so the decision of using such devices depends on how serious the mosquito problem can be and how comfortable you can find yourself using such a device.

The use of pesticides all around your home environment may also help keep your mosquito problem at bay. This is especially useful for controlling the spread of mosquitoes around the vicinity of your home. You can use effective pesticides to spray around your home, particularly the garden area as well as the garage or basement where mosquitoes are known to frequent.

You can also use these pesticides to keep the mosquitoes away when you are planning an outdoor gathering in your home. You can spray the pesticides around the gathering area a day before to make sure that you keep the mosquitoes away temporarily. Such pesticides can be applied using a manual spray or through a special sprinkler system that can be used several times daily. You can also leave it to the experts to spray the pesticides in your home to make sure that every nook and cranny can me made mosquito free.

There is a new finding that might provide the fight against the West Nile virus some positive boost. Researchers hailing from the Washington University School of Medicine have recently identified a new class of compounds that can effectively inhibit the replication of the said virus.

The West Nile virus belongs to the flavivirus family of viruses which also includes the yellow fever virus and the dengue virus. The West Nile virus can infect not only humans but also horses and other vertebrate species. The means of infection usually comes from a bite of a mosquito infected with the West Nile virus.

The prevalence of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in 48 of the continental United States as well as in other countries like Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or treatment yet available effective enough for human use.

In the said study, researchers checked over 80,000 compounds contained in a commercial library to gauge their ability to restrain the replication of the West Nile virus. They were able to identify ten compounds that showed strong inhibitory responses to a variety of West Nile virus isolates.

A number of the compounds that were identified had not been previously considered as possible prospects against the said virus. Some of the compounds also show positive inhibitory responses against yellow fever and dengue viruses.

Although it might be too early to tell if such compounds may prove useful for use in treating the disease in infected humans, it might provide a way for other researchers with a means to study how such compounds may work in inhibiting the replication of the West Nile virus. This might help lead researchers to be able to develop a vaccine against the said disease in the near future.

The study can also pave the way for researchers in the future to find different ways in combating similar viruses that may also threaten humans. Reducing the threat of dengue especially in the developing countries may be one instance that may benefit from the said study since the same compounds that were seen to work well with inhibiting the replication of the West Nile virus may also work with some viruses that belong to the same family.

Mosquito or insect repellents can be used as an effective weapon in the fight to reduce the threat of the West Nile virus on humans. Insect repellents are formulated substances that can be applied to the skin, clothing or other surfaces in order to discourage insects, mainly mosquitoes from coming into contact with such surfaces.

The most common form of mosquito or insect repellent being used today comes in the form of topical lotions although there are also certain products that make use of high frequency sound to repel insects.

By using a mosquito repellent, a person may be able to reduce the risk of contracting the West Nile virus from mosquito bites. Mosquito repellents are especially useful for those people who are at an increased risk of getting the West Nile virus- people who find themselves outdoors all of the time. By using a mosquito repellent while going outdoors, a person can effectively lower the risk of being infected by the West Nile virus as well as by other mosquito-borne diseases.

With a wide variety of mosquito repellents available, people should know which ones are effective in keeping mosquitoes off. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has so far found two types of mosquito repellents known to be effective in providing long term protection for its users. These are mosquito repellents which contain either the active ingredient DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also known to provide considerable protection against mosquitoes as a plant based repellant.

These types of mosquito repellents are safe and approved for use when applied to the skin. For protecting clothing, shoes and other equipment from mosquitoes, the EPA suggests using repellents containing permethrin. Not only is it effective for its mosquito repelling properties, permethrin is also effective as an insecticide. It has long lasting effects even after repeated washing of the gears it was applied on.

When looking for an effective mosquito repellent, you should also consider the amount of time that you spend outdoors where mosquitoes go freely. This will help you look for the right type of mosquito repellent that you can use. If you are the type that spends a lot of time outdoors especially in areas where mosquito bites are common, try to use a repellent that contains more than 20 percent DEET. Other repellents that offer a higher percentage of DEET concentration may just be as effective and doesn’t offer additional benefits.

If you just spend time outdoors in short periods, a mosquito repellent containing less than 20 percent DEET may be able to provide you with adequate protection. Other repellents containing seven percent picaridin may also be as effective.

Another option for you will be using repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus. Try to apply your chosen mosquito repellent on your skin even if you just want to go out for a few minutes. A couple of minutes outside may be enough to get you bitten and possibly be infected by the West Nile Virus. It is always wise to be safe than to be sorry.

Mosquitoes have been known to be one of the most common pests that directly affect humans. In fact, they have been known to cause the spread of a variety of diseases as potential carriers that help transmit such infections from one person to another.

Recently, mosquitoes have been found to help the spread of West Nile virus among the human population in North America. This goes to show just how a threat these insects pose on humans. Here are some facts that you might want to know about mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes have been known to be carrier agents of various disease causing viruses and parasites that can infect humans. They can transmit these infections from person to person without catching the disease themselves.

This happens when a mosquito bites an infected person and carries the virus or parasite as it sucks the blood. When the mosquito then turns to bite an uninfected person, traces of the virus from the infected blood might find its way into the uninfected victim and the disease is spread from person to person.

Another interesting fact about mosquitoes is that it is only the female of the species that bite humans. The female mosquitoes require blood from humans or animals in order to nourish and produce their eggs. They usually use the proteins in the blood meal in order to produce eggs.

Depending on the type of mosquito species, females are able to lay from 100 to as much as 300 eggs at a time. Female mosquitoes can average laying about 1,000 to 3,000 during their lifespan. This can be an incredible fact considering that the average female mosquito may have a lifespan lasting only from three to as long as a hundred days.

It is a disturbing fact that diseases that are spread by mosquitoes kill more people worldwide than any other disease causing factor. Their rapid increase in numbers can further complicate this problem. Depending on the temperature, mosquitoes can develop from egg to a full-grown adult in as little as four to seven days.

Most mosquitoes do not see well and may not be able to distinguish objects 10 meters away. When they approach humans within ten feet, they make use of their sensitive thermal receptors at the tip of their antennae in order to locate blood near the surface of the skin. Their thermal receptors become even more sensitive when the humidity is high.

There are over 2,700 species of mosquitoes known worldwide, with a majority of them found in tropical and temperate regions of the world. Although they thrive mostly on such areas, there are other species that have been known to live even in the cold Arctic regions on earth.

In North America, there have been over 170 species of mosquitoes known to thrive with several other species that have been accidentally introduced in the area from different parts of the world.

Although the primary carriers of the West Nile virus have been known to be mosquitoes, it has been the infected avian population that has brought about its spread in many parts of the globe. 

Since there are a number of bird species that migrate annually to escape the winter season, this process has been seen to have contributed to the spread of the virus to different locations on the globe.

The West Nile virus is mainly found in both tropical and temperate regions. Its transmission has been due to a cycle of mosquitoes infecting birds and the other way around. The cycle begins when infected mosquitoes bite on an unsuspecting bird from which the virus is spread through the blood. The bitten bird then becomes a carrier of the virus.

As the infected bird travels long distances from one location to another, it becomes an important component from which the West Nile virus spreads. As the birds arrive at another location and bitten by another mosquito, the virus is again transferred to the mosquito and becomes a carrier of the virus. The cycle can go on and on among mosquitoes and birds and can greatly increase the incidence of the virus transmission from place to place.

The West Nile virus multiplies faster on infected birds and therefore easily transmits the virus to mosquitoes. Other mammals are considered as dead-end infections when bitten by mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus since they do not further transmit the virus when bitten by mosquitoes.

Despite being considered as dead-end infections, pet animals such as cats and dogs may still carry the risk of incubating the virus and pass it along to mosquitoes. Human to human transmission of the West Nile virus can be more associated mainly from direct blood contact than by any other means.

The West Nile virus can also be fatal to most bird species. The virus has also been found to be a cause for a number of fatal avian epidemics in recent years. In North America, the virus has affected quite a number of bird species, with the American crow proving to be the most affected of species. Recent tests have shown that the West Nile virus is 100 percent lethal to crows that have led to increasingly higher mortality rates in the crow population.

With the same findings, scientists and experts have found a link between the increased American crow deaths to a progressing spread of the West Nile virus. In this way, scientists and experts have considered the American crow as an initial indication to alert of an impending or possible epidemic of the virus in a certain area.

This incidence can act as an early warning feature that will allow experts to be more prepared to handle and prevent the further development of any West Nile virus epidemic on humans before they ever approach critical levels.