West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that mainly affects birds, humans and horses.

The virus first surfaced in Africa in the late 1930s and has since then, spread through Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America.

For most people, symptoms of West Nile virus are non existent and people don’t even know they are infected. For others, a mild illness can be experienced but they usually recover fully with no problems. For seniors and people with underlying medical conditions however, West Nile virus can lead to the brain becoming inflamed. It can also lead to inflammation and infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. West Nile virus can also be fatal, but this is rare.

While most people infected with the West Nile virus have no signs or symptoms, a small percentage of people develop a mild infection called West Nile fever. Common signs and symptoms of West Nile fever include:

- Fever

- Headache

- Muscle aches

- Backache

- Lack of appetite

- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

- Skin rash

- Swollen lymph glands

In extremely rare cases, the virus can also cause a more serious neurological infection, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of the brain and surrounding membranes (meningoencephalitis), infection and inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and paralysis. Signs and symptoms of these diseases include:

- High fever

- Severe headache

- Stiff neck

- Disorientation or confusion

- Stupor or coma

- Tremors or muscle jerking

- Signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease

- Lack of coordination

- Convulsions

- Partial paralysis

Typical symptoms of West Nile fever usually last a few days. Symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can take weeks to diminish and certain neurological effects, such as paralysis, can be permanent.

In the United States, the virus is spread by a certain species of mosquitoes. With some mosquitoes, the infection is primarily spread mainly among birds, while others are more likely to transmit it to humans, horses and other mammals.

Birds with the West Nile virus are often bit by mosquitoes. When this happens, the virus enters the mosquito's bloodstream. Then, when the infected mosquito bites an animal or a human, the virus is transmitted to the host's bloodstream, where it may cause serious illness.

Research suggests West Nile virus enters the host's bloodstream, multiplies and moves on to the brain. In the process, the virus crosses the barrier that separates the blood from the central nervous system and infects the brain or its linings, an inflammatory response occurs and symptoms arise.

In rare cases, it's possible for West Nile virus to spread through other routes, including:

Organ transplantation and blood transfusion

Mother to unborn child

Breast-feeding

Laboratory acquisition

Following the steps below can help prevent and treat West Nile virus naturally and safely:

Avoid mosquito bites when and if possible.

According to a new study, Cinnamon oil shows promise as a great-smelling, environmentally friendly pesticide, with the ability to kill mosquito larvae more effectively than DEET, which should be avoided.

Protect the skin by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants.

Keep windows and doors closed in summer months and make sure screens are intact to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home by emptying standing water in buckets, barrels and flower pots.

The supplements listed below may also be helpful:

Bromelain plus Curcumin (take as direct on label) - Reduces inflammation, swelling and pain.

Grape Seed Extract (take as direct on label) - An effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Quercetin (take as direct on label) - Reduces allergic reactions.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (2,000 - 6,000 mg daily) - An anti-inflammatory that relieves the toxicity of bites.

Calendula Ointment (take as direct on label) - An excellent insect repellent and counterirritant.

Goldenseal and Tea Tree Oil (take as direct on label) - Natural insect repellants.

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