West Nile virus - Articles - Zimbio

Actual Foreclosure Fish Used to Help Clean Abandoned Foreclosed Homes

Wed, 6 Nov 2008 13:34:56 GMT

posted by foreclosurefish

This is simply too weird, but it seems that a specific type of fish is being used in California to assist authorities in keeping abandoned, foreclosed homes from turning into breeding grounds for mosquitoes carrying malaria or West Nile Virus. Where both swimming pools and foreclosure are common, the danger arises of the pools being left full or filling over time with rainwater and becoming standing pools of mosquito-infested water.Treehugger.com states that, “The swimming pools of abandoned homes are perfect mosquito breeding grounds, there are worries about rampant West Nile Virus infections. In California, authorities are using airplanes to find green pools and are filling them with the Gambusia affinis, or mosquito fish, which eats the larvae.”

The numerous articles on this so-called “foreclosure fish” are fascinating, although the little mosquito-hunter also has problems of its own: “In most cases they ate local wildlife in addition to mosquito larvae, and often didn’t even do a better job of mosquito control than local fish were already doing.” Maybe if the fish are confined only to the pools of abandoned homes, this issue would be taken care of?

In any event, the real life foreclosure fish story is also reminiscent of the “Bart the Mother” episode of The Simpsons, when lizards that eat birds are first feared and then perceived to be a help after destroying the town’s pigeon population.

Skinner: Well, I was wrong. The lizards are a godsend.
Lisa: But isn’t that a bit short-sighted? What happens when we’re overrun by lizards?
Skinner: No problem. We simply unleash wave after wave of Chinese needle snakes. They’ll wipe out the lizards.
Lisa: But aren’t the snakes even worse?
Skinner: Yes, but we’re prepared for that. We’ve lined up a fabulous type of gorilla that thrives on snake meat.
Lisa: But then we’re stuck with gorillas!
Skinner: No, that’s the beautiful part. When wintertime rolls around, the gorillas simply freeze to death.

Here are some of the articles that the above quotes from news stories were taken from:
www.conservationmagazine.org/articles/v9n4/foreclosure-fish/
www.treehugger.com/files/2008/06/the-forclosure-fish.php
www.newscientist.com/blog/environment/2008/06/foreclosure-fish.html

West Nile virus vaccine under development

Mon, 4 Nov 2008 15:36:10 GMT

posted by pcorp2008

LEIPZIG, Germany, Nov. 4 (UPI) --

German scientists say they are developing a DNA-based West Nile virus vaccine that can also be effective after onset of the disease.

The researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology in Leipzig said in their vaccine DNA molecules known as plasmids are extracted from the pathogen and are used for inoculation, instead of the whole virus.

They contain the genetic code for the antigens that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, said Matthias Giese, who is leading the vaccine development. We can thus replicate the virus's natural infection route without actually triggering the disease.

Such vaccines, he said, are inexpensive and do not require refrigeration, which makes them ideal for use in subtropical and tropical climates. And unlike conventional vaccines, DNA vaccines can be used both prophylactically and therapeutically.

Giese expects the laboratory research to be completed by the end of 2009. After that, at least another three years will be needed for clinical trials and regulatory approval.

Then, he said, it is hoped, the world's first therapeutic West Nile virus vaccine will be ready for market.

Indiana State Health Department Reports Third Human Case Of West Nile Virus

Sun, 13 Oct 2008 21:53:01 GMT

posted by fatman

Health News | Posted by ffnstuff 20 hours ago (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com)

Made current 3 hours ago

State health officials report one probable human case of West Nile virus in Marion County. This is the third human case of West Nile virus infection in Indiana this year. The other human cases were in Perry and Tippecanoe counties.
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All Natural Insect/Mosquito Repellent - Gwendolyn's Gate Is The First Retail Outlet To Sell Herbal Screen

Mon, 1 Jul 2008 20:37:00 GMT

posted by Gwendolyns-Gate
Gwendolyn's Gate is the first retailer to sell this wonderful all natural insect/mosquito repellent. Just last week I was contacted by someone who had asked if we would be interested in selling their product. Of course we jumped at the opportunity realizing what a wonderful product this is and how it is safe for all ages. We are honored to be the first distributor of Herbal Screen! Please read below for the most commonly asked questions:
1. Is Herbal Screen as effective as other repellents? Yes. Herbal Screen has been thoroughly tested by an independent laboratory (Carroll-Loye Biological Research in California). The effectiveness in bite reduction was 96.5%, which can be compared to 97.8% for a leading brand DEET product. Since both product results have a standard deviation or margin of error of over 2%, that means there's no significant difference between the 2 in protection. The duration of protection was 2 hours or more for the majority of people tested. It is recommended to reapply product every 2 hours or as needed. Herbal Screen is as effective or more effective than other leading natural insect repellents on the market, and competitively priced.
2. What is 'DEET'? DEET stands for Diethyl-N-Toluamide. This chemical was developed by the US Dept. of Agriculture and is manufactured by 2 of the largest chemical corporations (US) in the world. There has been some controversy over the safety of DEET products, most notably on children. Herbal Screen products are 100% DEET free, offering a natural insect repellent solution without potentially harmful chemicals.
3. Are 'natural' repellents safe and effective? Some 'natural' repellents are safe and others are not. It is the concentration of certain plant extracts and oils which can be harmful in large quantities. Citronella is an extract of Citronella Grass and is safe to use up to about 10%. Herbal Screen products have an acceptable concentration of products to provide safe use. Herbal Screen is an effective product and has been tested thoroughly within an independent testing facility.
4. What ingredients does Herbal Screen contain? Herbal Screen is a natural insect repellent made from a combination of plant extracts. Pure essential oils of citronella, mint, cedar and/or vetiver are combined with an alcohol tincture of gavilana for multi-layered protection against a variety of biting insects. Aloe vera extract and soy oil form a base. The formula is pH buffered to maintain your skin's natural balance.
5. Do mosquitoes pass on HIV/AIDS? HIV/AIDS is not transmitted via mosquitoes. Other diseases of concern are transmitted by mosquitoes, such as West Nile Virus.
6. What insects does Herbal Screen protect you from? Herbal Screen provides effective protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and no-see-'ems.
7. What is West Nile virus? West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. The disease is transmitted through mosquitoes and can be fatal. West Nile virus emerged in the 1930s in the West Nile district of Uganda. It became established in Egypt and in 1957 caused an outbreak of encephalitis in Israel. In the early 1960s it began infecting horses in France. West Nile virus arrived in New York in 1999, probably on the wings of an infected bird. From 1999 through 2001, the virus caused 149 cases of human illness in the US There were 18 deaths. Then came 2002. The virus spread from coast to coast. There were more than 4,100 documented human cases and 284 deaths. Experts agree that West Nile virus is now a permanent part of our summers. Nobody knows how big a problem it will be in any given year. West Nile virus is scary. For further information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm.
8. Is Herbal Screen safe for the environment? Herbal Screen is a 100% natural product. It is nontoxic for you and the environment.
Herbal Screen is currently available at our retail location only. For more information please contact us at 847-963-1684.

All Natural Insect & Mosquito Repellent at Gwendolyn's Gate - The First Retail Outlet To Sell Herbal Screen

Mon, 1 Jul 2008 20:11:00 GMT

posted by kenkay4me

Gwendolyn's Gate is the first retailer to sell this wonderful all natural insect/mosquito repellent. Just last week I was contacted by someone who had asked if we would be interested in selling their product. Of course we jumped at the opportunity realizing what a wonderful product this is and how it is safe for all ages. We are honored to be the first distributor of Herbal Screen! Please read below for the most commonly asked questions:
1. Is Herbal Screen as effective as other repellents? Yes. Herbal Screen has been thoroughly tested by an independent laboratory (Carroll-Loye Biological Research in California). The effectiveness in bite reduction was 96.5%, which can be compared to 97.8% for a leading brand DEET product. Since both product results have a standard deviation or margin of error of over 2%, that means there's no significant difference between the 2 in protection. The duration of protection was 2 hours or more for the majority of people tested. It is recommended to reapply product every 2 hours or as needed. Herbal Screen is as effective or more effective than other leading natural insect repellents on the market, and competitively priced.
2. What is 'DEET'? DEET stands for Diethyl-N-Toluamide. This chemical was developed by the US Dept. of Agriculture and is manufactured by 2 of the largest chemical corporations (US) in the world. There has been some controversy over the safety of DEET products, most notably on children. Herbal Screen products are 100% DEET free, offering a natural insect repellent solution without potentially harmful chemicals.
3. Are 'natural' repellents safe and effective? Some 'natural' repellents are safe and others are not. It is the concentration of certain plant extracts and oils which can be harmful in large quantities. Citronella is an extract of Citronella Grass and is safe to use up to about 10%. Herbal Screen products have an acceptable concentration of products to provide safe use. Herbal Screen is an effective product and has been tested thoroughly within an independent testing facility.
4. What ingredients does Herbal Screen contain? Herbal Screen is a natural insect repellent made from a combination of plant extracts. Pure essential oils of citronella, mint, cedar and/or vetiver are combined with an alcohol tincture of gavilana for multi-layered protection against a variety of biting insects. Aloe vera extract and soy oil form a base. The formula is pH buffered to maintain your skin's natural balance.
5. Do mosquitoes pass on HIV/AIDS? HIV/AIDS is not transmitted via mosquitoes. Other diseases of concern are transmitted by mosquitoes, such as West Nile Virus.
6. What insects does Herbal Screen protect you from? Herbal Screen provides effective protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and no-see-'ems.
7. What is West Nile virus? West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. The disease is transmitted through mosquitoes and can be fatal. West Nile virus emerged in the 1930s in the West Nile district of Uganda. It became established in Egypt and in 1957 caused an outbreak of encephalitis in Israel. In the early 1960s it began infecting horses in France. West Nile virus arrived in New York in 1999, probably on the wings of an infected bird. From 1999 through 2001, the virus caused 149 cases of human illness in the US There were 18 deaths. Then came 2002. The virus spread from coast to coast. There were more than 4,100 documented human cases and 284 deaths. Experts agree that West Nile virus is now a permanent part of our summers. Nobody knows how big a problem it will be in any given year. West Nile virus is scary. For further information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm.
8. Is Herbal Screen safe for the environment? Herbal Screen is a 100% natural product. It is nontoxic for you and the environment.
Herbal Screen is currently available at our retail location only. For more information please contact us at 847-963-1684.