Could human genes cure cases of the West Nile Virus? Researches think so.

2008-08-08 14:32:34 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Featured, Health & Law)

West Palm Beach, South Florida (JusticeNewsFlash.com – News Report) – Summertime in south Florida means hot days, pool parties, cool drinks, watermelons and the unavoidable influx of mosquitoes. At one time, all one had to worry about was the insect’s annoying, itchy bite, but now, with the spread of the West Nile Virus, we have more to be concerned about.

In 2002, 284 people died from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported more than 4,000 cases nationwide last year. The CDC also found that ‘at the end of 2002, all but four states: Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona - in the continental United States had had either human cases or animal infections.’ The CDC reports that most infected people never show any signs of the illness, but about 20 percent may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches, it can also be small fatal if the victim develops encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain).

The burning question is – is there a cure? Researchers are now looking at more than 300 human genes that could be a potential cure for the West Nile Virus. An article in the Washington Post states that ‘the virus has a mere ten proteins, suggesting that it uses cellular processes in the host to enable it to infect and replicate.’ It sounds complex, but is actually quite simple – once the scientists figure out which of the genetic factors make cells susceptible to the disease, they can then develop a resistance to it. The key to unlocking the question lies in the 300+ human genes.

Jana Simard: Staff Reporter Justice News Flash - Online Legal News Distribution Company