Thursday, January 17, 2008

Morgellons Disease From Outer Space


An extraterrestrial origin for Morgellons disease is a bit farfetched. Yet, this is one of many conspiracy theories surrounding Morgellons Disease. This particular theory may be fueled by a claim that the creatures infecting Morgellon sufferer, Cathy McDonald, were the same creatures found on a meteorite originating from Mars. It could have also simply come from Morgellons sufferers who described the disease as being “like something literally from outer space.” Another theory involves a government coverup. Some believe that Morgellons is the result of chemical trails made by jets dumping substances into the atmosphere for undisclosed reasons. The government denies the existence of these chemtrails, saying that what people are seeing are normal contrails formed from the exhaust of aircraft engines. Yet it is believed that certain government agencies are using chemtrails to test biological weapons with houses and cars having been contaminated by particles that have fallen from the atmosphere. With some cases of Morgellons responding to antibiotic treatment, it is possible that something foreign is attacking the body. It is, however, unclear is this foreign entity is the result of chemtrails.
A theory even more unusual than a disease with Martian origins is the theory that Morgellons is a communicable nanotechnology that has invaded human tissue. These nanomachines are thought to power themselves on the human body’s bio-electric energy when they aren’t using their own internal batteries as a source. They are also thought to be able to send and receive signals and information through microwave, EMF, and ELF signals. The nanomachines are thought to be self-assembling as well as self-replicating. Although it is unknown what kind of data these machines are transmitting, it is thought that they interrupt dream patterns and may be an experiment in mind control.
The prevailing theory among doctors seeing Morgellons patients is that the disease they are suffering from is really delusional parasitosis. Delusional parasitosis is a psychological disorder in which a person feels as though there are insects or parasites crawling on beneath their skin. Self-mutilation is involved in ridding themselves of the insects. Morgellons sufferers presenting with lesions and, even worse, samples of the fibers growing in their lesions are quick to be diagnosed with delusions of parasitosis. They are prescribed antipsychotic drugs and sent on their way without a thorough investigation into their symptoms. This is perhaps the most harmful theory because the people who are supposed to be helping these patients are actually contributing to their suffering by dismissing their symptoms. Although is it unlikely that Morgellons is a result of extraterrestrial pathogens, chemtrails, or nanomachines, its true causation is unknown. That is why more research is needed. People are desperate for someone to figure out why they are suffering. They are getting little help from the people who are supposed to be overseeing the healthcare system in this country. With something shrouded in so much mystery, it is not surprising that people have come up with conspiracy theories to explain the bizarre symptoms. After all, the most popular theory in the medical community about Morgellons disease is that it’s all in their heads.

Where did Morgellons Come From and How Long Has It Been Here?


The history and origin of Morgellons disease as we know it is somewhat limited. Having only been named in 2002, the jury is still out on whether it will be recognized by the CDC as a legitimate condition. There is evidence that the condition existed centuries ago, however much of this evidence exists only in writings from as early as the 1600’s and has little reliable basis in modern medicine.
In 2002, a biologist by the name of Maria Leitao noticed a peculiar condition on her two year old son. There was an open sore on his lip and it seemed to make him uncomfortable. Under further examination, Maria found small fibers in the sores on her son’s lip and was baffled. She labeled the condition Morgellons after a condition described in A Letter To A Friend by Sir Thomas Browne in 1690. At this point there was very little known about Morgellons, even less than is known now.
Because there is still very little know about the condition known as Morgellons, it is difficult to compile an accurate symptoms list. However, the most common complaints from Morgellons sufferers include sensations of insects crawling, stinging or biting on or under the skin and rashes or lesions on various parts of the body that do not heal. From these lesions often come fiber-like filaments, granules or crystals. Joint, muscle and connective tissue pain, debilitating fatigue as well as short term memory loss are also on the list.
Throughout extensive research on the phenomenon known as Morgellons, the medical community has been divided. Many physicians believe that this is a new disease or a newly recognized one that victimizes a number of people around the world. However, others refute that this is an actual disease but instead indicate that many of these patients have psychological problems or other common skin disorders. In many cases it is suggested that the lesions are caused by constant scratching of the crawling sensations, which are explained by delusions of parasitosis.
Research on the most perplexing part of Morgellons, the fibers, is ongoing as well. While some physicians and scientists argue that the fibers caused by environmental factors and synthetic, other evidence is present to show otherwise. Doctors and scientists at Oklahoma State University have studied the fibers in detail. They have been observed under the skin and in the lesions of those reporting of Morgellons disease.
DNA samples of patients being observed with fibers linked to Morgellons has proven to contain an infectious organism known as Agrobacterium. This has been known to produce fibers similar to the ones observed in the patients. It can also cause infections in the human body, weaken the immune system, leading to many symptoms attributed to Morgellons. The fibers have also been examined in forensic labs and compared to a number of other fiber specimines, of which no match was found.
The history of Morgellons remains to be seen, as it is still fairly knew to our civilization. It is important to many health professionals to disprove this so-called imaginary disease and it is equally important for others to prove it does exist. Whatever research is found could mean a new lease on life for those sufferers that have reported Morgellons-like symptoms. It is a debilitating and miserable disease made worse when they are told that that they suffer from does not exist.

Geography and Morgellons Disease


While Morgellons has been reported to exist in every state of the US and a large number of countries throughout the world, it is hard to ignore the facts. Morgellons outbreaks are more prevalent in a handful of areas of the United States than in the rest of the country or world. Those areas particularly at risk are California, Texas and Florida. The reasons for this is still unknown. There are, however, several theories as to why Morgellons has chosen these geographical locations to turn up in the largest amount of people.
There is one school of thought that links Morgellons to Lyme disease, an illness associated with ticks and fleas. Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to those associated with Morgellons, including joint pain and skin abnormalities. A number of Morgellons sufferers have also been found to have Lyme Disease. For this reason, many people believe that it is a cause of Morgellons. The large concentration of Morgellons sufferers in the common locations could be attributed to the number and type of fleas and ticks that are prevalent in southern states. This does not necessarily explain the high concentration of Morgellons in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.
California, Texas and Florida rank first, second and fourth in population among states in the US. For some, this is a reasonable explanation for the outbreak of Morgellons in the most populous cities of these states. Generally, when diseases such as Morgellons break out in largely populated areas, the number of people with that disease in those areas tends to skyrocket, whether the condition is known to be contagious or not. Although there is no conclusive evidence that Morgellons is contagious, it stands to reason that the same environmental factors would affect a large number of people in heavily populated areas.
If you are a conspiracy theorist at heart, then you may enjoy a few of the rationalizations for Morgellons’ concentration in these states. It has been said that because these states have had space shuttle landings and crashes, Morgellons is common there. That’s right, there are people that believe that Morgellons is a space disease and the parasites that cause it are from outer space. These people may also try to convince you that Area 51 is real and that the US government staged the moon landing with the help of the Russian government. Nothing against these people, but most reasonable people opt to give the government the benefit of the doubt.
Overall, geography probably does not play a factor in the cause and onset of Morgellons, except that places of the highest population are going to turn up with more cases. The environmental factors of these locations are possible elements that encourage the growth of the disease and eventually lead to what people think is an outbreak of Morgellons. The increased reports in these areas can also be related to the fact that Morgellons is growing in popularity. Morgellons has gotten increased media attention over the past few years, leading to more people coming forward reporting symptoms.

CDC To Study Morgellons Disease


Imagine strange fibers and other inorganic materials growing out of sores on your skin and feeling like bugs are crawling around under your skin. It’s the type of images that you’d expect from science fiction and horror movies. But it’s a real and frightening disease with an increasing incidence around the world.
It sure doesn’t sound pleasant.
No one knows how many people suffer from this disease but many of those who have gone public with it have said that they were often given wrong or dismissive diagnoses. Many doctors, thinking the problem is a form of delusional parasitosis whereby people believe they are infected with parasites, often refer those suffering from Morgellons disease to a psychiatrist.
It took the research of Mary Leitao, a biologist whose son was suffering from a strange sore on his lip that wouldn’t heal and the feeling of bugs underneath it to investigate the problem further. What she saw, looking through a microscope, was “…were bundles of fibers, balls of fibers…red and blue.’ which glowed under ultraviolet light.
But when Leitao took this research to a doctor at a leading hospital, he ignored her discover and advised her pediatrician that the son simply needed vaseline for the lip sore and the mother needed a psychiatric evaluation.
Leitao has since established the Morgellons Research Foundation to provide support, advocacy, and information for those suffering from the disease and for those interested in learning more.
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced they are launching a study to investigate a mystery disease known as Morgellons.
The study, in conjunction with Kaiser Permanente, will take place in northern California where many of the reported cases of Morgellons are located. Study participants will be given blood tests, skin examinations, and psychological evaluations to help determine the cause of this mysterious disease.
You can watch ABC “Nightline” at 11:35 p.m. ET tonight and “Good Morning America” Thursday at 7 a.m to learn more about the disease and the CDC study.

Are You At Risk For Morgellons Disease (By Bobbie Abdallah)


You have probably heard it said, what you don't know can still hurt you. Never has that been truer than with the newly emerging mystery disease called Morgellons.Haven't heard of Morgellons Disease? You're not alone. And that's why you must know more -- because what you don't know about this ailment can indeed hurt you.Morgellons Disease is a little-known, yet growing threat in our present day world. In fact, many consider that Morgellons may very possibly become the "plague" of our generation. In fact, so little is known about this disease that no one can even explain where it came from. The earliest reference, in 1674, mentions similar symptoms which are seen today. Another tiny clue is found in 1862, in a drawing created by Dr. Michel Ettmuller of skin lesions commonly associated with Morgellons.But what exactly is Morgellons Disease? Some of the symptoms include debilitating exhaustion, skin lesions that refuse to heal, "brain fog" and even the sensation of bugs and worms biting or crawling under your skin!But even worse, there's physical disfigurement and unrelenting pain and discomfort in your joints. All leading to social isolation because of how others will react in fear and ignorance towards you and your symptoms. People fear what they don't understand and Morgellons is certainly an unknown disease.But are you really at risk from this mystery disease? Many people scoff at the very idea that Morgellons poses a real risk. Instead they portray so-called patients as delusional or attention-seekers. But before you jump to the same conclusion, consider the following: samples taken from the skin lesions of individuals claiming to be affected by Morgellons revealed the infestation of a wingless, arthropod insect called a springtail or collembola. Perhaps some exotic insect from a faraway place? Hardly. They can be found inside, in damp areas near sinks or leaky pipes, or outside in damp soil, near pools, ponds or other water sources.Or consider that Morgellons Disease is suspected to be associated to other diseases that present similar symptoms, specifically Lyme borreliosis. Yes, the same Lyme disease that affected more than 23,000 people in 2005, through the simple bite of an infected tick.Ready to run to the doctor? It may not help you. Even the doctor you rely upon for medical advice probably has no answers for you. Worse yet, because of the lack of medical information, his diagnosis will completely rely upon his own personal theory of what Morgellons really is.Very little is certain about Morgellons Disease except that is a frightening unknown ailment. The freakish symptoms, only a few of which are described here, frighten those with them and those who fear they've been exposed. Doctors are at a loss to explain the causes and at an even greater loss to treat them. With little scientific explanation, a large, confusing array of symptoms and without even a standardized test to detect this disease, Morgellons remains one of the great medical mysteries of our present day. But perhaps the greatest threat from Morgellons is fear. Without asking the tough questions, without pushing for greater research and understanding, the effects of Morgellons can never be addressed. This may be the first time you've heard of Morgellons, but unfortunately, it's most likely not the last.

What is Morgellons Disease (By Bobbie Abdallah)


You have probably heard it said, what you don't know can still hurt you. Never has that been truer than with the newly emerging mystery disease called Morgellons.
Haven't heard of Morgellons Disease? You're not alone. And that's why you must know more -- because what you don't know about this ailment can indeed hurt you.
Morgellons Disease is a little-known, yet growing threat in our present day world. In fact, many consider that Morgellons may very possibly become the "plague" of our generation.
In fact, so little is known about this disease that no one can even explain where it came from. The earliest reference, in 1674, mentions similar symptoms which are seen today. Another tiny clue is found in 1862, in a drawing created by Dr. Michel Ettmuller of skin lesions commonly associated with Morgellons.
But what exactly is Morgellons Disease? Some of the symptoms include debilitating exhaustion, skin lesions that refuse to heal, "brain fog" and even the sensation of bugs and worms biting or crawling under your skin!
But even worse, there's physical disfigurement and unrelenting pain and discomfort in your joints. All leading to social isolation because of how others will react in fear and ignorance towards you and your symptoms. People fear what they don't understand and Morgellons is certainly an unknown disease.
But are you really at risk from this mystery disease? Many people scoff at the very idea that Morgellons poses a real risk. Instead they portray so-called patients as delusional or attention-seekers.
But before you jump to the same conclusion, consider the following: samples taken from the skin lesions of individuals claiming to be affected by Morgellons revealed the infestation of a wingless, arthropod insect called a springtail or collembola. Perhaps some exotic insect from a faraway place? Hardly. They can be found inside, in damp areas near sinks or leaky pipes, or outside in damp soil, near pools, ponds or other water sources.
Or consider that Morgellons Disease is suspected to be associated to other diseases that present similar symptoms, specifically Lyme borreliosis. Yes, the same Lyme disease that affected more than 23,000 people in 2005, through the simple bite of an infected tick.
Ready to run to the doctor? It may not help you. Even the doctor you rely upon for medical advice probably has no answers for you. Worse yet, because of the lack of medical information, his diagnosis will completely rely upon his own personal theory of what Morgellons really is.
Very little is certain about Morgellons Disease except that is a frightening unknown ailment. The freakish symptoms, only a few of which are described here, frighten those with them and those who fear they've been exposed. Doctors are at a loss to explain the causes and at an even greater loss to treat them.
With little scientific explanation, a large, confusing array of symptoms and without even a standardized test to detect this disease, Morgellons remains one of the great medical mysteries of our present day.
But perhaps the greatest threat from Morgellons is fear. Without asking the tough questions, without pushing for greater research and understanding, the effects of Morgellons can never be addressed.
This may be the first time you've heard of Morgellons, but unfortunately, it's most likely not the last.