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Morgellons Disease, The Mysterious Skin Disease

by Anne Gordon, RN

Why would tens of thousands suffer from odd symptoms of fibers, and worm like debris sprouting from skin sores, and other symptoms, without knowing the cause? Unexplained constellations of symptoms from general fatigue, concentration difficulties, fibromyalgia, neurocognitive disorders, and skin lesions seem are continuously reported. This disturbing trend prompted a research project.

Researchers, from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in combination with Kaiser Permanente Health System in Northern California studied the accelerating numbers of cases between 2006 and 2008. After $360,000, and 115 people studied, Morgellons is still described as ‘unexplained dermopathy’.

It is also strange that the largest clusters of cases appear to be in regions of California, Texas, and Florida, although all 50 states have experienced complaints, according to: (http://www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/morgellons/index.cfm)

Symptoms appeared to be from crawly tingly pins and needles prior to seeing a rash, or ulcerative sores. One theory is that clothing could be the culprit, although that in itself sounds crazy. Another theory suggests that Morgellons victims may suffer from an old disease called ‘delusional infestation’. But why would those numbers of sufferers be growing?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the results of their multi year findings in January of 2012. It was indicated that no disease organisms were present in Morgellons and that normal clothing fibers suggested that the sensations of sufferer’s were due to their own ‘delusional infestations.’

However, some people do not agree. For example Richard Fagerlund, entomologist, stated that he takes Morgellons disease seriously. He believes that whatever is causing ‘delusional infestations’ is reaching epidemic proportions. He suspects that it maybe caused by pesticides, or other pollutants.

Jan Smith, owner of Morgellons Exposed.com, hosts a site which hosts her theories on causes of Morgellons, including nano technology, and believes ‘something is being hidden.” Randy Wymore, presently director of the Oklahoma State Health Sciences' Center for the Investigation of Morgellons Disease, claims that Morgellons patients have submitted masses of dark fibers visible at 60x magnification under the unbroken skin. 

An article about Morgellons published by the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology in early 2006 stated  that "Morgellons disease may be linked to an undefined infectious process," and reported that many patients with Morgellons disease have positive Western blots for Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease.

In 2008 the Washington Post Magazine reported that Internet discussions about Morgellons include conspiracy theories about the cause, including biological warfare, nanotechnology, chemtrails (persistent contrails) and extraterrestrial life.

In conclusion, the numbers are increasing, the symptoms are varied, yet, no cause is determined. Again, the question might be: why would an increasing amount of people have this ‘delusional disease’ while being able to pull fibers from ‘sores’ that suddenly appear?  This mysterious condition might warrant more study. Perhaps a new organism will emerge as a result, or something chilling.

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