For those people in West Virginia who are unable to work because they are constantly tired, sore or in pain, a new study may not be welcome news. Two years after research claimed that chronic fatigue syndrome was caused by a virus and, thus, that there may be a cure, scientists withdrew their published papers and admitted that people with CFS don't have a virus.

CFS is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis and affects 17 million people globally. While the residents of Charleston who have been diagnosed with CFS are likely happy to know that scientists no longer consider the condition to be psychiatric, many may be disappointed to learn that hopes for a cure have been dashed.

A medical science professor who leads CFS research has said that over the span of his career, he has looked at roughly 30 theories that ended up failing rigorous scientific testing. In this latest virus theory, the professor noted that tens of millions of dollars were spent unsuccessfully confirming that CFS was not caused by a virus.

Although West Virginians with CFS may think all is lost, a new overseas study has suggested that the condition could be an autoimmune disease after CFS patients responded to drugs used for common autoimmune conditions. In addition, people with CFS are able to rely on Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits to cover the cost of medication and health care. Having governmental disability benefits helps keep people able to fight against whatever medical conditions are affecting their lives.

Source: ABC News, "Virus theory for chronic fatigue dismissed," Nonee Walsh, Jan. 6, 2012