My mother has been seeing an MD about a very sore area between her shoulder blades, and aboutn three says later a sore big toe then came a sore hip which feels unstable all in a few days. X-ray shows no breaks (she is 86). Doc thinks viral arthritis which I have been told I have had twice over some 35 years, all in Boundary County Idaho (borders Canada). My sister has significant Lupus and fibromyalgia and has been advised by her Doc to stay away from us for two months as catching viral arthritis may end her life...she is heartbroken and so are we. He also said the infection is likely from soil and/or water conditions. Mom's Doc has recommended some goldenseal may be helpful as there is little defense or cure of viruses. Question: Can the source be the soil or water we live on? ...do you think Sis is in danger? as she has visited here for decades although she has gotten sicker and older as years pass of course. Thank You for your thoughts and efforts on our behalf...Judy