Friday, September 7,
2001
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West Nile virus found in South Fulton By JOHN
THOMPSON
Fulton County health officials confirmed late last week that a case of West Nile virus has been discovered in South Fulton County. Officials said a dead crow found on Ben Hill Road in East Point tested positive for the virus. Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards, who has led two community seminars on the disease, said residents should not panic. "We are closely monitoring the West Nile virus and aggressively larviciding areas where it has been discovered, but we continue to stress that the best way to prevent it is to avoid contact with mosquitoes," he said. "Residents can greatly reduce their risk of being bitten by using insect repellent, limiting time outdoors, eliminating standing water around their homes and wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants." West Nile virus, previously found only in other parts of the world such as Africa, Eastern Europe and western Asia, appeared in the United States in 1999, and in Georgia in 2001. It is carried by certain mosquitos that infect birds, animals and people. Health officials said people over age 50 have the highest risk of developing severe illness because their bodies have a harder time fighting off disease. People with compromised or weakened immune systems also are at a higher risk. However, anyone can get the virus. Most people have no symptoms or experience mild flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, the virus may cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Officials said you should see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light. Patients with mild symptoms should recover completely, and do not require any specific medication or laboratory testing.
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