Friday, June 7, 2002
|
Friday, June 7, 2002 |
|
Fulton starts battle against deadly mosquitoes By JOHN
THOMPSON
Fulton County rolled out its plan last week to battle the West Nile virus that showed up last summer. The virus is spread by mosquitos and causes severe health problems for a small portion of the population. Fulton officials are trying to educate residents about the virus and urging those who have potential risk to use precautions when going outside. 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 the age of 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. Officials said residents should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long sleeved-shirts and socks. Use insect repellent containing 10 percent or less DEET (N, N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) for children older than 5 years of age and no more than 30 percent DEET for adults. Outside, residents should make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas, saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep them empty and covered. Drain improperly installed and sagging pool covers and change the water in birdbaths at least once every four days. The awareness campaign's slogan is "Bite Back: Mosquito-Proof Fulton County. The plan to battle the virus calls for neighborhood cleanups and door-to-door source reduction efforts, as well as targeted larviciding in public areas. For information on the virus, phone the Fulton County hot line at 404-730-1275.
|
||