Sunday, September 15, 2002
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Sunday, September 15, 2002 |
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West Nile in Fulton County
Fulton County health officials confirmed earlier this month that an Atlanta man is the first in the metro Atlanta area to be infected with the mosquito-borne West Nile virus this year. Lab results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the victim, a 51-year-old homeless male, who also suffered from other health conditions, was infected with West Nile virus at the time of his death on Tuesday, August 20, 2002, at Grady Memorial Hospital. Fulton County health officials caution, however, that the cause of death still has not been determined. An autopsy report, expected within 10 days, is the only way to tell if the victim died from West Nile virus or other causes. Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Director Dr. Adewale Troutman said the homeless population is particularly vulnerable to contracting West Nile virus and partnerships with community-based organizations and the City of Atlanta are critical to ensuring protection for the homeless. With a confirmed case of West Nile virus in the County, the Health and Wellness Department has intensified efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to a massive community education and awareness campaign, the department's S.W.I.F.T.Stop West Nile In Fulton Task Force is conducting door-to-door source reduction in areas where dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. The department is also larviciding and conducting mosquito surveillance in targeted areas considered "hot zones" for the virus. Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus by taking a blood meal from a bird and then biting humans. Health officials continue to urge residents to avoid mosquito bites by eliminating standing water around their homes where mosquitoes breed; wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks; avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and using a mosquito repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness continues to rely on dead birds to signal the presence of the virus. To report birds that have been dead less than 24 hours in Fulton County, call (404) 524-7368. For more information, contact the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Mosquito Hotline at (404) 730-5296.
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