Wednesday, September 18, 2002
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Wednesday, September 18, 2002 |
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West Nile virus involved in Fayette man's death By JOHN THOMPSON
A Fayette County man may be the county's first West Nile virus victim. Officials at the District Four Health Services this week said a 77-year-old male experienced West Nile virus symptoms Aug. 31 and was hospitalized. His symptoms included fever, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain and a stiff neck. The man died earlier this week, and he had tested positive for the virus. Dr. John Riggs at District Four could offer no further information on the case, but said one bird from Fayette County had been sent in to be checked for the virus. One infected bird has shown up west of Fayette in nearby Sharpsburg in Coweta County, and infected birds have been reported in Fulton County, our neighbor to the north. Health officials said people with chronic illnesses and people over 50 have the greatest risk of developing severe neurological diseases. Officials added most people who are bitten by mosquitos carrying the virus show no symptoms of illness. Symptoms of the viral infection vary, but could include sudden onset of fever, along with body aches and headache. In severe cases, symptoms could include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors and paralysis. For more information on the
virus, contact the Fayette County Health Department at 770-461-1178, ext.
5416, or visit their Web site at www.fayettecounty
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