The DeKalb County Board of Health reports a probable human case of West Nile virus infection. The patient's blood sample tested positive for West Nile virus at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory and has been sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation.

The probable case, a 70-year-old resident of East Atlanta, lives and works in the portion of DeKalb County within Atlanta city limits.

"Even though this case has not been fully confirmed for West Nile virus, the Board of Health has already taken action by conducting enhanced assessments around the person's residence and work location," explained Paul J. Wiesner, M.D., director of the DeKalb County Board of Health. Board of Health staff is also working closely with neighborhood organizations in these areas to educate residents and prevent further human cases.

Enhanced assessments include eliminating mosquito-breeding sites, trapping mosquitoes for identification and treating standing water with a larvicide that kills developing mosquitoes.

"People should continue to be careful and take precautions," said Dr. Wiesner. He adds, "Only a very small number of individuals infected with West Nile virus experience severe illness. However, everyone should take care to minimize exposure to mosquito bites."

A mosquito spreads the West Nile virus by feeding on the blood of an infected bird and then biting a human. People over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. Symptoms of severe illness may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion.

Wiesner adds that those projects and many other initiatives to improve the health status of school-age children will only be enhanced by Superintendent Brown's vision and innovative thinking towards education.

Since mosquitoes spread West Nile virus the DeKalb County Board of Health continues to advise people to take the following precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes:

• When outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks.
• On exposed skin, use mosquito repellent that contains less than 30 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent DEET for children over age one. Do not use DEET on infants.
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed by emptying tires, barrels, planters, pool covers and other objects that hold water.
• Clean gutters, flat roofs and air conditioner drains frequently.
• Change the water in birdbaths, pools, ornamental ponds and animal dishes at least twice a week.
• Keep mosquitoes from entering buildings by repairing screens on windows, doors, patios and porches.
• Keep grass and weeds mowed to reduce mosquitoes' resting places.

The Board of Health's prevention efforts include reducing mosquito breeding sites, educating the public, and monitoring and testing mosquitoes and dead birds. Currently, health officials are encouraging people to report any dead crows, blue jays and birds of prey such as owls, hawks and falcons.

For more information about West Nile, visit the following web sites:
• DeKalb County Board of Health: www.dekalbhealth.net
• Georgia Division of Public Health: health.state.ga.us
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/skeeters.htm.

For more information about West Nile virus or to report a dead bird in DeKalb County, call the DeKalb County Board of Health at 404-508-7871 or go online to www.dekalbhealth.net.

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