The DeKalb County Board of Health reports that the 82-year-old Doraville resident who died on September 9, 2002 has been established as a probable case of West Nile virus infection. The patient's blood sample initially tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) at a private laboratory and has now tested positive at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory. The sample has been sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for final confirmation.

"Our empathy is with the family over their loss," says Paul J. Wiesner, M.D., director of the DeKalb County Board of Health. "Even though this infection was acquired several weeks ago, we must remain vigilant. We know that the virus continues to be present in the community and that education, surveillance and monitoring of the virus is critical for preventing infections."

Wiesner adds, "We continue to work closely with neighborhood organizations to educate residents and to reduce further human West Nile cases."

Prevention includes collecting and testing dead birds, eliminating mosquito-breeding sites, trapping mosquitoes for identification and treating standing water with a larvicide that kills developing mosquitoes.

Between January 2002 to August 31, 2002, the DeKalb County Board of Health received 2,421 dead bird reports. Of these, 236 were submitted for testing and 105 have been found to be WNV positive. Ninety-six of those positives occurred in August. To date, one of 97 mosquito pools tested positive for WNV.

"All of us must continue to take precautions until the mosquito season ends," says Dr. Wiesner. "Only a small number of individuals infected with West Nile virus experience severe illness. However, everyone should take care to minimize their 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 and people with chronic illnesses are at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. Symptoms of severe illness may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion.

You can reduce mosquito bites and exposure by doing the following:
• 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.
• 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.

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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