The death last

weekend of a Fulton County resident from the West Nile virus has increased

the awareness of the virus that was discovered in the state earlier this

summer.

Fulton County

Department of Health and Wellness officials said a 71-year-old woman died

from the disease near Centennial Park last Saturday.

Health and

Wellness spokesman Latricia Hughes said two more birds carrying the deadly

virus were discovered Tuesday near downtown Atlanta, but said South Fulton

has been safe so far.

The virus is

spread by mosquitos and causes severe health problems for a small portion

of the population.

"Only

a very small proportion of people infected with West Nile virus experience

severe illness," said Dr. Adewale Troutman, director of the Fulton

County Department of Health and Wellness.

If South Fulton

residents discover dead birds in their yards, they should immediately

contact the county at 404-730-1335.

In the meantime,

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.

For information

on the virus, phone the Fulton County hot line at 404-730-1275.

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