Fulton County

rolled out its plan last week to battle the West Nile virus that showed

up last summer.

The virus is

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

of the population.

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.

The awareness

campaign's slogan is "Bite Back: Mosquito-Proof Fulton County. The

plan to battle the virus calls for neighborhood cleanups and door-to-door

source reduction efforts, as well as targeted larviciding in public areas.

For information

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

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