"These

cases emphasize the need for everyone to take West Nile virus seriously

and take action to prevent its spread," Dr. Daniels said. "Our

efforts to larvicide, trap and test mosquitoes, and aggressively conduct

source reduction countywide, coupled with residents taking action to reduce

their exposure to mosquito bites and eliminate breeding grounds around

their homes, will successfully prevent others from suffering needlessly

from this virus."

Residents can

further reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing long-sleeved

shirts, pants and socks; avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes

are most active; and using a mosquito repellent containing DEET.

Mosquitoes

spread West Nile virus by feeding on blood from an infected bird and then

biting a human. Only a small number of individuals bitten by mosquitoes

infected with West Nile virus experience severe illness. People over the

age of 50 and individuals with chronic illnesses have a greater chance

of becoming seriously ill from the virus. Symptoms of severe illness may

include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion.

The Fulton

County Department of Health and Wellness continues to test pools (groups)

of mosquitoes collected from traps and to rely on dead birds to signal

the presence of the virus. However, only crows, blue jays and birds of

prey, such as owls, hawks and falcons that have been dead less than 24

hours will be picked up for testing. To report fresh dead birds in Fulton

County, call (404) 524-7368.

For more information

on West Nile virus, contact the Fulton County Department of Health and

Wellness Mosquito Hotline at (404) 730-5296 or visit the following websites:

Fulton County

Department of Health and Wellness

www.co.fulton.ga.us/services/services_detail_T27_R145.html

Georgia Division

of Public Health https://health.state.ga.us

Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm