Natalie Esparza
10/12/2012
Fulton County to start spraying for West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus has been spreading through out Georgia, with 21 confirmed cases, three of which have been deaths. Of the people who contract this virus, one in 150 will develop symptoms which include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back will effect up to 20 percent of the people who become infected. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
So far, Fulton County has been using larvacide to kill the baby mosquitoes that are infected before they become a problem. Now, they have decided to also begin spraying, to deal with the adult mosquitoes as well as the babies. They urge people to use repellent, wear long pants and sleeves, and dump any standing water in their yards. Bugs are a part of every day life and anyone who is careless can become infected.
This virus doesn't discriminate between race, gender, or age, it has the potential to effect any person the mosquito bites. This spraying is beneficial to all citizens of Fulton County because it prevents the virus from spreading, infecting, and maybe killing more people than it already has. This virus is similar to the bird flu pandemic that happened in 2006. We shouldn't get paranoid about this virus- although it should be taken seriously - but don't start hiding out in your house to avoid contracting it.
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