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CNN Live Saturday

Elderly Woman Dies as Result of West Nile Virus

Aired August 18, 2001 - 17:01   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
STEPHEN FRAZIER, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to begin with the West Nile Virus, which has claimed its first human victim this year. Georgia physicians confirm the cause of death for an elderly women who lived here near CNN Center in Atlanta.

Marty Savidge looks at the efforts to combat this mosquito-born virus.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: One day after the first confirmed death this year in the nation from West Nile Virus, health workers in Atlanta intensified efforts to battle the mosquito-spread disease. Crews dispersed insecticide pellets into standing water where the bugs breed.

According to health officials, the death of the 71-year-old woman earlier this month is the first-ever human fatality in the state of Georgia. Authorities declined to identify the victim, saying only she was admitted to hospital July 31st with encephalitis-like symptoms. But it wasn't until Friday morning, six days after her death, that the Centers for Disease Control confirmed that it was West Nile Virus.

The victim reportedly lived in the heart of downtown Atlanta, near the park built to celebrate the Olympic games in 1996. Saturday, health workers focused on communities near the park and areas surrounding elderly housing, spreading information as well as insecticide. Older residents and children are believed to be most at risk for the disease.

MAYOR BILL CAMPBELL, ATLANTA, GEORGIA: This is no time for panic. It's a time for caution, it's a time to understand the necessary ingredients as to how we can protect ourselves.

SAVIDGE: Until now, the West Nile Virus had only shown up in the state in animals, mainly birds. But health officials say at least 6 other people in Fulton County surrounding Atlanta are being tested after showing symptoms of the disease.

Still, officials downplay the danger.

SCOTT WETTERHALL, ALTANTAL WEST NILE TASK FORCE: In a given area a very, very small percentage, perhaps 1% of the mosquitoes are actually infected with the virus. If a person is bitten by an affected mosquito, the chances of becoming ill is very, very small.

SAVIDGE: Monday, Atlanta area health officials will meet to compare notes with health experts from New York city. From 1999 to 2000, at least nine deaths and 73 other cases were reported in the New York city and New Jersey metropolitan areas.

For now, Georgia residents are being encouraged to roll down their sleeves in the battle against a bug that has suddenly become more than just a nuisance.

Martin Savidge, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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