"The West Nile virus is now in nearly every state east of the Mississippi, he said, and experts predict it's only a matter of time before California will report its first cases of the potentially fatal virus. People over 50 and those with compromised immune systems are usually hardest hit by the virus, which can bring high fever, encephalitis and death. But the latest cases are not reflecting that pattern, and "most of the West Nile experts think [all ages] are probably equally at risk for getting infected," said Dr. Erin Brewer, a Louisiana regional medical director. " The CDC is saying: "Wear bug spray or die." CNN.com - Fifth West Nile victim dies - August 7, 2002 | 
