Seniors vulnerable to West Nile virus

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Seniors are most vulnerable to the sometimes deadly West Nile virus. They are being encouraged to take calm, smart steps to protect themselves.

At Austin's Age of Central Texas Senior Daycare, Nurse Teri Eidelbach has been working with her patients and even prepared information packets for them and their families.

"Be calm, be smart, think about it. These folks are smart they just sometimes need reassurance," she said.

One patient, Judy Martinez, intends to go to a New Braunfels hospital Friday or Saturday, where her cousin has been diagnosed with the virus.

"He was running a little fever, thought he had a cold, that was all. But when he went to the hospital they told him he had the virus. He and another fellow got bitten by mosquitos," Martinez said.

Experts advise staying away from stagnant water, wearing long sleeves and pants, use bug repellent and learn to recognize the flu-like symptoms.

"They feel less alarmed now and we try to protect our folks here at Age of Central Texas, we love them and want them to make sure they're not afraid," Eidelbach said.