A 58 year-old Atlanta man was hospitalized for about a week after experiencing West Nile virus infection symptoms.

Five cases of people infected by the potentially deadly virus have been diagnosed in Bridgeport, Greenwich, Sherman and two in Stamford.

3,630 cases of people infected by the West Nile virus were reported last year, according to federal statistics. A total of 413 cases of West Nile virus have been reported in the state this year. Most people who are infected with the virus show no symptoms, but about 20 percent of those infected experience symptoms similar with those of flu: fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting. Severe symptoms include neck stiffness, high fever, stupor, disorientation, tremors, coma, convulsions, vision loss, muscle weakness, numbness, and paralysis, according to the CDC.

The situation in Douglas County is better than in other areas. Adult mosquito populations are being tested regularly. So far, state results show no infected mosquitoes in Douglas County, said Ron Lynch, assistant manager of the Douglas County mosquito control department.

A person older than 50 who lives in the eastern part of the country was hospitalized with a less severe form of the virus, known as West Nile fever.

The first death caused by the West Nile virus in Orange County, a 72-year-old Buena Park woman, was reported last month.

People have been warned to take adequate precautions in order to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Eliminating standing water where the insects can breed, staying away from mosquito-infested areas, mending damaged window screens and doors, wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts or applying mosquito repellant when leaving the house are several pieces of advice one must take into account, health officials say.

West Nile season reaches its high point in mid-august and autumn. People older than 50, those with chronic medical affections and children are advised to be more attentive.