Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases, which means they can transmit diseases from one human or animal to another. The mosquito population is hard to control, and they often develop resistance to insecticides, making the containment and elimination of mosquito-borne diseases difficult. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, more than one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year.
The increase of global travel has brought diseases once uncommon or unheard of in the United States to our shores. Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses such as the Zika Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever and West Nile Virus have become more commonplace in recent years.
Check here often for the latest information and resources on mosquito-borne illnesses in Alabama.
Additional Information:
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): CDC Fact Sheet
- Saint Louis Encephalitis: CDC Fact Sheet
- La Crosse Encephalitis: CDC Fact Sheet
Mosquito Traps
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is monitoring mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases throughout the state. Two types of adult mosquito traps are placed in various locations overnight. Both operate on portable batteries and use carbon dioxide or special chemical lure in a tube to enhance collections. The CDC trap is made of a plastic cylinder with a fan and a light that hangs under a plastic pan from a tree limb or other structure. The sentinel trap is a collapsible vinyl barrel with a plastic lid and fan which sits on the ground. For mosquito egg surveillance, six-inch black plastic cups with a drain hole in the side and lined with a special paper are set for about a week. See photos of the types of mosquito traps in use below.
- Mosquito Trap (Example 1)
- Mosquito Trap (Example 2)
- Mosquito Trap (Example 3)
- ADPH tracks mosquito activity through trapping at locations throughout the state (News Release 07/28/17)
What's New?
- Protective measures are urged to fight West Nile virus
- CDC Update: Zika Virus in the U.S. (2015-2016)
- Zika Virus Video Contest for Alabama Teens
- Alabama Mosquito-Borne Cases from 2005-2016
- "Skeeter Beaters" Coloring Book (3 MB) | en Español (2.8 MB)
- Webcasts:
Zika Virus: Information for Elected Officials
Zika Virus: An Update for Clinicians
Zika Virus: Information for Clinicians
Zika Virus: Information for Travelers
For an overview on Zika Virus, statistics, and resources, visit Zika Virus.
Mosquito-Borne Disease Investigations and Cases in Alabama From 01/01/2017 - 09/22/2017
Mosquito-Borne Disease |
Investigations |
Cases |
|
Chikungunya |
1 |
0 |
|
Dengue |
2 |
1 |
|
Eastern equine encephalitis |
0 |
0 |
|
Lacrosse encephalitis |
0 |
0 |
|
Malaria |
6 |
5 |
|
St. Louis encephalitis |
2 |
0 |
|
West Nile Virus |
44 |
28 |
|
Yellow Fever |
1 |
0 |
|
Zika |
162 |
3 |
Page last updated: September 22, 2017
