Mosquitoes pose health risks, prevent bites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Dee W. Jones, D.V.M., (334) 206-5971

Warm and rainy weather means more people get bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes carry viruses that can cause serious illness or death. 

Diseases carried by mosquitoes are being seen across Alabama. So far this year in Alabama there has been one human case of West Nile virus (WNV). Two animal cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in horses and one positive mosquito sample have been reported.

Alabama residents who have traveled outside the country have been infected with:

• Malaria – 4 cases
• Chikungunya – 1 case
• Dengue – 1 case

All cases are related to their foreign travel. The risk of getting infected with malaria, dengue, or chikungunya within Alabama remains very low. But preventing mosquito bites is needed to protect against viruses such as WNV and EEE that are present in Alabama.

To avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
• Treat clothing with repellents.
• Use air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.
• Learn about travel-related health risks and recommendations.                     

Mosquito Control Outside Your Home

Tip n’ Toss –

Mosquitoes tend to lay eggs near standing water. 

Do this once a week.

Empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water. These include tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, or trash containers. Tightly cover buckets, cisterns, and rain barrels. 

• If a container has no lid, cover with wire mesh with holes. Holes need to be smaller than an adult mosquito.
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps.
• Use larvicides
  • If a body of water is large
  • If water will not be used for drinking
  • It cannot be covered or dumped out.

Go to the Alabama Department of Public Health Mosquito-Borne Diseases page and the "Prevent Mosquito Bites" page by the CDC  to learn how to help prevent mosquito bites. 

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7/28/23

County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.