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:
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:
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.
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.