Prevent mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Wes Stubblefield, M.D., (256) 340-2113

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) cautions the public about how important it is to prevent mosquito bites to protect yourself and your home environment. Mosquitoes carry viruses that can cause serious illness or death. Warm and rainy weather means more people get bitten by mosquitoes. 

One of the viruses carried by certain types of mosquitos causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). While a rare disease, EEE can cause severe illness and death. No vaccine and no specific treatments are available for EEE. Two cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in humans have been reported in Baldwin County in the past few weeks, regrettably including one fatality. 

Preventing mosquito bites is needed to protect against viruses such as EEE and West Nile virus that are present in Alabama. Mosquito repellents are particularly needed at the dawn and dusk hours and municipal mosquito control spraying is needed to prevent new hatches.

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 at CDC Travelers' Health.

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.

Visit ADPH Mosquito-Borne Diseases and the CDC's Prevent Mosquito Bites section to learn how to help prevent mosquito bites.

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8/21/23

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.