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:
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.
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.