Avoid mosquito bites, ADPH reminds everyone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Burnestine Taylor, M.D., (334) 206-5325

Protecting yourself and your home environment from mosquito bites is important, especially at dusk and dawn. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reminds the public that mosquitoes carry viruses that can cause serious illness or death. 

One of the viruses carried by certain types of mosquitoes causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Even though it is rare, the EEE virus can cause severe illness and death. No vaccine and no specific treatments are available for EEE. Two cases of EEE in humans have been reported in Baldwin County this season, including one fatality. 

ADPH stays in contact with local community leaders regarding mosquito control and education efforts. A larvicide is a type of insecticide used to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors around homes. Larvicides work by killing mosquito larvae before they can grow into adults. When used according to product label instructions, larvicides do not harm people, pets, or the environment. Municipalities control mosquitoes through spraying and placement of larvicide briquettes in areas with standing water. 

A new flyer has been created which emphasizes education about prevention and self-protection. This flyer has been placed on the ADPH website and distributed to local boards of education. Local hospitals and medical offices have also been reminded about the importance of reporting diseases spread by mosquitoes.

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 the CDC's section on 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 it 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.

In addition to EEE, other arboviruses that occur in Alabama include the following: West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus and La Crosse encephalitis virus.

Go to the ADPH mosquito-borne diseases webpage and the CDC's Prevent Mosquito Bites section to learn how to help prevent mosquito bites.

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9/7/23

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.