FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jasmine Kennedy or Alexis Hynes, (334) 206-5971
The Alabama Department of Public Health cautions the public about preventing mosquito bites to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. In Alabama, mosquito-borne diseases include Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Both WNV and EEEV can cause severe illness and death. No vaccine and no specific treatments are available for either condition. Therefore, the best defense against these diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.
To prevent mosquito bites:
Additionally, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya and malaria may be acquired during international travel. Transmission of these diseases occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical areas. This year, over 10 million cases of dengue have been reported in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. Local transmission of these diseases may occur when an infected traveler returns home and is bitten by a mosquito that picks up the virus or parasite and then transmits it to another person during its next blood meal.
To prevent mosquito bites while traveling:
If you believe you have symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease, seek testing and care from your healthcare provider. To learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, visit Mosquito-borne Diseases at ADPH and Other Mosquito-borne Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
-30-
7/31/24
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.