Disease Control

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is responsible for investigating animal bites and scratches and managing rabies prevention efforts in our community. Anytime a person is bitten or scratched by an animal and receives medical care or is involved in a law enforcement report, it must be reported to MCHD, as required by Alabama law (Rule 420-4-4-.03). You can also report a bite yourself, whether you’re the person bitten or the animal owner, by using our Animal Bite Report Form, available in both printed and digital formats.

According to state law (Rule 420-4-4-.06), all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies every year by a licensed veterinarian. If a dog or cat bites someone, it must be placed in a 10-day quarantine, even if it’s up to date on its shots. This is to make sure the animal isn’t showing signs of rabies.

If someone is bitten by a wild or exotic animal, a 10-day quarantine usually isn’t enough. These animals may carry the rabies virus longer or not show symptoms right away. In most cases, the animal may need to be euthanized and tested to confirm whether rabies is present. Testing requires examining the brain, which can’t be done while the animal is alive. If the animal isn’t tested, we recommend that anyone exposed speak with their doctor about whether rabies treatment is needed. Please note: MCHD only provides rabies treatment for patients who are already seen at our Family Health clinics.

To help prevent rabies, MCHD offers low-cost rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year in various parts of Mobile County. Follow our news releases or social media to find out when and where these clinics are offered.

If you have questions about animal bites, rabies exposure, or quarantine rules, call us at 251-690-8956 or 251-690-8970. You can also find helpful information at the CDC website or the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Resources

• What is Rabies?
• Rabies Program Home Quarantine Guidelines
• Rabies Prevention Starts with You
• Stop Dog Bites (Children)
• Rabies Prophylaxis Providers – These providers may have rabies prophylaxis (human vaccine), but there is not guarantee.

Stray Animal Complaints

• The Mobile County Rabies Control Program is responsible for managing the animal bite investigation and quarantine program from Mobile County. Animal Control Offices for Mobile County (251-574-3647), City of Mobile (251-208-2800), City of Saraland (251-679-5570), City of Satsuma (251-675-1440), City of Prichard (251-456-5399) and Town of Dauphin Island (251-861-5523) are responsible for stray animal complaints.

MCHD’s Data Analytics and Epidemiology team is made up of epidemiologists, data analysts, and GIS (Geographic Information System) specialists who work together to collect, analyze, and transform a wide range of data into actionable insights. Using tools like data dashboards, reports, maps, and visualizations, the team supports public health initiatives and identifies emerging needs within the community.

These reports and visual tools are often developed in collaboration with partner organizations and are designed to support data-driven decisions that improve population health and service delivery.

For questions about community health data, such as overdose trends, infectious disease rates, and other public health statistics, please contact us at DataScience@MCHD.org.

Please note: we do not provide individual medical records, immunization records, or vital records through this email. To report an outbreak or a case of a reportable disease, contact our Infectious Diseases and Outbreak Team directly at 251-690-8175.

Additional information about national and state public health data surveillance can also be found on the Centers for Disease Control or the Alabama Department of Public Health.

MCHD Data Reports, Dashboards, and Visualizations

• MCHD Provisional Disease Report
• Healthy Communities Project
• Mobile County Overdose Surveillance
• Local Food Inspection Scores
• Mosquito Monitoring in Mobile County

The Data Analytics and Epidemiology team has been selected as a host site for the Region IV Public Health Training Center’s Pathways to Practice program for Spring 2026. To learn more on the project and how to apply, please visit this link: https://mchd.org/public-health-internship-opportunities-2-24-26/

In Alabama, the reporting of specific infectious diseases and health conditions is required by law. All healthcare providers, laboratory directors, school principals, and daycare directors are legally obligated to report specific diseases and conditions to public health authorities. The official requirements, including which diseases must be reported, the timeframe for reporting, and the approved methods for doing so are outlined in the Alabama Notifiable Disease Rules, Chapter 420-4-1.

In Mobile County, the MCHD Infectious Diseases and Outbreaks (IDO) Team is responsible for conducting surveillance and investigations in accordance with these rules, following guidance from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The program monitors a wide range of reportable infectious diseases and conditions, including enteric diseases, vector-borne illnesses, emerging or novel pathogens, agents of bioterrorism, and potential rabies exposures. During investigations, IDO staff may conduct patient interviews, identify common exposures and risk factors, collect specimens for testing, and provide education, training, and guidance to help reduce the risk of further spread disease.

DETECT, TEST, REPORT (DTR)

To support compliance and increase awareness, our team leads the DETECT, TEST, REPORT (DTR) state-wide initiative for Mobile County. This effort focuses on educating required reporting professionals about their legal responsibilities to identify, test for, and report notifiable diseases. Timely and accurate reporting is critical for effective disease surveillance, helping public health officials track trends, identify outbreaks early, and implement control measures to protect the community.

To assist with this, the IDO Team is available to provide DTR presentations for clinics, hospitals, schools, or other healthcare-related organizations. This 1-hour session offer a detailed overview of reporting laws, timelines, and how providers can fulfill their public health responsibilities. Nurses may also receive 1.0 CEU credits for full attendance.

To request a presentation or learn more, please contact the IDO program at 251-690-8175.

HIPAA & Public Health Authority

Both the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Mobile County Health Department are authorized under HIPAA [45 CFR §164.501] to collect or receive protected health information without patient authorization for the purpose of disease surveillance, public health investigations, and outbreak response.

If you have questions about infectious or reportable diseases, please contact the IDO Team at 251-690-8175 and 251-690-8970.

STD Program

The STD Surveillance Program at the Mobile County Health Department is dedicated to promoting, improving, and protecting the sexual health of Mobile County residents. Our team works to identify, locate, and notify individuals who may have been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases—ensuring they receive timely testing, treatment, and education to help reduce the spread of infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.

If you have questions about STDs or need more information, please contact the STD Program at 251-410-4393. You can also visit the CDC or ADPH for reliable resources.

Common STDs/STIs We Help Address:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis
• Syphilis
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Trichomoniasis

STD Testing and Treatment Services

Take charge of your sexual health by getting tested regularly, building healthy relationships, and practicing safer sex! Comprehensive STD testing, evaluation, and treatment is available at the Mobile County Health Department through our Family Health Services and MCHD Public Health Center.

Walk-In STD Services at MCHD Public Health Clinic

For convenient, walk-in access to care, visit our MCHD Public Health Clinic location:

MCHD Public Health Clinic (Inside Newburn Building)

• Location: 248 Cox Street, Mobile, AL 36604
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (walk-in patients seen between 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
• Phone: 251-410-4393
• Costs: $20 registration fee/Testing and Treatment is free

Services Offered:

• STD testing and treatment for individuals with symptoms or positive test results for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis
• Walk-in only (no appointment needed; patients seen between 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
• Wait time may vary depending on volume

Please note: Family Health, the clinical division of MCHD, provides testing and services for hepatitis, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). To schedule an appointment, call 251-690-8889.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that most often affects the lungs. It can exist in two forms: TB infection and TB disease.

• TB infection means a person has been exposed to the bacteria, but the bacteria are dormant and not causing illness.
• TB disease means the bacteria are active in the body and causing symptoms.

TB spreads through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, laughs, sings, or talks. It is more likely to spread in enclosed spaces over long periods of time, such as among household members, close friends, or coworkers. Symptoms of active TB disease typically include a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and fever.

The TB Team at MCHD provides consultation, case management, directly observed therapy (DOT), and clinical services for individuals diagnosed with TB infection or disease. They also educate patients, families, and healthcare providers about the importance of isolation, wearing masks, reducing respiratory droplets, and the need to test close contacts promptly to prevent further spread.

Additional Information:

• For questions about TB infection or disease, you can reach the TB program at 251-690-8831 or 251-690-8914.
• TB skin tests are performed through the Family Health Clinic, not the TB Clinic. To schedule a TB skin test, please call 251-690-8889.
• Additional information and resources about TB is also available through the CDC and ADPH.

Religious Exemptions are issued at 248 Cox Street, Mobile, AL 36603. Appointments only. There are no walk-ins, and clients need to arrive 15 minutes prior to appointment time.

Clients must reside in Mobile County with proof.

• Please provide a written letter requesting exemption on the child, include name and date of birth of child.
• Parent/Guardian must provide a current, valid photo ID.
• You will be provided education on Vaccines during your appointment.
• Children do not need to be present to receive the Religious Exemption.
• Religious Exemption are only provided for kindergarten students through 12th grade.
• Call 251-690-8970 for an appointment.