Health Officer confirms West Nile virus is present in Mobile County 09-30-26

September 30, 2026

Health Officer confirms West Nile virus is present in Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. – A case of human West Nile virus (WNV), which is a form of mosquito-borne encephalitis, has been confirmed this week in Mobile County, according to Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County.

This is the second human case reported in Mobile County this year. Because of patient privacy rights under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), no more identifying information will be available.

In addition, four sentinel chickens monitored by the Mobile County Health Department’s Vector Services program have tested positive for WNV. The coops are in the 36521 (1 chicken), 36587 (1 chicken), and 36613 (2 chickens) ZIP code areas.

“West Nile virus is present in our county, and this detection is an important reminder for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Michaels. “Vector Services will increase mosquito-control activity in and around these ZIP code areas, continue monitoring our sentinel chicken flocks, and work to identify mosquito populations that may be carrying the virus.”

MCHD Vector Services will conduct additional spraying, door-to-door surveys in nearby areas, and adult mosquito trapping and testing for West Nile virus.

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Residents—especially those participating in outdoor activities- are encouraged to take simple precautions to reduce mosquito bites:

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent containing DEET, or another approved active ingredient.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, particularly around dawn and dusk.
• Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or intact window and door screens.
• Empty, cover, clean, or treat containers that hold standing water around homes, yards, worksites, and outdoor-event locations.

Mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of standing water, including water found in buckets, flowerpots, tires, birdbaths, pet bowls, gutters, tarps, and outdoor containers.

About West Nile virus

West Nile virus is maintained in a cycle between birds and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to people, horses, and other animals through subsequent bites.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, some may experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or rash. In rare cases, infection can cause serious neurologic illness, including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, disorientation, tremors, paralysis, or seizures. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

West Nile virus cannot spread from person to person or from horses to people. While horses can be vaccinated against WNV, no vaccine is currently available for humans.

The risk for mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses is generally greatest from August until the first fall freeze.

Sentinel Surveillance

Since 1985, MCHD Vector Services has monitored sentinel poultry flocks placed strategically across Mobile County to detect mosquito-borne viruses. Blood samples are collected from sentinel chickens each Monday and sent to a laboratory for testing, with results typically available later in the week.

In addition to monitoring 13 sentinel chicken coops, Vector Services traps and tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and St. Louis encephalitis.

To report a mosquito concern, contact MCHD Vector Services at 251-690-8124. Learn more about mosquito control and access the online service-request portal for mosquito and rodent concerns at mchd.org/vector-control.