MCHD observes World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 1-30-26

January 30, 2026

MCHD observes World Neglected Tropical Disease Day

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is joining health agencies across the globe in recognizing World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day, which shines a light on infections that affect more than 1 billion people worldwide yet often remain overlooked. This year’s observance carries the global theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.” with a regional focus on “Involving communities” to prevent, detect, and control these diseases.

“Neglected tropical diseases may sound far away, but the conditions that allow them to spread—heat, humidity, flooding, and standing water—are very familiar along the Gulf Coast,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Mobile County Health Officer. “World NTD Day is a reminder that protecting our community means paying attention to emerging infections as well as the ones we already know.”

What are neglected tropical diseases?

Neglected tropical diseases are parasitic, viral, and bacterial infections that thrive in tropical and subtropical areas, especially where people have limited access to clean water, sanitation, and health care. They can cause chronic disability, disfigurement, pregnancy complications, and early death.

Examples worldwide include dengue, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and several worm infections, many of which are spread by mosquitoes or other insects. The U.S. Gulf Coast—because of its climate, severe weather, and areas with limited access to health care and basic services—is considered vulnerable to infections such as dengue, Zika, and Chagas disease.

Why NTDs matter on the Gulf Coast?

Climate change, heavier rainfall, and warmer temperatures can expand mosquito and other vector populations, increasing the risk of NTDs in Gulf Coast states. Travel and migration can also introduce infections acquired elsewhere into our region, where local conditions sometimes allow them to spread.

Public health experts have documented domestically acquired Chagas disease and dengue cases in the United States, including in Gulf Coast areas, and raised concerns about other neglected infections. Mobile County experienced eight West Nile virus infections in 2025, making consistent day‑to‑day public health work — surveillance, vector control, and community engagement — essential for early detection and response.

What MCHD does every day?

While World NTD Day is marked once a year, MCHD’s work to prevent and control these and other emerging infections continues year‑round. Key ongoing efforts include:

• Mosquito and vector surveillance: monitoring mosquito populations and species distribution in Mobile County and using data to guide targeted mosquito control activities that reduce the risk of mosquito‑borne infections.
• Environmental and climate‑sensitive disease monitoring: tracking reportable conditions and unusual clusters of mosquito‑borne and other vector‑borne illnesses to identify emerging threats early.
• Clinical and laboratory partnerships: collaborating with local hospitals, clinics, and laboratories to promote appropriate testing and reporting for travel‑associated infections and other unusual illnesses that may signal NTDs or related conditions.
• Community education and outreach: providing information on mosquito bite prevention, standing‑water reduction, and other basic environmental steps that help prevent a range of vector‑borne diseases.
• Preparedness and response planning: integrating NTD‑relevant threats—such as dengue, Zika, and other emerging infections—into emergency preparedness plans to ensure coordinated responses when new risks arise.

Looking ahead:

MCHD’s daily work to strengthen surveillance, protect the environment, and support residents contributes to this broader movement from right here on the Gulf Coast.

Individuals planning international travel who are in need of travel vaccines are encouraged to contact their local healthcare provider or pharmacy to confirm availability.