Mosquito-borne disease can be prevented by avoidance measures 08.21.25

August 21, 2025

Mosquito-borne disease can be prevented by avoidance measures

MOBILE, Ala. — During the summer months and early fall, Mobile County experiences increased reports of West Nile virus (WNV) in people, mosquitoes, and chickens. West Nile virus is an infection that is spread to humans by mosquitoes.

The lifecycle of the WNV is usually spread after a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites an uninfected human. Mosquitoes spread the virus normally from bird to bird and humans and other animals unfortunately infected.

“Most people with WNV do not develop any symptoms,” according to Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Symptoms of WNV infection are typically mild, and can include fever, headache, weakness, rash muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.”

Unfortunately, 1 in 150 people with WNV develop severe neuroinvasive disease, which is an infection involving the brain and spinal cord and will require hospitalization and supportive care. There is no specific treatment, and there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. People who are immunocompromised or an age greater than 50 years are at increased risk of the more severe presentation.

Dr. Michaels goes on to say, “WNV and other mosquito borne diseases are prevented by mosquito avoidance measures.” These mosquito avoidance measures are as follows:
• Wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts or pants treated with permethrin and using insect repellents (with DEET or other active ingredients)
• When sleeping outdoors, mosquito netting or indoors window screens
• Drain sources of standing water (tires, buckets, bird baths, etc.)
• Barehanded contact with dead birds is not recommended.

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) has an active surveillance program involving sentinel chickens, mosquito collections, and case reporting from healthcare providers in the community. We have active partnerships with the University of South Alabama (USA) and the University of South Florida (USF) supporting each of these programs. USA tests mosquito pools for the presence of virus known to cause arthropod illnesses and USF tests the chicken blood for antibodies demonstrating transmission in the community. “Both universities’ programs aid in targeting our mosquito control efforts in Mobile County,” said Dr. Derrick Scott, Bureau Director of Environmental Health.

Our online portal is now available to help the public request assistance from Vector Services and receive feedback on their request to deal with mosquitoes or rodents. To learn more, visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal for ordering services. The telephone numbers for those without internet access are 251-690-8124 for Mosquito Control and 251-690-8819 for Rodent Control.

MCHD has launched an interactive story map focusing on mosquito activity and arbovirus surveillance. This tool is for the public to learn about mosquitoes, the arboviruses they cause, and how they can protect themselves. Residents can find the link at https://mchd.org/ under “Community Tools.” It can also be found at the following link: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/ce89a50495fa4a908880cefe903506b5.