News Release

October 18, 2023

West Nile Virus detected in sentinel chickens

MOBILE, Ala. – Sentinel chickens used by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) to detect mosquito-borne diseases in the community have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

WNV has been confirmed by laboratory results, according to Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. One coop was located in the 36544 ZIP Code area, while the other coop was located in the 36613 ZIP Code area. This surveillance data — consisting of the positive coops, mosquito collection results, community complaints, and positive human cases — guide us on our targeted mosquito control efforts.

Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention.

The risk of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes is highest from August through the first freeze in the fall. MCHD’s Vector Services will increase spraying and conduct door-to-door surveys in the immediate areas. Inspectors will also attempt to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for the presence of WNV.

Blood is drawn from the sentinel chickens every Monday by Vector Services, and the samples are sent to a lab in Tampa, Fla. The results of the tests are made available later in the week.

Health officials warn that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes. Recommendations include:

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent with DEET.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or window and door screens.
• Remove standing water around your home.

WNV is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird during the transmission cycle. Mosquitoes can spread these viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal, such as a human or a horse.

Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the diseases cannot be spread from people or horses. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by personal mosquito avoidance and the use of a WNV vaccine in horses. There is no vaccine available for humans.

Since 1985, MCHD’s Vector Services has monitored encephalitis in sentinel poultry flocks strategically placed in 13 coops throughout the county to detect the presence of viruses carried by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also are trapped and tested for WNV, EEE, and St. Louis Encephalitis.

To report an issue with mosquitoes, call Vector Services at 251-690-8124. To learn more about the department, you may visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal to order services for mosquitoes and rodents.

October 17, 2023

MCHD takes part in Walking in Victory event

MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) was present Saturday for the fifth annual “Walking in Victory” breast cancer awareness fashion show and concert. The event, which took place at the Mobile Marriott Hotel on Airport Boulevard, was sponsored by Bethesda Christian Center.

Breast cancer survivors and local community members took to the runway, showing their unwavering support for those battling breast cancer and survivors. Dr. Stephanie Woods-Crawford, Executive Director of the MCHD’s Prevention and Wellness directorate, was among those who shared their story about surviving breast cancer and modeled for the event, walking in memory of her cousin who lost her battle with breast cancer, family members in remission, and for herself.

Dr. Woods-Crawford’s story focused on her journey as a survivor and the importance of regular self-examinations, clinical breast exams, and mammograms, which can significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce the impact of this devastating disease.

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 women get breast cancer, and 42,000 women die from the disease.

Screenings take place daily at all locations for Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department. In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness, special celebrations are planned at these locations:

• October 25 – North Mobile Health Center (950 Coy Smith Highway in Mount Vernon)
• October 26 – Downtown Health Center (251 North Bayou Street in Mobile), Women’s Health Center (248 Cox Street in Mobile), Southwest Mobile Health Center (5580 Inn Road in Mobile), Dauphin Island Parkway Health Center (2601 Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile), Citronelle Health Center (19250 North Mobile Street), Semmes Health Center (3810 Wulff Road East)
• October 27 – Mobile Medical Unit II at the Thomas Sullivan Community Center (351 North Catherine Street in Mobile from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

Family Health, the primary care side of MCHD, has been a longtime participant in the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP). This program provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who meet eligibility guidelines. Free services include a pelvic exam, pap smear, clinical breast exam, mammogram, and diagnostic services such as an ultrasound, colposcopy, or biopsy if needed. To learn more, visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/bandc.

October 11, 2023

West Nile Virus detected in sentinel chicken

MOBILE, Ala. – A sentinel chicken used by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) to detect mosquito-borne diseases in the community has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

WNV has been confirmed by laboratory results, according to Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. The coop was located in the 36544 ZIP Code area. This surveillance data — consisting of the positive coops, mosquito collection results, community complaints, and positive human cases — guide us on our targeted mosquito control efforts.

Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention.

The risk of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes is highest from August through the first freeze in the fall. MCHD’s Vector Services will increase spraying and conduct door-to-door surveys in the immediate areas. Inspectors will also attempt to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for the presence of WNV.

Blood is drawn from the sentinel chickens every Monday by Vector Services, and the samples are sent to a lab in Tampa, Fla. The results of the tests are made available later in the week.

Health officials warn that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes. Recommendations include:
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent with DEET.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or window and door screens.
• Remove standing water around your home.

WNV is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird during the transmission cycle. Mosquitoes can spread these viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal, such as a human or a horse.

Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the diseases cannot be spread from people or horses. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by personal mosquito avoidance and the use of a WNV vaccine in horses. There is no vaccine available for humans.

Since 1985, MCHD’s Vector Services has monitored encephalitis in sentinel poultry flocks strategically placed in 13 coops throughout the county to detect the presence of viruses carried by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also are trapped and tested for WNV, EEE, and St. Louis Encephalitis.

To report an issue with mosquitoes, call Vector Services at 251-690-8124. To learn more about the department, you may visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal to order services for mosquitoes and rodents.

October 10, 2023

Mobile County Commission observes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile County Commission presented a proclamation this morning recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ceremony took place at Mobile Government Plaza during its regular meeting.

Dr. Stephanie Woods-Crawford, Executive Director for the Mobile County Health Department’s Prevention & Wellness public health directorate, accepted the proclamation. Along with discussing the events MCHD had planned for the month, she also shared that she herself is a breast cancer survivor.

Commissioner Connie Hudson read the proclamation. She was joined with Commissioners Randall Dueitt and Merceria Ludgood to have their photo taken with Dr. Woods-Crawford.

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease.

Screenings take place daily at all locations for Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department. In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness, special celebrations are planned at these locations:

• October 25 – North Mobile Health Center (950 Coy Smith Highway in Mount Vernon),
• October 26 – Downtown Health Center (251 North Bayou Street in Mobile), Women’s Health Center (248 Cox Street in Mobile), Southwest Mobile Health Center (5580 Inn Road in Mobile), Dauphin Island Parkway Health Center (2601 Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile), Citronelle Health Center (19250 North Mobile Street), Semmes Health Center (3810 Wulff Road East),
• October 27 – Mobile Medical Unit II at the Thomas Sullivan Community Center (351 North Catherine Street in Mobile from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Family Health has been a longtime participant in the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP). This program provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who meet eligibility guidelines. Free services include a pelvic exam, pap smear, clinical breast exam, mammogram, and diagnostic services such as an ultrasound, colposcopy, or biopsy, if needed. To learn more visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/bandc.

October 6, 2023

West Nile Virus detected in sentinel chicken

MOBILE, Ala. – A sentinel chicken used by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) to detect mosquito-borne diseases in the community has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

WNV has been confirmed by laboratory results, according to Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. The coop was located in the 36582 ZIP Code area. This surveillance data — consisting of the positive coops, mosquito collection results, community complaints, and positive human cases — guide us on our targeted mosquito control efforts.

Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention.

The risk of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes is highest from August through the first freeze in the fall. MCHD’s Vector Services will increase spraying and conduct door-to-door surveys in the immediate areas. Inspectors will also attempt to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for the presence of WNV.

Blood is drawn from the sentinel chickens every Monday by Vector Services, and the samples are sent to a lab in Tampa, Fla. The results of the tests are made available later in the week.

Health officials warn that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes. Recommendations include:
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent with DEET.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or window and door screens.
• Remove standing water around your home.

WNV is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird during the transmission cycle. Mosquitoes can spread these viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal, such as a human or a horse.

Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the diseases cannot be spread from people or horses. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by personal mosquito avoidance and the use of a WNV vaccine in horses. There is no vaccine available for humans.

Since 1985, MCHD’s Vector Services has monitored encephalitis in sentinel poultry flocks strategically placed in 13 coops throughout the county to detect the presence of viruses carried by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also are trapped and tested for WNV, EEE, and St. Louis Encephalitis.

To report an issue with mosquitoes, call Vector Services at 251-690-8124. To learn more about the department, you may visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal to order services for mosquitoes and rodents.

October 6, 2023

Family Health observes Physician Assistant Week

MOBILE, Ala. — Physician Assistant (PA) Week is being observed from October 6-12. This time is set aside to recognize the PA profession and its contributions to the nation’s health. This year’s theme is “PAs Go Beyond!”

Attentive, experienced, skillful, and compassionate, PAs devote their lives to providing quality medical care. As licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.

Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department, has several PAs on its staff. PAs are leaders in primary care and mental health, providing essential preventive care that leads to improved health outcomes and stronger communities. They empower patients to make informed decisions about their health, communicating information plainly and ensuring no questions are left unanswered.

“We wish to take this time to thank our PAs at Family Health and in our community for the excellent care they provide,” said Kelly Warren, Executive Director for Family Health.

Since its inception in 1979, Family Health has provided services to the uninsured, underinsured, insured, and medically underserved populations of Mobile County.

To learn more about services and locations, visit https://mchd.org/family-health. To make an appointment, you may call 251-690-8889.

October 6, 2023

MCHD observes Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Recognition Day

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department and health departments across the country will participate today in the 12th annual National Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Recognition Day. Celebrated each year on the first Friday of October, this honors the DIS workforce, the backbone of infectious disease prevention and control activities.

The DIS staff are public health warriors who work in health departments and community health centers to perform contact tracing, partner services, and emergency response. They utilize critical skills in communication, counseling, interviewing, case analysis, and community engagement to respond to disease threats. These threats include tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, rabies, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

MCHD’s DIS staff work closely with community healthcare providers and service organizations to raise awareness about disease prevention and ensure linkage and retention in treatment for those diagnosed. For example, our DIS staff have collaborated with academic partners in the “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiative to advocate for testing and preliminary treatment.

The DIS team monitors trends in other infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and congenital syphilis, to stage timely interventions. DIS brave unsafe conditions, work weekends and nights, and respond to crises outside of STD/HIV prevention, including pertussis, H1N1 influenza, E. coli, COVID-19, and other outbreaks.

“I am proud to recognize the tremendous efforts of MCHD’s disease investigators. They work on the front lines of public health to reduce disease and death in our community,” said Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County.

“The DIS staff are incredibly skilled investigators and contact tracers and champions of prevention measures like vaccination, testing, and treatment. They remain a trusted resource for their clients and community partners, and they have my highest gratitude and respect for their commitment to improving health.”

MCHD thanks our staff members for their commitment to public health, dedication to community education, and resilience to new challenges.

October 3, 2023

Rabies clinics planned in October for dogs, cats, ferrets

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are good for one year during weekend clinics. Here is a list of the rabies clinics planned during Saturdays in October across Mobile County:

• October 7, 10 a.m. to noon, Little Flower Catholic School, 2103 Government Street in Mobile
• October 14, 10 a.m. to noon, Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road in Mobile
• October 14, 12:30 to 2 p.m., Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howells Ferry Road in Mobile
• October 21, 1 to 3 p.m., Saint Elmo Feed & Seed Store, 9001 Highway 90 West
• October 28, 10 a.m. to noon, Kuddles-N-Kisses Connection, 11120 Meadow Lark Road in Grand Bay

These events will be drive-through clinics. The cost of the rabies vaccine per pet is $12. All rabies shots are payable in cash.

There is another rabies clinic scheduled for October 7 at the City of Prichard Animal Shelter (2402 West Rebel Road). It will be from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost of the rabies vaccine per pet is $12. All rabies shots are payable in cash.

Each month, MCHD’s Rabies Officer provides residents with low-cost vaccines for their pet dogs, cats, and ferrets at a variety of locations. The state of Alabama tasks local health departments with providing affordable rabies vaccinations to pet owners. MCHD’s Rabies Officer provided 271 vaccinations (238 dogs and 33 cats) during September.

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted from infected mammals to humans and is fatal once symptoms appear. Symptoms of rabies include unusual behavior, irritability, headache, fever, inability to eat or drink, balance problems, circling, seizures, coma, and, finally, death. All warm-blooded mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies.

MCHD’s Rabies Officer vaccinated 1,537 household pets (1,247 dogs and 290 cats) in 2022. To learn more about our program, visit https://mchd.org/disease-control/#rabies.

A Rabies Quarantine Fact Sheet is available through the Alabama Department of Public Health at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/assets/rabiesquarantinefactsheet.pdf.

September 29, 2023

West Nile Virus detected in sentinel chickens

MOBILE, Ala. – Sentinel chickens used by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) to detect mosquito-borne diseases in the community have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

WNV has been confirmed by laboratory results, according to Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. One coop was located in the 36582 ZIP Code area, while the other coop was located in the 36587 ZIP Code area. This surveillance data, consisting of the positive coops, mosquito collection results, community complaints, and positive human cases, guide us on our targeted mosquito control efforts.

Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention.

The risk of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes is highest from August through the first freeze in the fall. MCHD’s Vector Services will increase spraying and conduct door-to-door surveys in the immediate areas. Inspectors will also attempt to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for the presence of WNV.

Blood is drawn from the sentinel chickens every Monday by Vector Services, and the samples are sent to a lab in Tampa, Fla. The results of the tests are made available later in the week.

Health officials warn that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes. Recommendations include:

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent with DEET.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or window and door screens.
• Remove standing water around your home.

WNV is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird during the transmission cycle. Mosquitoes can spread these viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal, such as a human or a horse.

Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the diseases cannot be spread from people or horses. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by personal mosquito avoidance and the use of a WNV vaccine in horses. There is no vaccine available for humans.

Since 1985, MCHD’s Vector Services has monitored encephalitis in sentinel poultry flocks strategically placed in 13 coops throughout the county to detect the presence of viruses carried by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also are trapped and tested for WNV, EEE, and St. Louis Encephalitis.

To report an issue with mosquitoes, call Vector Services at 251-690-8124. To learn more about the department, you may visit https://mchd.org/vector-control. From there, you can find a link and a QR code to access the new online portal to order services for mosquitoes and rodents.