West Nile Virus detected in mosquito trap 07.11.25

July 11, 2025

West Nile Virus detected in mosquito trap

MOBILE, Ala. – A mosquito trap used by the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) to detect mosquito-borne diseases in the community has collected a specimen that 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 mosquito trap is in the 36606 ZIP Code area.

Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases who present for care 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.

Dr. Michaels states that we have a great community partner, the University South Alabama, that performs this specialized testing to identify mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr. Michaels warns that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and should always keep mosquito repellent with them when outdoors. Mosquito activity peaks at dusk and again at dawn. He goes on to advise that draining standing water will stop mosquitoes from multiplying, cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house and cover skin with clothing or appropriate repellent.

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.

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 this link: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/ce89a50495fa4a908880cefe903506b5.