Stay protected this Labor Day weekend: Prevent mosquito bites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Epidemiologists Jasmine Kennedy or Alexis Hynes, (334) 206-5971
Entomologist Michael Mayfield, (334) 206-5971

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reminds Alabamians that mosquito activity and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases remain a concern during late summer and early fall. As residents spend time outdoors over the Labor Day weekend, using insect repellent and taking other precautions can help prevent mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and La Crosse virus.

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. When illness occurs, symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or rash. Severe illness can cause neurologic symptoms. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms after mosquito exposure should contact a healthcare provider.

Mosquito prevention remains important throughout late summer and early fall. Residents are encouraged to use repellent every time they are outdoors, especially during Labor Day weekend, eliminate standing water, and protect themselves and their animals from mosquito bites.

For more information, visit Mosquito-borne Diseases.

Mosquito-Borne Disease Activity in Alabama

Recent surveillance confirms WNV activity in Alabama. So far, WNV has been reported both in humans and animals. On August 27, the Mobile County Health Department reported a WNV-positive sentinel chicken. There is one confirmed human case of La Crosse virus. In addition, there is one positive EEE case in a horse.

Know the Risks

• West Nile virus: Primarily spread by Culex mosquitoes in a cycle involving mosquitoes and birds.
• Eastern equine encephalitis: Maintained primarily between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and birds, with other mosquitoes transmitting the virus to people and horses.
• La Crosse virus: Primarily spread by the eastern treehole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus, which breeds in tree holes and containers holding water.

People and horses infected with WNV generally do not develop enough virus in their blood to infect mosquitoes and are considered dead-end hosts. La Crosse virus is maintained primarily between mosquitoes and small mammals such as chipmunks and squirrels; people do not spread the virus to mosquitoes.

Protect Yourself This Labor Day Weekend

ADPH encourages residents to Fight the Bite:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone, following label directions.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when practical.
• Use screens on windows and doors and air conditioning when available.
• Remove standing water from tires, buckets, flowerpots, toys, gutters, birdbaths, pet bowls, and other containers.
• When possible, limit exposure around dawn and dusk, when some mosquitoes are most active.

Protect Animals

Horse owners should work with their veterinarians to keep horses current on recommended EEE and WNV vaccinations. Reduce mosquito exposure by removing standing water, keeping horses indoors during peak mosquito activity when practical, using approved equine insect repellents, and using screens or fans in barns.

Contact a veterinarian if a horse develops fever, weakness, loss of coordination, staggering, tremors, seizures, or other neurologic signs.

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8/31/26

County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama's health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.