As mosquito season ramps up, the Alabama Department of Public Health urges all residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities from mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), and La Crosse virus (La Crosse). Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they can carry viruses that cause serious illness in humans. Fortunately, there are simple steps everyone can take to stay safe.

Mosquito Habitat: Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. One small container can produce hundreds of mosquitoes in a week. To prevent breeding:
·        Dump and drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pet dishes, birdbaths, tires, tarps, and children’s toys.
·        Clean and scrub containers that hold water weekly to remove mosquito eggs.
·        Cover rain barrels or water storage containers with tightly fitting lids or fine mesh.
·        Fill in low spots in your yard where water can collect.

Bite Prevention: Protect Yourself and Your Family
No vaccine and no specific treatments are available for these mosquito- borne diseases. Therefore, the best defense is to prevent mosquito bites. Reduce your risk of infection with these bite prevention tips:
·        Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
·        Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
·        Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
·        Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours whenever possible.

WNV is the most reported mosquito-borne disease in Alabama. WNV cycles between mosquitoes and wild birds and is primarily transmitted by Culexspecies. Culex mosquitoes can live and breed near our homes, and these mosquitoes along with other kinds of mosquitoes can pick up the virus and then transmit it to people, horses, and other mammals when biting during their next meal. EEEV, SLE, and La Crosse are also spread through the bite of a mosquito.

For more information visit: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/mosquito/and https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention