MONTGOMERY-Alabama’s climate creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes and ticks, which can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, Lyme disease, and spotted fever rickettsiosis. As warmer weather approaches, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is reminding residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from vector-borne diseases.
Know the Risks in Alabama
Mosquitoes and ticks in Alabama are known to carry a range of diseases:
· Mosquito-borne diseases: West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis
· Tick-borne diseases: Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and spotted fever rickettsiosis
Symptoms can range from mild (fever, fatigue, rash) to severe (neurological complications), depending on the disease and individual health factors.
Take Steps to Prevent Bites
ADPH recommends the following precautions:
· Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
· Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas
· Check for ticks daily, especially after outdoor activities, because ticks are commonly found in brushy and wooded areas throughout Alabama
· Remove standing water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding
· Maintain window and door screens to keep insects out
Preventing Mosquito Bites While Traveling
Overseas travelers should learn about current risks and how to prevent mosquito bites during their trip. Mosquitoes spread viruses and parasites not common or present in the continental United States, such as Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria, Yellow fever and Zika. Chikungunya and Yellow fever vaccines are available for travelers, and if traveling to an area where malaria is found, talk to your healthcare provider about malaria prevention medicine.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/
Be Aware of Peak Exposure Times
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, while ticks are often encountered in grassy, wooded, or leaf-covered environments. In Alabama, tick activity can occur year-round but is especially common in warmer months.
When to Seek Medical Care
Residents should contact a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, rash, muscle aches, or fatigue following an insect bite. Early treatment is important to prevent complications.
Community Prevention Matters
Reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases is a shared responsibility. Community members are encouraged to eliminate standing water, support local mosquito control efforts, and stay informed through ADPH updates.
For more information visit: https://www.
Media Release/Jasmine Kennedy/ Alexis Hynes, Epidemiologists/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
