West Nile Virus (WNV) is a form of mosquito-borne encephalitis, according to the health department.
) - A case of human West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Mobile County, according to Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, health officer with the Mobile County Health Department.West Nile Virus is a form of mosquito-borne encephalitis. The risk of encephalitis spread by mosquitoes is highest from August through the first freeze in the fall, according to health officials.
People 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. In rare cases, WNV can cause coma or death, health officials say. The seriousness of an illness may depend on a person’s health and age. WNV affects the elderly most severely, health data shows.
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, according to the health department. Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the disease 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 WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis vaccines in horses.to request assistance from Vector Services or to learn more about the department; or call 251-690-8124 for mosquito control and 251-690-8819 for rodent control.