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Twelve people in Mobile County have contracted West Nile virus since August, the County of Mobile County Health said Friday.
This is the twelfth case confirmed in the laboratory since the announcement of the first case on August 10, officials said.
No information identifying infected persons will be released due to patients' privacy rights as described in the Federal Act on Transferability and Health Insurance Liability (HIPAA).
"The public should assume that there are mosquitoes carrying the disease in Mobile County," said Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, head of health for Mobile County. "Do not let your guard down."
Humans with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, and Seizures In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause coma or death, said Eichold.
The risk of encephalitis transmitted by mosquitoes is highest between August and the first frost in the fall.
Jerry Folse, director of vector services at MCHD, said his department will increase spraying and carry out door-to-door surveys in the nearest areas. Inspectors will also try to trap adult mosquitoes and test them for the presence of the virus.
Officials said that people who participate in outdoor activities should try to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and keep an outdoor mosquito repellent at all times. The activity of mosquitoes is highest at dusk and dawn.
The virus is transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird. Mosquitoes can spread viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and biting another animal or mammal host, such as a human being or a horse.
The disease can not be transmitted by people or horses. The probability of transmission to horses can be reduced by West Nile virus and equine encephalitis of the East. Such vaccines are not available to humans.
To report a problem with mosquitoes, call 251-690-8124 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
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