Experts urge caution with mosquitoes this summer

By Laura Johnson | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The hottest summer months are here, as is the peak season for mosquito activity.

Mosquitoes, one of Alabama’s most loathed pests, bring with them the threat of illness. Those illnesses, which can lead to symptoms ranging from mild headaches to encephalitis, have even caused death in the most severe cases.

“The mosquitoes are alive during these months,” Dee Jones, a veterinarian with the Alabama Department of Public Health, said. “The main thing is prevention.”

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus are the two most common mosquito-borne illnesses in Alabama, according to Jones. He said, as a veterinarian, both fall under his area of study because the illnesses begin in the bird population.

“Both of the viruses are maintained in the bird population,” Jones said.

After a mosquito draws blood from an infected bird, they then carry the viruses to horses and to humans, which are both considered “dead end hosts.” The term means the virus cannot be transferred to another animal or person from that infected host.

Jones said of the two viruses, the most common is West Nile Virus. Typically, Alabama averages between 20 and 30 cases of West Nile in a year.

But while West Nile is the most common of the two illnesses, EEE is considered to be the more deadly of the two. However, Alabama typically sees less than 10 cases of EEE each year.

About one-third of people infected with the disease actually die from it, according to information published by the Center for Disease Control. However, in some cases, both illnesses can be deadly, though death is not common with ether.

“It depends on how the individual’s immune system reacts,” Jones said.

The steps for preventing both illnesses are the same. The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends people wear loose fitting, light colored cloths with long sleeves and pants when out doors, if possible.

They also recommend wearing repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and on clothing.

In addition to that, ADPH officials say it is important to stay indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, to keep windows and screens in good condition, to remove all standing water from around residences and to replace porch lights with yellow light bulbs because they attract fewer insects.

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