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The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reminds people of the importance of protecting themselves from mosquitoes to avoid potential viral infections. The reminder has been prompted by recent cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) that have been reported in Michigan and Massachusetts. This specific virus has been circulating in the United States for decades, but it remains a threat for severe and life-threatening illness.

In 2019 to date, Alabama is reporting WNV case counts that include one person and two horses. In general, WNV is considered much less severe when compared to EEE for the vast majority of people and animals infected.

Several viruses, commonly referred to as arboviruses, circulate in mosquito populations and are transmitted when the mosquito feeds on humans and animals. In addition to EEE and WNV, Alabama routinely reports cases St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE). Other viruses such as chikungunya, Zika virus and dengue have been reported throughout the past few years. Infections with these arboviruses are usually seen in returning travelers after visiting infected regions of the world.