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Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials issue warning over travel to popular US county after deadly virus is detected — here's what you need to know
A health warning has been issued in Mobile County, Alabama, after the area confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year. As summer begins and mosquito season ramps up, this case is a clear example of how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are starting to impact our day-to-day lives. Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels confirmed the infection, according to a Fox 10 News report on May 1, stating that a resident tested positive for West Nile virus. This virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause anything from mild fever to serious complications like seizures or paralysis, and in rare cases, it can even be fatal. In response, the Mobile County Health Department has increased mosquito spraying, set up traps to test for the virus, and started door-to-door outreach to keep residents informed and supported. Locals are encouraged to take practical steps: wear long sleeves, use insect repellent, and avoid mosquito-heavy times around sunrise and sunset. This isn't just an isolated case. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns shift, mosquito-friendly environments are expanding. That means illnesses like West Nile virus are spreading to new areas and sticking around longer than they used to. Earlier this year, Fiji issued a travel advisory after a deadly dengue fever outbreak saw over 1,000 cases in one part of the country. Similar mosquito-borne viruses have been spotted in Texas and Florida. These cases illustrate how a warming world is changing where and how people are exposed to infectious diseases. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Experts point to the role of stagnant water and waste in amplifying mosquito populations, especially in underserved areas. They also highlighted how unregulated trash and poor drainage were driving the rapid spread of dengue. These health threats underscore the importance of strengthening community infrastructure alongside environmental awareness. West Nile virus travels a specific route: from birds to mosquitoes to humans or animals. It doesn't spread from person to person, and there's no human vaccine yet, so the best protection is preventing mosquito bites in the first place. Mobile County is taking proactive steps. A new public-facing mosquito activity map and an easy-to-use online portal let residents report mosquito problems or request help. These tools make it easier for people to stay safe and informed. Simple changes around the home can also make a big difference, like draining standing water, fixing window screens, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents. In Florida, neighbors have planted mosquito-repelling greenery and set up DIY traps to reduce risk, showing how community-led action works. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- USA Today
Hunter, 82, mauled by bobcat while calling turkeys
Hunter, 82, mauled by bobcat while calling turkeys An 82-year-old hunter is recovering from a rare bobcat attack that occurred while he was calling turkeys on his property in Wilcox County, Alabama. Claude Strother, an avid hunter for 50 years, was left bloodied, with a bite to the back of his head and scratches to his face. But he felt good enough after the April 18 mauling to immortalize its aftermath with selfies before seeking medical attention. Those images, shared by his daughter to Facebook, reveal a dazed man who's fortunate to still have the use of both eyes. In a Facebook reel, Strother explained that he usually positions himself beside a large tree for cover while calling turkeys. ALSO: Alligator caught on porch cam trying to break into Florida home But this time he sat between two narrow trees, in camouflaged clothing, leaving his head and back exposed. The bobcat, most likely responding to his turkey calls, pounced at their source, striking Strother from behind. The force was so great that Strother thought somebody had struck him with a baseball bat. 'It hit behind my head,' he recalled. 'My whole head is sore. His claws hit right above my eyes. Not any real damage, although there was a lot of blood.' When Strother rose, he looked backward, then forward, and saw 'this giant bobcat trotting off.' Strother told Fox 10 News that the bobcat probably mistook him for a turkey. 'My yelping was real good,' he joked. It can be considered a freak accident, although hunters should always be wary when using calls that might attract predators. Strother's daughter, DeAnn Strother McGilberry, shared a bit of her dad's hunting prowess: '4 Royal slams, 8 Grand slams , 247 personal turkeys and 75 plus turkey kills for friends and family he has called up. And he keeps a journal of every hunt, what a treasure this will be for generations to come.'
