Latest news with #MobileCountyHealthDepartment
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.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Swim advisory issued for Dog River, Fowl River and areas of Mobile Bay
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Residents are being warned not to swim in parts of Dog and Fowl Rivers and Mobile Bay because of elevated bacteria levels, a Mobile County Health Department release said. 19 Baldwin County restaurants claiming imported shrimp is locally sourced: report The release said the quality of swimming water on Dog River near the Alba Fishing and Hunting Club and on Fowl River near Highway 193 at the Pelican Reef Marina is poor. Additionally, Mobile Bay at MayDay Park, Volanta Avenue, Fairhope Public Beach and Orange Street Pier and Weeks Bay at Camp Beckwith were deemed to have poor swimming water quality. 'Swimming in these areas might lead to an increased risk of illness,' the release said. The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management are responsible for monitoring water quality and notifying residents through the bacteriological water quality monitoring and notification program, the release said. 'This program involves the routine collection of water samples from a total of 25 coastal recreational sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties,' the release said. Unaccompanied 9-year-old found in Baldwin County home with 3 Guatemalan citizens: FBI During the summer, when use of those areas is higher, water samples are taken twice a week at the most visited sites and biweekly at the other sites, the release said. During cooler months, all sites are tested monthly, the release said. According to the release, water is analyzed for enterococci bacteria, a bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. 'High counts (of the bacteria) indicate the possibility that other disease-causing germs could be present in the water,' the release said. 'Bacterial concentrations in recreational waters can increase during and immediately following rainstorms due to overflowing sewage collection and treatment facilities, stormwater run-off, malfunctioning septic systems and agricultural run-off. No known sewage spills have occurred,' the release said. The release said when monitoring results exceed EPA standards, the affected site is immediately retested. If the second test also shows higher amounts of the bacteria, then an advisory is issued, the release said. 2 endangered North Atlantic Right Whales spotted off of Navarre Pier The locations will be tested again in the coming days, the release said. According to the release, the areas will continue to be monitored and the advisory will be lifted once bacteria values fall below the EPA's threshold of 104 enterococcus organisms per 100 milliliters of marine water. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
300 gallons discharges after Bayou La Batre sanitary sewer overflow
BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (WKRG) — A sanitary sewer overflowed at a manhole on Shell Belt Road in Bayou La Batre on Thursday. According to a news release from the Mobile County Health Department, the cause was a mechanical failure at one of the lift stations in the area, and about 300 gallons discharged. Angie Stone dies in car crash after performing at MAMGA Grand Marshal's Ball MCHD officials state that the discharge was absorbed by the ground and did not reach any body of water. Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels advised residents to wash hands and clothes carefully if they come in contact with any standing water that may have accumulated due to the overflow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mobile County health officials see rise of whooping cough cases
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Mobile County Health Department has seen an increase in whooping cough cases this month especially in schools. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease that causes severe coughing fits. Jim Nagy hired as general manager for football at University of Oklahoma 'It's a bacterial infection that is spread by droplets from person to person,' Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels said. 'And we have a very good vaccine that prevents it.' The Mobile County Public School System sent a letter to parents on Tuesday about whooping cough cases reported at Dixon Elementary School in Irvington, Alabama. 'I applaud what the school has taken, telling parents, 'Hey, you need to do the right thing, get your child evaluated,'' Dr. Michaels said. Dr. Michaels told that 15 whooping cough cases were reported in the county in 2024. On Feb. 14, the MCHD reported 12 cases of whooping cough. Two weeks later, that number has doubled to 24 cases in Mobile. Dr. Michaels recommended that the public get the Pertussis vaccine to protect against the illness. 'Pertussis is infectious, and it causes complications,' Dr. Michaels said. 'You know, I want people to be empowered to do the right thing, to take care of their loved ones.' 'So, getting vaccinated is a great thing to do,' he continued. Spring Hill College president says low enrollment, budget cuts led to dropped majors Dr. Michaels said the vaccine can also prevent life-threatening complications. 'Giving it to a newborn could be a significant showstopper and could result in death,' Dr. Michaels said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mobile County Health Department sets March rabies clinics
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Mobile County Health Department will be providing rabies shots for cats, dogs and ferrets at a low cost during weekends in March, according to a news release. Jim Nagy hired as general manager for football at University of Oklahoma MCHD officials said the vaccine will protect pets from rabies for an entire year. has learned that there will be select rabies clinics administering the shots. The set clinic locations, scheduled dates, and operating hours are as follows: Little Flower Catholic School, 2103 Government Street, Mobile, AL, 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 1 Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howells Ferry Road, Mobile, AL, 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 8 Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 8 Prichard Municipal Stadium parking lot, 2402 West Rebel Road, Mobile, AL, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 15 B&B Pet Stop, 5035 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 Kuddles-N-Kisses Connection, 13268 Wintzell Avenue Bayou La Batre, AL, 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 29 The temporary clinics will be drive-through only. Each rabies vaccine will cost $12 per pet. The shots must be paid for in cash. Residents can get inexpensive vaccinations for their cats, dogs, and ferrets from MCHD's Rabies Officer at a number of locations each month. Alabama's local health departments are tasked by the state with the responsibility to offer affordable rabies shots to pet owners. In February, MCHD's Rabies Officer administered vaccines to 65 cats and 200 dogs, for a total of 265 vaccinations. In 2024, the Rabies Officer from MCHD vaccinated 2,866 pets. Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the body's central nervous system, and can be transmitted to humans and other mammals from infected animals. Symptoms include erratic behavior, headache, irritability, fever, inability to drink or eat, circling, balancing problems, coma, seizures, and death. All warm-blooded animals, including humans, can contract the virus. UPDATE: Mobile police find man, woman dead inside home Wednesday The Alabama Department of Public Health provides a Rabies Quarantine Fact Sheet here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
