How to Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes and Zika
The Zika virus has popped up in Alabama, although you can’t blame mosquitoes yet. The pests spread the disease but so far the only cases in the state are from people who have traveled to Zika-infected areas. As of the end of May, Central and South America plus some islands in the South Pacific have seen outbreaks.
Zika virus is rarely severe or deadly. Only 1 in 5 people who get infected become sick with symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, muscle pain and headache that last for several days to a week. Zika is a major concern for pregnant women as it’s been linked to the serious birth defect microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.
Public health officials recommend pregnant women don’t travel to Zika-infected areas. But they’re also offering tips to fight mosquitoes, which spread a number of diseases.
Many of the recommendations from the Alabama Department of Public Health are aimed at reducing standing water where mosquitoes breed.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers or trash containers.
- Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.
- Fill in holes or depressions in your yard where water tends to collect.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and keep drains and gutters unclogged so that water does not collect in these areas.
- Install or repair and use window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open.
- Keep weeds, vines, hedges and grass trimmed since mosquitoes use these shady areas as resting places during hot daylight hours.
If you do have to be outside, ADPH has further tips to prevent mosquito bites.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes to retain less heat, making you less attractive to mosquitoes.
- Spray clothing with repellants containing premethrin or DEET (diethyl toluamide).
- Apply inspect repellent sparingly on skin, avoiding the eyes, lips and nasal membranes.
- Always follow label instructions when applying repellents.
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
