By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Mobile County health officials have confirmed the first human West Nile virus (WNV) case of the year. There were 13 human cases reported in 2018 for Mobile County

Mobile County
Mobile County, Alabama map (in red)/David Benbennick

“The public should assume that there are mosquitoes carrying the disease throughout Mobile County,” Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer for Mobile County said. “Don’t let your guard down.”

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Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention, Dr. Eichold said. In rare cases, WNV can cause coma or death. The seriousness of an illness may depend on a person’s health and age.

Health officials warn that it is extremely important that people taking part in outdoor activities make every effort to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and should always keep mosquito repellent with them when outdoors. Mosquito activity peaks at dusk and again at dawn.