Alabama faces extreme heat and mosquito disease risks

Alabama residents are facing multiple health and weather concerns heading into the Labor Day weekend. A Heat Advisory is in effect for Central Alabama, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s and heat index values potentially exceeding 105 to 110 degrees.

Simultaneously, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is urging citizens to take mosquito bite precautions. State surveillance has confirmed West Nile virus activity in both humans and animals. Additionally, the state has recorded one human case of La Crosse virus and one case of eastern equine encephalitis in a horse. To mitigate risks, health officials recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed.