NEWS RELEASE

5/10/16

The Vector Control Division of the Madison County Health Department will begin operating mosquito fog trucks in Huntsville on May 18, 2016. Planned locations for fog trucks are posted on our web page at by 5:00 p.m. of each fogging day. Fog trucks run weekdays from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Our web page also displays the last time an address was fogged and how many times it has been fogged during the mosquito season.

Please keep in mind that fog trucks cannot operate in unfavorable weather conditions. High wind, extreme heat, and rain can limit fogging capability. The fog trucks should not be your only method of protection from mosquito bites. Breeding mosquitoes on your property will limit the effectiveness of the fog truck.

Please practice the THREE D’s of mosquito bite prevention- Drain, Dress, and Defend:

  • Drain: Empty and scrub out water containers at least twice a week;
  • Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing if you are outdoors while mosquitoes are active;
  • Defend: Properly apply an EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.

For additional information, please visit:

Zika Virus

Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in items such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, tires, clogged gutters, children’s toys, bird baths, tarps, flower pots and saucers. Basically, anything that can hold a teaspoon of water for up to a week can breed these mosquitoes. They prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters, but can also bite at night. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. A man can also sexually transmit Zika virus to his sex partners and a pregnant woman can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy. Although the symptoms of Zika virus are generally mild, the virus has been associated with birth defects, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neurological problems. The Alabama Department of Public Health advises pregnant women to consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus is being transmitted. For more information, please go to

At this time, Alabama has 3 individuals who have tested positive forZika virus.These cases were travel-related and not associated with a bite from a local mosquito.Even if you do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from an area with Zika should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so they do not spread Zika to local mosquitoes that could spread the virus to other people.

We do not believe the virus is in our local mosquito population at this time. However, the Aedes albopictus, or Asian tiger mosquito, is common in the Huntsville area and has the potential to transmit the Zika virus; therefore, it is extremely important to take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home. For water that cannot be removed, such as inoperable swimming pools, inexpensive mosquito larvicidescan be purchased at local retailers that carry pesticides or online. Please be sure window and door screens are in good repair.

Public education is the key to remaining healthy. Please share this information with your community. Door hangers and posters are available for distribution and vector control staff is available to speak at public meetings. If you are experiencing a mosquito problem or to report a property that has items with standing water, please call (256) 532-1915 or email .