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Alabama Health Officials Prepare for Zika Virus

mosquito
Wikimedia
Aedes aegypti mosquito commonly found throughought the Southeast

Mosquito season is approaching, and public health officials in Alabama are working to get a better understanding of what resources are available for mosquito control efforts amid rising concerns over the Zika virus.

Alabama Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director Andy Mullins says his office is awaiting the results of an assessment to determine what kinds of mosquito control resources are available at the city and county level throughout the state.

He says the department is looking into ways for counties that don't have their own mosquito control programs share resources similar to the way law enforcement, fire and EMS operations are often shared in rural and unincorporated areas.

Officials have said they hope public education and outreach coupled with governmental mosquito control will help minimize the risk of the virus being transmitted locally.

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