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The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has announced the beginning of the statewide eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance season. The mosquito-testing season runs from June 1 to Oct. 31. In 2007, the state did not have any identified cases of West Nile virus in humans, mosquitoes or animals, but had three human cases, six mosquito pools, and two animals identified with EEE. Due to an increased risk of disease to people, the state declared a public health threat for Rockingham, eastern Hillsborough, southern Merrimack, and southern Strafford counties in 2006. The state has maintained that designation in order to provide additional assistance to communities in the southeastern part of the state in combating EEE and West Nile virus. “Due to high EEE and WNV activity in New Hampshire during recent years, there is a concern these diseases will again be a health concern in 2008,” said state Health and Human Services Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. “Yet, while EEE and West Nile remain threats to the public, these diseases are preventable, so there is no reason to stop enjoying the outdoors.” Toumpas deemed it essential for people to follow the prevention steps, such as using an insect repellent, to avoid becoming infected. Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. EEE carries a high mortality rate for those who contract the encephalitis form of the illness. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, and sore throat. A stiff neck is a symptom of the severe form of the disease, which can lead to seizures and coma. Symptoms usually occur four to 10 days after being bitten. In the majority of cases in which a person is bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus, the risk of contracting the infection is low and there are no symptoms or just mild, flu-like symptoms. At times, West Nile virus can causes meningitis, and can be a serious threat to seniors, young children and those with compromised immune systems. If illness does occur, it typically happens within three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. “The state’s surveillance program includes testing mammals, people, and mosquitoes specially trapped for this purpose,” said Dr. Jose Montero, director of the Division of Public Health Services. “As in past years, the state is requesting that clinicians report any neurologically compatible illness so those cases can be tested and investigated.” This year the state will no longer be performing general wild bird testing. Because EEE and West Nile virus are well established in New Hampshire, wild bird testing does not assist in determining the location or timing of disease. However, as birds can die from other diseases of concern to the health of the public, persons who find a bird that has died or is dying for reasons other than trauma (i.e., attacked by an animal or hit by a car) should contact their town animal control or health officer. Besides the previously approved repellents, those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, a new type, IR3535, has been approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as safe and effective in reducing mosquito bites. Fact sheets about these diseases, handling of dead birds, and more information about communities under declared public health threat can be found at www.dhhs. nh.gov. Questions about West Nile virus, EEE, or bird surveillance can directed to the toll-free West Nile virus/EEE information line at 866-273-NILE (6453). Prevention Guidelines • Eliminate standing water and other mosquito- breeding locations around your property. Do not attempt to drain or alter natural water bodies for mosquito control, as the management of ponds and wetlands is regulated by the Department of Environmental Services, and any planned alterations will require a permit before work may begin. In warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days. • Remove old tires from your property. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other containers. • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside. • Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly. • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered, and keep covers free of standing water. • Aerate garden ponds or stock them with fish. • Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly. • Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. • Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties. • Keep mosquitoes from entering your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes, including several species commonly associated with West Nile virus and EEE. Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors or broken screens. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have tears or holes. • Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables, etc., and once in flight, exterminated. • If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. • Consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing 30 percent or less DEET (N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide), for children and adults. Use DEET according to the manufacturer’s directions. Children should not apply DEET to themselves. Repellents that contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 have also been determined to be effective. Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites. _________________
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