EEE Public Health Warning

On September 4, the NH Department of Health and Human Services announced a positive test result for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a mule in the town of Candia.

This is the first animal in NH to test positive for EEE this season and is an indicator that　EEE virus　iinfected mosquitoes are in the state.　

So far this season New Hampshire’s Public Health Lab has tested 2,908 batches of mosquitoes. Of those, 6 tested positive for EEE and none have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Additionally, one person was diagnosed with EEE virus infection in August.

The end of August through mid-October is the time that people are at greatest risk for contracting a mosquito-borne disease. It is important to take precautions. Protect yourself and your family from WNV and EEE with these simple steps:

• • Use an effective mosquito repellant when you’re outside
  • Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
  • Remove standing water from around your home so mosquitoes do not have a place to breed
  • Check doors and windows to ensure screens are in place and in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home

For more information on how to do this, go to the Health Department webpage and click on "Preventing Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes".