IMPORTANT MOSQUITO INFORMATION
NH Department of Health & Human Resources has reported that mosquitoes collected in Hampstead have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) while mosquitoes collected in Sandown have tested positive for both WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Both diseases have been found recently in mosquitoes throughout Rockingham County and portions of Hillsborough County. A man in Chesterfield has recovered from WNV and a horse in Derry has died from EEE.
WNV and EEE are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The risk of contracting the infection is low. If illness does occur, it happens within 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If someone is experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever and headache, they should contact their local medical provider.
Mosquito trapping and disease testing will continue throughout the month of September. Spraying will take place at the schools, athletic fields and recreation areas in Sandown and Hampstead this week. Wetlands are being monitored for mosquito activity and treated with a bacterium to kill mosquito larvae as needed.
We want to remind everyone to continue to take steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes and to eliminate standing water on their property. Homeowners should check any containers holding water in the yard. Check kiddie pools, dog bowls, canoes, boats, tarps, tires, trash barrels, bird baths, etc. To get rid of mosquito larvae, get rid of the water. Store items inside; turn over the container; change the water frequently in bird baths and dog bowls. With all of the recent rain, it is imperative that we eliminate mosquito breeding areas to help reduce the risk. It will take 2 hard freezes to kill all the mosquitoes. The risk is not zero until there is snow on the ground.
It is recommended that residents use the utmost caution regarding exposure to mosquitoes. You can protect yourself and your family with a few simple steps.
- Reduce outdoor activities from 3:00 PM until 8:00 AM.
- Use mosquito repellent containing DEET.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Check around your home for standing water and remove it.
- Ensure window and door screens fit properly so that mosquitoes cannot enter your home.
If you would like more information about mosquitoes, West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis, then check out these helpful resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
West Nile Virus information
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index
Eastern Equine Encephalitis information
www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis
Environmental Protection Agency
Information for Mosquito Control
NH Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Division
www.agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/pesticide_control
NH Department of Health & Human Services
Eastern Equine Encephalitis & West Nile Virus information
www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/arboviral/index.htm
American Mosquito Control Association
Northeastern Mosquito Control Association
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Mosquito Program
www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=2819&q=377446
Extension Toxicology Network
Science based information on pesticides
Dragon Mosquito Control, Inc.