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West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis have been discovered in several Seacoast area communities, and residents should take precautions against mosquito bites.
While human illness from both diseases is rare, it can be serious, even fatal. Health experts expect this is going to be a bad year for both diseases.
West Nile has already been detected in Exeter, while EEE has been found in mosquitoes in Sandown. The state has reported five human cases of West Nile virus already this year, and nationally 41 deaths have been attributed to the mosquito-borne illness.
“The number of mosquito batches thus far in 2012 represents the highest number to test positive in New Hampshire in the last 10 years,” said Nicholas Toumpas, commissioner of the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services. “We are hearing from other states in the Northeast Region as well as from the CDC, that WNV activity appears to be increasing significantly this year.”
To reduce chances of exposure to these illnesses, health officials advise avoiding being outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so you should be sure you don’t have stagnant puddles collecting in your gutters, garden containers, children’s wading pools, outdoor toys, etc.
Enjoy the Seacoast’s beautiful leaf peeping season safely. If you must be outside at dusk or dawn, wear clothing that protects your skin and also apply a mosquito spray containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. According to the state, Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense and bug zappers have not been proven effective against mosquitoes.
For more, visit www.dhhs.nh.gov or www.cdc.gov.
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