In mid-2024, the State of New Hampshire DHHS notified the public about batches of mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) within the southern portions of the state. Unfortunately, one person in New Hampshire who contracted this disease died in August of 2024. EEE and West Nile Virus (WNV) are two viral diseases which are transmitted by mosquito bites. While the vast majority of these cases result in very mild or no symptoms, they can occasionally cause brain inflammation and death. Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments or human vaccines for these diseases, so prevention is extremely important.
While the risk in Center Harbor is low based on surveillance and mosquito testing, it is prudent to take appropriate precautions, especially since mosquito surveillance is currently limited to the southern portions of the state. Avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high mosquito activity, wearing long sleeves and pants, using effective insect repellents, and eliminating mosquito breeding areas on your property (such as areas of standing water like buckets or old tires) are simple measures that can drastically reduce the risk of contracting these and other mosquito-borne diseases. The risks are further reduced after the first hard frost in late fall which kills most live mosquitoes.
Please visit the following links for more information, and you can always contact your health officers with any questions.
- About Eastern Equine Encephalitis - Centers for Disease Control
- About West Nile Virus - Centers for Disease Control
- How to Protect Yourself and Your Family - NH DHHS
- Mosquito-Borne Illnesses - NH DHHS
- Mosquito Surveillance and Control - NH DHHS