Pelham Mosquitoes Test Positive For EEE

PELHAM, NH — A batch of mosquitoes from Pelham has become the first in the state to test positive this season for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and state health officials are working with local authorities to notify residents of the possible dangers.

The disease typically has flu-like symptoms and can cause a more serious central nervous system infection.

"Identification of the EEE virus in mosquitoes in New Hampshire is an important reminder that mosquito bites can transmit a number of potentially serious viral infections in our communities," said New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. "People need to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including avoiding being outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wearing protective clothing, using an effective mosquito repellent on exposed skin, and removing standing water from around the home where mosquitoes reproduce."

According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, EEE is one of three diseases in New Hampshire that are transmitted by mosquitoes. The other two are West Nile virus and Jamestown Canyon virus. EEE was first identified in the state in August 2004. Since then, at 15 people in the state have been identified as having EEE. The last occurrence was in 2014, when there were three EEE cases in humans, according to DHHS.

DHHS officials said symptoms of EEE typically appear four to 10 days after a bite by a mosquito carrying the virus. Those who contract EEE can develop symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness and muscle and joint pains. A more serious central nervous system infection can also develop, including meningitis and encephalitis, also known as inflammation of the brain. According to DHHS, EEE typically causes a more serious disease than West Nile virus and has a high mortality rate for those who contract the serious encephalitic form of the illness.

There is no specific treatment for EEE, according to DHHS. The agency recommends prevention techniques. These include eliminating standing water near your home, being aware of where mosquitoes live and breed and preventing them from entering your home, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants and using repellent.