West Nile virus detected in New Hampshire for first time this season
Mosquito-borne West Nile virus has been detected in New Hampshire for the first time this season, health officials announced Wednesday.>> Download the free WMUR appA mosquito batch recently found in Manchester tested positive for the virus.“The best way to prevent WNV and other mosquito-transmitted infections is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent effective against mosquitoes, avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and remove any standing water from around the home, where mosquitoes reproduce,” Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, said.>> DHHS information: Mosquito-borne diseasesHealth officials said the city has not had to spray for mosquitoes since 2018, when the West Nile virus was detected in July. The virus, which can be transferred to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, was first identified in the state in 2000. Officials said it has been identified in the state each year over the last decade. The last human case of West Nile virus in New Hampshire was in an adult in 2017, officials said.”I’m somewhat encouraged that it’s a bit of a late start and I hope that people are mindful of using those prevention strategies,” said Phil Alexakos from the Manchester Health Department.West Nile virus symptoms include flu-like illness, fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. A very small percentage of West Nile virus-infected people experience serious illness, including meningitis or encephalitis, health officials said. TYPICAL SYMPTOMS, IF ANY, IN INFECTED HUMANSFlu-like illnessFeverHeadacheMuscle achesFatigueSymptoms of the virus typically present themselves within a week after the bite of an infected mosquito, though many people infected with the virus might be asymptomatic or experience very mild symptoms, officials said.Officials said West Nile virus activity typically increases during a drought, which New Hampshire has been experiencing for weeks. The risk for the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern equine encephalitis will continue until the first statewide mosquito-killing hard frost, officials said. Anyone with symptoms is encouraged to contact their local health care provider.For more information about mosquito-prevention techniques, visit this link.
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Mosquito-borne West Nile virus has been detected in New Hampshire for the first time this season, health officials announced Wednesday.
A mosquito batch recently found in Manchester tested positive for the virus.
“The best way to prevent WNV and other mosquito-transmitted infections is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent effective against mosquitoes, avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and remove any standing water from around the home, where mosquitoes reproduce,” Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, said.
>> DHHS information: Mosquito-borne diseases
Health officials said the city has not had to spray for mosquitoes since 2018, when the West Nile virus was detected in July.
The virus, which can be transferred to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, was first identified in the state in 2000. Officials said it has been identified in the state each year over the last decade. The last human case of West Nile virus in New Hampshire was in an adult in 2017, officials said.
“I’m somewhat encouraged that it’s a bit of a late start and I hope that people are mindful of using those prevention strategies,” said Phil Alexakos from the Manchester Health Department.
West Nile virus symptoms include flu-like illness, fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. A very small percentage of West Nile virus-infected people experience serious illness, including meningitis or encephalitis, health officials said.
TYPICAL SYMPTOMS, IF ANY, IN INFECTED HUMANS
- Flu-like illness
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Symptoms of the virus typically present themselves within a week after the bite of an infected mosquito, though many people infected with the virus might be asymptomatic or experience very mild symptoms, officials said.
Officials said West Nile virus activity typically increases during a drought, which New Hampshire has been experiencing for weeks.
The risk for the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern equine encephalitis will continue until the first statewide mosquito-killing hard frost, officials said.
Anyone with symptoms is encouraged to contact their local health care provider.
For more information about mosquito-prevention techniques, visit this link.
Read More: West Nile virus detected in New Hampshire for first time this season