DHHS Identifies EEE Positive Bird In Dover
Division of Public Health Services
Published Date: 10/17/2006
Contact Information:
Public Information Office
603-271-6526
Concord, NH ? The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today announced a positive test for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a blue jay found in Dover. This brings to 5 the number of birds to test positive for EEE in the State so far this year. 40 mosquito pools and a horse have also tested positive for the disease. Last month, DHHS declared a EEE threat in Dover, providing the city with additional resources and financial assistance in mosquito control activities under a new State law.
"While much of the state has already seen a killing frost, removing the danger of EEE, parts of Southern New Hampshire still have not seen freezing temperatures," said John Stephen, DHHS Commissioner. "This positive test in a bird in Dover is a reminder that we cannot ignore that there is still a risk, though it is small. The public should continue to remember to focus on prevention. We're thrilled that we haven't seen any human cases so far this year, and I'd hate to see that change."
DHHS has a toll-free Hotline for EEE/West Nile virus at 1-866-273-6453. Anyone with questions can call from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, for information about these viruses. Considerable resources about EEE and West Nile virus, including fact sheets, are available on the DHHS website (www.dhhs.nh.gov).
"While the cooler temperature have most people wearing long sleeves and pants, we still want to repeat their importance," added Stephen, "Also, please try to remove standing water and wear insect repellant when outside. I never thought I would be so happy to see freezing temperatures, but they can't come fast enough across the whole state."
Division of Public Health Services
Published Date: 10/17/2006
Contact Information:
Public Information Office
603-271-6526
Concord, NH ? The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today announced a positive test for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a blue jay found in Dover. This brings to 5 the number of birds to test positive for EEE in the State so far this year. 40 mosquito pools and a horse have also tested positive for the disease. Last month, DHHS declared a EEE threat in Dover, providing the city with additional resources and financial assistance in mosquito control activities under a new State law.
"While much of the state has already seen a killing frost, removing the danger of EEE, parts of Southern New Hampshire still have not seen freezing temperatures," said John Stephen, DHHS Commissioner. "This positive test in a bird in Dover is a reminder that we cannot ignore that there is still a risk, though it is small. The public should continue to remember to focus on prevention. We're thrilled that we haven't seen any human cases so far this year, and I'd hate to see that change."
DHHS has a toll-free Hotline for EEE/West Nile virus at 1-866-273-6453. Anyone with questions can call from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, for information about these viruses. Considerable resources about EEE and West Nile virus, including fact sheets, are available on the DHHS website (www.dhhs.nh.gov).
"While the cooler temperature have most people wearing long sleeves and pants, we still want to repeat their importance," added Stephen, "Also, please try to remove standing water and wear insect repellant when outside. I never thought I would be so happy to see freezing temperatures, but they can't come fast enough across the whole state."