EEE and West Nile Found In Durham
UNH Urges Campus Community To Review Prevention Procedures

The UNH Office of Environmental Health and Safety is urging the campus community to take precautions after the State Public Health Laboratory recently identified two birds in Durham that have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus.

In total, four birds and a horse recently tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The birds were found in Merrimack, Webster, Plymouth and Durham and bring the total number of birds that have tested for EEE this year to 46. A horse from Webster also tested positive for the virus, bringing the total among horses to eight in 2005.

New Hampshire has seen five cases of EEE in humans.

Additionally, a bird in Durham has tested positive for West Nile virus, the 32nd bird in the state this season.

"We are not done with mosquito season yet and we are still seeing EEE show up in new towns such as Merrimack, Webster and Durham," Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen said. "I want to repeat the message in case anyone hasn't heard it yet -- prevention works. EEE and West Nile virus are entirely preventable if you take precaution. Use an effective mosquito repellant, wear long sleeves and pants when outside, particularly during dawn and dusk and drain any standing water near your home."

The UNH Office of Environmental Health and Safety encourages faculty, staff and students to review its prevention guidelines for EEE/West Nile virus (pdf).

In addition, DHHS has set up a toll-free Hotline for EEE/West Nile virus at 1-866-273-6453. Anyone with questions can call from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for information about these viruses. The department's website has EEE and prevention guidelines.

"With temperatures in the forecast staying the 80s and no sign of freezing weather in sight, we should continue to expect considerable mosquito activity until we see frost. Many have taken the preventive steps to avoid mosquito bites and I commend them. We want everyone to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors," Stephen said.

Prevention Guidelines for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis
From UNH Office of Environmental Health and Safety

• The main control in preventing EEE and West Nile is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes carrying the virus.
• To minimize exposure to viruses, people should stay indoors during dusk, dawn, and in the early evening from June to October, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Whenever outdoors, insect repellant containing permethrin or 30 percent N,Ndiethyl- meta-toluamide (DEET) for adults and 10 percent DEET for children should be applied to exposed skin and to clothing.
• DEET should only be used according to manufacturer’s directions. More information regarding insect repellant and its proper use, or pesticide sprays, can be found at:
http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/01jun98/mosquito.htm
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm
• Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks are recommended when spending time outdoors.
• Doors and windows to homes should remain closed and have tight-fitting screens.
• Mosquitoes breed in standing water (such as water in wheelbarrows, old tires and buckets). Remove all empty all vesicles containing standing water. Keep swimming pools and hot tubs clean, chlorinated and covered when not in use.
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets and change the water in bird baths and pet bowls at least twice a week. In addition, keep gutters clean and in good repair.
• Vaccinate horse against the EEE and West Nile viruses.