Granite State Times

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services issued the following announcement on Aug. 19.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has identified the first batch of mosquitoes in 2021 to test positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The batch was collected in the town of Salem on August 3, 2021. DHHS is working with the town of Salem to notify Salem residents and those in the surrounding towns of the positive WNV test. This recent finding will elevate Salem’s risk for arboviral illness from baseline (no detected viral activity) to low .

"Even though this is the first batch of mosquitos to test positive for West Nile Virus this year, we know that the risk of West Nile Virus infection and other mosquito transmitted diseases is present throughout New Hampshire,” said NH State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. "Until there is a statewide mosquito-killing frost, it remains important for everybody to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including wearing long sleeves, using an effective mosquito repellant on exposed skin, and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active."

WNV is one of three arboviruses transmitted from the bite of infected mosquitoes in New Hampshire. The other viruses are Eastern equine encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon virus. WNV was first identified in New Hampshire in August of 2000. Symptoms usually appear within a week after being bitten. Symptoms can include flu-like illness including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Many people may not develop any symptoms, or only develop very mild symptoms. A very small percentage of individuals infected with WNV can go on to develop more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis. If you or someone you know is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, contact your local medical provider.

Prevention guidelines for WNV and other arboviruses can be found below. Anyone with questions about arboviruses, including WNV, can call the New Hampshire Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496. Fact Sheets on West Nile virus  and other arboviruses are available on the this website. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.

Original source can be found here.