The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health threat in more than 50 southeastern and central New Hampshire communities because of the risk of the mosquito-borne illness Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

The emergency declaration loosens mosquito-control permitting requirements and releases mosquito-control funds to towns at greatest risk for EEE.

A serious disease in humans
EEE, a mosquito-spread disease of birds, sometimes gets transmitted (via mosquito bite) to horses and people. Although horses can be vaccinated against the illness, there's no vaccine or treatment for EEE in humans, which proves fatal in about a third of human cases.

In 2005, seven New Hampshire residents came down with the illness, two of whom died.

Mosquitoes active until cold weather arrives: protect yourself and your family
Mosquitoes will remain active until hard frost hits the area, and officials warn residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites by using repellent sprays and wearing long pants and shirts with long sleeves.

Learn more:

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, 2009 This 14-page fact sheet presents New Hampshire-specific information about this virus and how to protect yourself.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Eastern Equine Encephalitis fact sheet

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Arboviral Illnesses fact sheet