Public Health Threat Statement issued in Southern NH for West Nile Virus

The state issued a public health threat statement in southern New Hampshire for West Nile virus.

The risk of contracting the disease is considered high in Manchester, as the authorities have stated that the highest number of mosquito lots in five years has been tested positive for the virus.

>> DHHS info: West Nile virus and EEE

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in New Hampshire this year, but 11 cases have been diagnosed at the Massachusetts border. Health officials said the statement is a proactive measure to ensure communities are doing everything they can to prevent the spread of the virus.

Heavy rains and hot weather in August caused a large number of mosquitoes, officials said. The experts urged residents to take precautions to avoid being bitten.

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"The school comes out and the sun goes down at 7 o'clock, which means most kids come out at sunset, which puts them in danger," said Sarah MacGregor, of Dragon Mosquito Control.

MacGregor identifies and sorts mosquitoes by species and then tests them at the national laboratory.

"If it turns out to be positive, we will know exactly which species, where they were collected and when they were collected, so that we can decide what should be the next step," she said.

Since the beginning of July, 16 lots in the south of the state have been tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials said.

"It's really scary, knowing that West Nile can actually kill you," said Donna Fedele, of Plaistow.

The state issued a public health threat statement, in part, to speed up the process of allowing cities to obtain mosquito control programs.

Residents are encouraged to use an insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and empty stagnant water.

The threat of mosquitoes did not disappear until there were two hard gels or snow fell on the ground, experts say.

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