EEE confirmed in two more New Hampshire towns
Alert level raised to high in Candia, Francestown
Alert level raised to high in Candia, Francestown
Alert level raised to high in Candia, Francestown
The risk level for eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, was raised to high in at least two more New Hampshire communities Friday, after an infected horse was discovered in Francestown and a batch of mosquitos tested positive for the disease in Candia.
Entomologist Sarah MacGregor with Dragon Mosquito Control told WMUR Candia has had several positive tests this season, including the most recent one in one of her company’s traps.
“You may not think about mosquitos this time of year. You’re thinking about leaves, pumpkins, hayrides and Halloween, but there are still mosquitos out,” MacGregor said.
The state raised Candia’s EEE risk to high on Friday, with surrounding towns raised to a moderate risk.
The Department of Health and Human Services also put Francestown at high risk after a horse tested positive there for the disease.
“That tells us that there are mammal-biting mosquitos carrying EEE, so if it bites a horse it could bite a human,” MacGregor added.
Batches of mosquitos in Portsmouth and Fremont also tested positive for EEE within the past few days.
MacGregor said the state ends its mosquito testing for the season next week and urged people to continue to take precautions like wearing long sleeves, pants, and using insect repellent until the second hard freeze.
“During the day it’s still going to be in the 60s over the weekend and next week so it’s still mild and that’s perfect mosquito weather,” she said.