West Nile Virus Update

NORTH HAMPTON, NH – The State Lab in Concord confirmed that a batch of mosquitoes collected in North Hampton on August 28, 2018 has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

We want to reassure the residents that we are monitoring the situation closely. Mosquito trapping and disease testing will continue until mid-October. Treatment of mosquito larvae in the wetlands is ongoing. The threat of mosquitoes carrying disease won’t diminish until a hard freeze which may not occur until sometime in November.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. For humans, the risk of contracting the infection is low and in the overwhelming majority of cases, there are no symptoms or just mild, flu-like symptoms. If illness does occur, it happens within 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If someone is experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever and headache, they should contact their local medical provider.

We want to remind all of the residents of North Hampton to continue to take steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes and to eliminate standing water on their property. With the upcoming rain, it is imperative that we eliminate mosquito breeding areas to help reduce the risk. Dump water out of containers such as wheel barrows, buckets, trash barrels, tarps, boats, canoes, bird baths and any other manmade container. Check screens on windows and doors for holes whereby mosquitoes can enter your home.

You can protect yourself and your family with a few simple steps, such as using effective mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are active, or avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active and remove standing water from around your house so mosquitoes do not have a place to breed.

If you need more information about mosquitoes, WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), then email Dragon Mosquito Control at help@dragonmosquito.com or call the office at 734-4144. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.