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Protect Yourself Against

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
and
West Nile virus (WNV)
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How Do EEE & WNV Spread?
  • Spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.


  • Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.


  • Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV & EEE to humans and other animals when they bite.


  • Not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
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What Are the Symptoms of EEE & WNV?
  • After being bitten by an infected mosquito:


  • Most people will not become sick


  • Some people have a mild illness with fever, headache, muscle aches/pain, nausea


  • Very few people have a serious illness with  high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, mental confusion, seizures, coma



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How Soon do People Get Sick?
  After being bitten by an infected mosquito:
EEE – 4 to 10 days
WNV – 3 to 14 days

When Are People Most Likely to Get EEE & WNV?
In New Hampshire, human cases have occurred between the end of July and the end of September
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How are EEE & WNV Infections Treated?
  • There is NO specific treatment.


  • Antibiotics are not effective against viruses.


  • Care of patients centers around supportive treatment.


  • There is NO human vaccine available for EEE or WNV.
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Have There Been Human Cases of EEE or WNV in New Hampshire?
  • In 2003, 3 human cases of WNV were reported (all 3 survived)


  • In 2005, 7 human cases of EEE were reported (2 patients died)
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What Can You do to Prevent
EEE & WNV?
  •          AVOID MOSQUITO BITES!


  •          MOSQUITO-PROOF YOUR HOME!


  •          REPORT DEAD BIRDS!
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Avoid Mosquito Bites!

  • Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.


  • Limit outside activity between evening and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.


  • Use insect repellent on exposed skin.


  • Repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus have been proven effective.



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     Mosquito-Proof Your Home!
  • Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots and other items and eliminate standing water around buildings and driveways when possible.


  • Clean out clogged rain gutters.


  • Fix or install window and
  •    door screens.


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Report Dead Birds!
  • The NH Public Health Laboratory will test dead birds, primarily Crows & Bluejays, for WNV & EEE.


  • Testing birds helps to identify when the risk to humans and other mammals is increased.


  • Report dead birds to your local health officer


  • For more information on EEE/WNV call the DHHS Information Line at:    1-866-273-NILE (6453)


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Where Can You Learn More About EEE & WNV?
  • NH Department of Health & Human Services
  • www.dhhs.state.nh.us


  • US Centers for Disease Control and
  • Prevention
  • www.cdc.gov


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THE END