Mosquito- and tick-transmitted infections hit NH
CONCORD — New Hampshire public health officials are urging caution as they announce mosquito- and ticktransmitted infections.
The state’s first human case of Jamestown Canyon virus in 2023 is in an adult from Hillsborough County, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Also reported were two cases of Powassan virus, one in an adult in Rockingham County and one in a child from Carroll County. Risk for both mosquito- and tick-transmitted infections remains high, officials said, urging residents and visitors to continue to take steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites.
“Mosquitoes will be with us until the first hard frost, and ticks remain active as long as there is no snow cover and temperatures remain above freezing,” said Ryan Tannian, chief of the state’s Bureau of Infectious Disease Control. “Preventing the bites that cause illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks is a key factor in reducing the risk for illness.”
How many infections have been seen in NH?
This summer, 14 batches of mosquitos around the state tested positive for JCV, and New Hampshire has reported 13 human cases since 2018. New Hampshire has identified a total of 8 cases of POWV since 2013 when the disease was first detected in humans in New Hampshire.
POWV is transmitted through the bite of the black-legged tick. An infected tick only needs to be attached to a person for 15 minutes to transmit POWV, officials said. This is the same tick that transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Early symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. More serious central nervous system diseases, including meningitis or encephalitis, can occur.
How to stay safe How to prevent mosquito and tick diseases
From the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services:
1. Eliminate habitat and breeding locations.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Remove outdoor items that hold water (old tires, cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots).
● Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers, clean roof gutters and ensure proper drainage.
● If not in use, empty and/or cover swimming pools, wading pools and hot tubs.
● Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
Ticks
Minimize areas where hosts for the ticks, such as rodents and deer, can congregate to eat, sleep or feed.
2. Be aware of where mosquitoes and ticks live.
● Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes and ticks alike.
● Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
● Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables etc. and once in flight, exterminated prior to sleeping at night.
● Avoid tick-infested areas. If in tickinfested areas, walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and leaf litter at trail edges.
3. Protect yourself from bites.
● When outside, wear protective clothing such as socks, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants (preferably tucked-in socks). Light-colored clothing helps you spot ticks.
● Consider avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning and evening, when mosquitoes are most likely to be biting.
● Wear insect repellents, such as one containing 30% or less DEET, Picaridin, para-menthane-diol, IR3535, or 2-undecanone or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Treat clothing with permethrin, which is odorless when dry.
● Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
● Shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors.
● Check for ticks daily on yourself, your children, and your pets. Ticks can hide under the armpits, behind the knees, in the hair, and in the groin.
● Wash and dry clothing after being outdoors. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed.
● Early removal of ticks can reduce the risk of infection. Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks with tweezers. Monitor your health closely after a tick bite and be alert for symptoms of illness. Contact your physician to discuss testing and treatment.