Click here to download the EEE Fact Sheet

Message Type: Health Alert
Status: Actual
Severity: Moderate
Sensitive: No
Jurisdiction: State


DATE: September 3, 2008

TO: New Hampshire Health Officers, DHHS Outbreak Team, Zoonotic Alert Team, and DPHS Management Team

FROM: Jose Montero, MD, Director

SUBJECT: Emu Confirmed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis—Barnstead, NH


NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) recommends:

1. Emphasize prevention measures including avoiding mosquito bites by use of protective clothing and insect repellents, and environmental reduction of mosquito populations.
   
2. Awareness of additional municipalities declared a public health threat by NH DHHS and update to NH DHHS estimated EEE-risk levels for regions of the State.
   
3. An equine vaccine for EEE is available and should be used to protect horses. There is no recommended vaccine for humans.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) has received a report of an emu with confirmed Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The emu, kept in Barnstead, NH, became ill on August 31, 2008. As the emu had not traveled prior to the onset of disease, EEE was acquired in Barnstead. Active trapping and testing of mosquitoes is ongoing in the area. This is the first recognized EEE activity this season.

Background: EEE is a mosquito-borne viral disease. Like West Nile virus (WNV), the transmission cycle of EEE is predominately between birds and mosquitoes. Infection may be transmitted to mammals, including humans, through the bite of a mammal-biting infected mosquito. Infected horses or people are unable to spread the infection to others. The transmission cycle is most common in areas with freshwater swamps.

Since 2005, the NH DHHS has identified 10 human cases of EEE in NH residents; 2 of these cases died (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5525a1.htm). The NH DHHS surveillance has shown that arboviral activity in NH occurs from July through October. NH DHHS will continue to monitor activity for both WNV and EEE through these months.

Reducing the Risk of Mosquito-borne Disease in Your Community: Mosquito-borne diseases are preventable. The NH DHHS recommends that communities:

• Maintain/enhance surveillance efforts including mosquito pool collection and submission to the State Public Health Laboratory for testing,
  
• Continue to educate your citizens on the public health effects of mosquito-borne diseases and the effective personal protection methods of preventing mosquito-bites (fact sheets, posters, and PowerPoint Presentations for cable access programs are available at http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us),
  
• Develop, maintain, and implement a local mosquito control plan to address your city or towns’ preparation and response to mosquito-borne disease including, public education, surveillance, and mosquito control. The State plan is available at the website listed above and can be used as a template for local communities.

Public Health Threat Declarations: The Commissioner of NH DHHS has declared a public health threat in the towns of Strafford, Pittsfield, Barnstead, Alton, Epsom, Chichester, and Gilmanton, and the Governor has concurred with this decision. Public health threats declared in previous years were carried over into 2008, such that municipalities previously declared a public health threat remain under this designation for 2008. This designation will allow public health threat towns and cities to be eligible for partial reimbursement of funds directed toward control of this public health threat where appropriate. For a list of municipalities previously declared public health threats and material describing this process and outlining criteria for reimbursement: http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/CDCS/West+Nile+Virus/wnv-eee-towns.htm.

EEE Risk Levels: The NH DHHS estimates human risk levels throughout the arboviral season. Risk levels center on regional areas that may incorporate multiple communities, towns, or cities. Based on this recent EEE finding, NH DHHS has altered risk level estimates as follows:

• Municipalities previously identified as “Low” or “Moderate” risk are now all considered “Moderate” risk.
  
• Strafford, Pittsfield, Barnstead, Alton, Epsom, Chichester, and Gilmanton are considered “Moderate” risk.

A map indicating risk levels for NH municipalities is available at http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/. The map will be updated shortly to reflect the above changes.

We have established a toll free information line and a web site for WNV and EEE information. The phone number is 1-866-273-NILE (6453) and the web address is http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/. Click on the “EEE/WNV Season” link, where you will find numerous educational and outreach materials, current surveillance and risk information, as well as links to other informative sites.

2008 Soccer Schedule

MILFOIL COMMITTEE:

The Alton Board of Selectmen is establishing a Milfoil Study Committee. The objective of the Committee would be to analyze the milfoil problem throughout the community and to make recommendations for a long-term solution.

Anyone interested in being on the committee should contact Pat Rockwood or Russ Bailey at the Town Hall by calling 875-2161.

At the Alton B&M Railroad Park. Located behind the Town Hall) Saturday, August 2nd, 10:30am.

The Down town Revitalization Committee would like to invite all to a dedication of special elm trees from the Elm Research Institute of Keene, NH. Following the dedication ceremony light refreshments will be served.

We would like to thank the Wal-Mart stores of Gilford and Rochester who generously sponsored the purchase of these trees for the Alton B&M Railroad Park.

Fireworks for 7/3/2008 have been cancelled due to inclement weather. Raindate is July 12, 2008.

COME READ WITH US THIS SUMMER!

Come to the Gilman Library, 100 Main Street, Alton, N.H. on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 at 3:30 PM for the experience of a lifetime! Join us as we welcome the Wild Life Encounters Traveling Zoo and some of their Australian animals for a presentation of “Creatures Down Under” as a part of “G Day for Reading Summer Program 2008! While here, you will meet up-close, learn about and maybe even TOUCH Australian Wildlife including birds, tree frogs, goannas, snakes (crikey!) and best of all – the beautiful marsupials! Be sure not to miss your chance to meet the only traveling Wallaby Joeys in Northern New England! All are Welcome. Prizes will be given away. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Gilman Library.

We have a four week summer program for children to encourage more reading and use of the library.

--- Each week we have a riddle. Find the answer, come tell us and pick a prize!

---Each week we have a choice of several different paper activities on the counters in the children’s section.

---Each week keep track of each book that you read. Come tell us and pick out a prize (up to 20 books)!

---Each week we have a craft corner where you can make something related to our theme. Since we usually have a full house for these please SIGN UP SEPARATELY AND AHEAD OF TIME.

---Design and color your own Australian Bush Hat – pick up your template when you sign up to join our program. After you do your best, please bring it up to us with your name and age on the back. Next time you come to the library look for it up on the wall!

----MOVIE MADNESS: Come to the library and watch Nemo with us – 10:00am Wednesday, July 23. For TEENS – come cool down on a summer night and watch Kangaroo Jack with us on Friday, August 1st at 7pm and enjoy some laughs together.

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE ENCOURAGE ALL CHILDREN TO TAKE MORE TRIPS INTO THE WORLD OF READING!

The Town of Alton will be holding a Household Hazardous Waste Collection at the Alton Transfer Station on July 11th & 12th 2008 from 8:30am t0 12:00 pm (Noon)

The Town of Alton will be holding a Household Hazardous Waste & Medicine Collection at the Alton Transfer Station on September 13th, 2008 from 8:30am t0 12:00 pm (Noon)

Consumers who are interested in the coupon program or learning more about the digital conversion can call (800)388-2009 or visit www.mydtv2009.gov This website is through the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Click here to view the 2007 Town Report online.

Click here to view the 2008 Town Ballot.

There has been a website set up for Cassie Bystrack.If you wish to send a message to Cassie or a donation, the website will give you all of the contact information.

http://www.caringforcassie.com

The Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC) members have compiled a selection of Alton photos for a 2008 fund raising calendar. This calendar provides a glimpse into Alton’s colorful history. They are available at the Alton Town Hall in the Town Clerks Office, at the Gilman Library and at various businesses in Town.The calendars may be purchased for $10. There are still 2007 calendars available at a discounted rate of $5.00. For further information on calendars and other events concerning the DRC, please call 569-3742 or 875-5456.

Click here to view the 2006 Town Report.

The Alton Downtown Revitalization Committee is pleased to announce the sale of a pewter medallion designed and crafted by Hampshire Pewter of Wolfeboro. The medallion features the Alton B&M Railroad Station, circa 1859. Medallions will go on sale early June and can be purchased, for $15.00, at the Alton Public Library, the Alton Town Clerk's Office and by calling Nancy Merrill at 875-5604. Proceeds from the medallion will benefit the B&M Railroad Park.

WEST NILE VIRUS- HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

West Nile Virus (WNV) can be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, which contracts the virus from an infected bird.

People over the age of 50 are at a greater risk of becoming seriously ill when they become infected with WNV.

Most people who get infected with WNV do not have any symptoms; some people develop a mild illness called West Nile Fever, and others develop severe neurological disease.

Symptoms of severe illness inlude headache, neck stiffness, fever, muscle weakness, paralysis, convulsions, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Contact your health care provider if you develop these symptoms.

Use effective mosquito repellants when outdoors and mosquitos are biting.

Repellants containing DEET are proven effective, as are some botanical oils. FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.

Products with 10% or less DEET are recommended for children.

Wear long sleeves and pants in light colors to minimize the opportunities for mosquitoes to bite.

Consider the application of DEET or permethrin to your clothing as an additional protective measure.

Limit outside activity between evening and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.

Use mosquito netting for infants instead of DEET. Netting is also an option for people who prefer not to use DEET or other types of repellants.

MOSQUITO PROOF YOUR HOME:

Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days.

Check around your home for standing water and drain it.

Empty water-holding containers (including pool covers,flower pots, and bird baths) at least every three days or screen them to prevent female mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.

Drilling holes in the bottom of containers is another way to prevent water from collecting.

Ensure window and door screens fit properly so that mosquitoes cannot enter your home.

Repair of replace any torn or damaged screens.

Keep rain gutters clean so that rain water cannot collect in them.

Keep weeds, tall grass, and bushes trimmed because they provide an outdoor home for the mosquito most commonly associated with West Nile Virus.

Remind and help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their property.

Click here to print out this information.

Click here to view Dead Bird Handling Instructions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

NH Department of Health & Human Services
1-866-273-NILE (6453)
www.dhhs.nh.gov

Check out the progress of the B&M Railroad Park! Click here to view the pictures.
To learn about the project, check out the Downtown Revitalization page.