By Rod Hansen
Staff Writer

Beware of poisonous pests.

That’s the word health officials are putting out this week as they urge residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes, the insects capable of spreading the Eastern equine encephalitis virus to birds and mammals.

Several mosquitoes have tested positive for EEE this year, including one species that preys on mammals as well as birds.

To combat the threat, a new state law offers up to 25 percent compensation for mosquito control costs to communities deemed at risk for mosquito-borne illness. Those communities must also have an approved plan for mosquito control to qualify for the aid.

The funds became available after one mosquito pool tested positive for EEE in Manchester.

Communities approved for the assistance include Manchester, Merrimack, Litchfield, Bedford, Goffstown, Hooksett and Auburn The funding comes from a law passed under House Bill 1464, which took effect on July 1.

“We want to make sure that we are providing the local communities the tools they need to combat EEE effectively,” said John Stephen, commissioner of the state Department of Health and Human Services. 

“This new law gives an opportunity for the state to help communities to prevent this disease, and our goal is always to focus on prevention,” Stephen said.

“Over the next couple of weeks, the state will be setting up additional trapping areas in the communities that border Manchester and Hooksett will be one of them,” said Hooksett Town Administrator David Jodoin.

He is asking residents to eliminate any standing water, check screens and keep lawns mowed. When out at night or at dawn, make sure to take precautions like wearing proper clothing and/or insect repellent.

A total of five mosquito pools in the state have tested positive for EEE this year. There were seven cases of the disease reported in New Hampshire last year, including two deaths.

Christopher Burke, 5, of Goffstown, was among those to be affected by the disease last year.

The city of Manchester will probably apply for state aid in mosquito control, said Phil Alexakos, the senior public health specialist with Manchester Health Department.

The city has already received a spraying permit from New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Pesticide control board, which the city has applied for every year since 2000.

The city also has a comprehensive plan for mosquito control that includes spraying, purchasing repellent for festivals, posting signage for personal protection, and a video with advice on mosquito bite prevention and further information on EEE.

“We encourage everybody to take proper precautions to avoid being bit, and I look forward to the first frost of the year,” Alexakos said.