It's mosquito season and the testing has begun.
The state has tested more than 2,100 mosquito pools, 56 humans and one animal for the mosquito-borne viruses, Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.
That's about on par with the number of mosquito pools and humans tested at this time last year, according to Jason Stull, public health veterinarian for the state Department of Health and Human Services.
While all of the tests have come back negative so far, state officials can't guarantee that will continue.
"I think one thing it's safe to say is, I would be incredibly surprised if EEE isn't in New Hampshire to some degree," Stull said. "We expect to find it in mosquitoes and maybe in other animals, but we are working to inform people and hope to have no human cases."
About 20 towns in New Hampshire hire Dragon Mosquito Control to trap and test mosquitoes.
Company President Sarah MacGregor said she can't predict if there are more or less mosquitoes in the area compared with last year. She did say more of the species that can be carriers of the virus are turning up in Southern New Hampshire traps.
"When you're in the middle of the season, it's difficult to say how prevalent (mosquitoes) were until you look back at data," she said. "But just by looking at the rain and thunderstorms we've had statewide, the mosquito population is definitely on the rise right now, just because of the recent rainfall."
The mosquito season typically begins in June, but the highest threat for mosquito-borne viruses comes after July 20, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
Both EEE and West Nile are transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus through birds.
It's the fifth consecutive year New Hampshire officials have warned residents to be on high alert.
Last year, two people, including a middle-aged man from Newton, contracted EEE. In 2006, no humans contracted the virus, but it was found in many mosquito pools. Three years ago in September 2005, Newton resident Kelly Labell, 20, became the first New Hampshire resident to die from EEE.
While no animals, humans or mosquitoes have tested positive for EEE in New England this year, West Nile virus has made its presence known. State officials said West Nile has been found in mosquitoes in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. One person from Connecticut has contracted West Nile virus.
Symptoms of both viruses usually occur within 11/2 weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms are generally flu-like and include a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck and sore throat. In extreme cases, it can lead to coma or death.
State officials urge residents to wear long-sleeved clothing and protect themselves with mosquito repellent that contains DEET when they are outdoors at dawn or dusk. Mosquito season and the threat of the viruses last until the end of October.
Testing for viruses
Number tested by the Department of Health and Human Services
2008 numbers represent testing through early July
Tested%2008% 2007
Mosquito pools: 2,131%10,655
Animals: 1%8
Birds:0%31
Humans: 56%166
