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Eastern Equine Encephalitis Press Release
DHHS Announces Two Suspect Human Cases Of EEE in
Manchester and Concord; Two Additional Birds Test Positive
Concord, NH- The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) today announced two new suspect human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in adult males in Manchester and Concord. The two individuals are hospitalized in serious condition. The State Public Health Laboratory also has identified two additional birds in Concord and Hooksett that have tested positive for the virus. DHHS expects to receive confirmatory test for the human cases on Friday.
“These new findings make the importance of prevention all the more critical,” said DHHS Commissioner John Stephen. “We are closely monitoring this situation and we are providing as much information as possible to local communities. DHHS stands ready to offer as much technical assistance as possible to every community across the state. We are sending out information to local health officers, medical personnel and other state agencies to make sure they are updated about EEE. To protect the public health, we are also looking at special populations and their needs.”
DHHS has a hotline for the public to contact for more information on EEE (1-866-273-6453) as well as the Department’s website at www.dhhs.nh.gov. DHHS is advising the public to remove standing water, wear long sleeves and pants and use an effective mosquito repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
“EEE is a rare, but serious, disease characterized by fever, headache and mental status changes,” added Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, Deputy State Epidemiologist. “Persons with these symptoms should seek medical attention and clinicians with questions about EEE diagnosis should contact DHHS for more information.”
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