CDCS-DHHS Confirms Horse in Kensington With EEE

"EEE is a serious disease and, as with humans, the key is to take precautions," said Dr. Jason Stull, Public Health Veterinarian. "While there is no vaccine for EEE in humans, there is one for horses. We urge all horse owners to make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations, prevent mosquito bites through the use of veterinary-approved products, and to consult a veterinarian if their horses are displaying any symptoms." In addition, the finding of EEE in a horse is a concern to the public's health as the same mosquitoes that bite horses also bite people.

This year, in addition to the horse in Kensington, New Hampshire has had one confirmed human case of EEE in a Newton resident and two positive mosquito pools, in Newton and Brentwood. "We cannot say enough times that humans can prevent getting EEE if they take the appropriate precautions," said DHHS Acting Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. "Individuals should not avoid enjoying the outdoors--just take preventive measures, including using an effective mosquito repellant and wearing long sleeves and pants while outside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite."

"We anticipate the mosquito season will last at least another five weeks, so we urge people to take precautions until we see frost and the mosquito population drops," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Jose Montero.-DHHS