Merrimack Officials: No Cause for West Nile Virus Concern

State health authorities say 18 batches of mosquitoes, including some from Nashua, have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The findings prompted the state Department of Public Health Services to raise the risk level for arboviral diseases in the greater Nashua, Manchester and Salem areas on Wednesday.

But in Merrimack, Emergency Management Director Michael Currier says people should not panic; there is currently no cause for concern.

"Merrimack is cosiderned low risk or a low hazard area," according to the state's risk levels, Currier said. "Right now we're reviewing our management plans making sure everything is in order in the event that the state esclates our hazard situation."

In an email Currier sent to Town Manager Eileen Cabanel, he said he'd make sure Public Works Director Rick Seymour has in place any permitting needed to spray for mosquitos if it becomes necessary.

Currier said he is updating the Emergency Management page on the Merrimack Fire Department website with information about the recent discovery and the town's emergency plans should they need to be activated, but there is no due cause for Merrimack residents to worry.

West Nile Virus, which is transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito, was first identified in New Hampshire in 2000.

So far this season, the state Public Health Lab has tested 1,621 mosquito batches, two animals and 10 people. Last year, nine mosquito batches tested positive for West Nile Virus in the state.

The batches of mosquitoes testing positive this year is now at 26, according to the state.

State Epidemiologist Sharon Alroy-Preis said, in a press release:

“While this is our first announcement of West Nile Virus positives in New Hampshire this season, we have been hearing of positive test results from some of our neighboring states  already. As with every year, this should serve as a reminder to people to take steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. We encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, but do so safely. You can protect yourself and your family with a few simple steps, such as using effective mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants
at  dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and removing standing water from around your house so mosquitoes do not have a place to breed.”

Symptoms of the disease often appear four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The state recommends anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, to contact their local medical provider.

There is also a West Nile Virus /EEE hot-line:  1-866-273-6453, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

For West Nile Virus Prevention Tips, see attached PDF file from the state.