The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) has begun statewide
West Nile virus detection activities in partnership with other state agencies, under the auspices of the State's
West Nile Virus Task Force. The public is asked to report sightings of dead crows or blue jays to their local animal control officer, health officer, health department, or, in their absence, the West Nile information line.
Questions about West Nile virus or bird surveillance can be answered by calling the toll-free West Nile virus information line at 866-273-NILE (6453), between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Citizens living in municipalities without a designated animal control officer or health officer should call the information line. After normal business hours, citizens can leave a voice message that will be answered the next business day.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. For humans the risk of contracting the infection is low and in the overwhelming majority of cases, there are no symptoms or just mild, flu-like symptoms. If illness does occur, it happens within 3 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The elderly are considered at higher risk of more severe disease, the symptoms of which can include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness, and muscle weakness. In extremely rare cases, the disease has caused death.
During 2003, West Nile virus spread throughout the United States, with only four states not affected. Here in New Hampshire, three human cases were identified, 213 birds tested positive for the virus, and there was one positive equine case. Additionally, six mosquito pools were reported as positive. In contrast, in 2002, there were, 119 positive birds, 33 mosquito pools, and no human or equine cases.