ARBOVIRAL SURVEILLANCE - NEW HAMPSHIRE, 2012

Abigail Mathewson

New Hampshire Bureau of Infectious Disease Control

29 Hazen Dr.

Concord, NH 03301

abigail.mathewson@dhhs.state.nh.us

ABSTRACT

In New Hampshire, arboviral illnesses such as those caused by West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEv) are reportable to the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2000, NH’s Arboviral Surveillance Program was established, which includes regular testing of humans, animals and mosquito pools. Since 2000, there have been 5 human cases, 3 veterinary specimens, and 95 mosquito pools that tested positive for WNV, with the first human case occurring in 2003. During that same time period, there have been 12 human cases, 38 veterinary specimens, and 170 mosquito pools that tested positive for EEE with the first human case occurring in 2004. In 2012, 41 mosquito pools tested positive for WNV and there was one human case of WNV. There were no veterinary specimens positive for WNV in 2012. In 2012, nine mosquito batches and four veterinary specimens tested positive for EEE. There were no human cases of EEE in 2012. In 2013, NH plans to continue surveillance activities, further develop the Arboviral Illness Surveillance, Prevention and Response Plan, and continue community education efforts through distribution of informational materials and outreach to the public, veterinarians and physicians.