Transmission of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) occur through mosquito bites. Birds infected by mosquito bites can carry these viruses. Mosquitoes feeding on infected birds can then transmit these viruses to other birds, mammals (e.g., horses, alpacas), or humans. Preventing mosquito bites and reducing mosquito populations by mosquito control methods are important in reducing the transmission of EEE and WNV.
Mosquito Quick Facts:
Mosquitoes need water to breed
Only the female can bite
Mosquito wings beat 300 to 600 times per second
Mosquitoes fly about 1 to 1.5 miles per hour
Mosquitoes can smell humans from 60 feet away
Repellents can offer protection against mosquito bites
There are 47 species of mosquitoes in New Hampshire; only a few of these species are important in carrying and spreading EEE and WNV.
