NH State Representative Steven Smith

With a confirmed human infection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in nearby Hopkinton, Washington Health Officer Jim Berry sends the following information for local residents knowledge and prevention-

Prevention Guidelines for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus
NH Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services

1. Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding locations. In warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days!
• Remove old tires from your property.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other containers. Don’t overlook containers that have become overgrown
by aquatic vegetation.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered and keep covers free of standing water.
• Aerate garden ponds or stock them with fish.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

2. Be aware of where mosquitoes live and breed and keep them from entering your home.
• Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes, including several species commonly associated with West Nile Virus and Eastern

Equine Encephalitis Virus.
• Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
• Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables etc. and once in flight, exterminated prior to sleeping at night.

3. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
• Consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. A repellent containing 30% or less DEET
(N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) for children and adults. Use DEET according to the manufacturer’s directions. Children should not apply DEET to themselves. Repellents that contain Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been determined to be effective.
• Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.

For more information on West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, call the NH Department of Health and Human Services toll-free West Nile Virus Information Line at 866–273–NILE (6543), or visit the West Nile Virus Website at http://www.dhhs.nh.gov.

As we go about our business on 9/11, keep those who lost their lives, and those who gave their lives that terrible day in your thoughts. You may have seen in the news lately, that the conflict in the Middle east grows.  Again, our country is considering sending yet more Americans there.  Remember the brave men and women in the armed services who gave their lives in the resulting conflict after 9/11, those who still stand in harm’s way today, and those about to go. I give thanks to all those brave souls who defend us, help us, and rescue us. Without them, there is no United States of America.

CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan has directed flags to half-staff on
Thursday, September 11, 2014, and proclaimed Thursday as a Day of
Remembrance in honor of the innocent victims, first responders and service
members who lost their lives in the tragic terrorist attacks 13 years ago
and ensuing conflicts.

“Despite being one of the darkest days in U.S. history, September 11,
2001, was also a day when Americans demonstrated our collective resilience
in the face of great tragedy, when we united in the undying American spirit
of perseverance that has always defined our great country,” Governor
Hassan said. “Every year, we come together to remember the innocent
victims of those senseless acts of terror, the first responders who bravely
put their lives on the line to save others, and the service members and
first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow
citizens, while also rededicating ourselves to the enduring concept of
freedom that is our very core.”

“We also remember all of those who – regardless of their role or their
occupation when they started the day – became heroes on September 11,
risking their lives in the aftermath of those tragic events to protect
people who they had never met simply because we’re all Americans,”
Governor Hassan said. “And this year, the loss of dedicated Marine Lance
Corporal Brandon Garabrant and two intrepid journalists – James Foley and
Steven Sotloff – will be fresh on our minds, adding new pain to this
solemn occasion. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the 10 Granite
Staters we lost on September 11 and all of the innocent victims, Lance
Corporal Garabrant, James, Steven and their loved ones, and we are
eternally grateful for our men and women in uniform and those whose
courageous sacrifices keep us safe.”

To honor the victims and heroes of September 11 and the service members
lost since, Governor Hassan will participate in two remembrance ceremonies:
the City of Manchester’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Henry McLaughlin
Middle School and the American Legion Post 35 Global War on Terrorism
Monument Unveiling and Rededication in Hampton.