Tick and Mosquito-borne Diseases in New Hampshire

As a reminder, spring is a good time to review prevention measures to lower the likelihood of getting diseases that are spread by ticks and mosquitoes, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus (POW), Borrelia miyamotoi (B. miyamotoi), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), West Nile virus (WNV) and Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). These diseases have caused serious illness in New Hampshire (NH) residents, with cases among children and teens especially concerning.

A few facts about ticks:

-In our area, wood ticks (a.k.a.dog ticks) and deer ticks are the most common.

-Although ticks can carry disease, most people are concerned about deer ticks and the bacteria that they carry for Lyme Disease.

-Deer ticks are usually smaller than wood ticks and have a characteristic red/black color.  The nymph stage is the most aggressive for biting and the nymph stage peaks May-July.

-Bites usually occur at the ankle yet ticks love to migrate to warm places such as the groin, behind the ears and knees and on the back.

-Deer ticks inject the Lyme Disease bacteria into the skin and there is a 3-32 day incubation period. Watch for a red, circular rash, joint aches and flu-like symptoms.

-Quick assessment and treatment after a deer tick bite helps to clear the infection; your doctor can help you decide when to seek care and treatment.

Please review the following fact sheets for further information on symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods for these diseases. As appropriate, please pass along this letter and fact sheets to parents and students.

For specific concerns about tick and mosquito-borne diseases, call the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Infectious Disease Investigation Section at 603-271-4496 or 800-852-3345 x4496. For further information, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov or the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website at www.dhhs.nh.gov.

Click on the following Fact Sheets for more information: