09-07-2007, 04:10 PM
CONCORD, NH -- The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department are joining forces to remind outdoor enthusiasts such as hunters, anglers and hikers that mosquitoes and ticks don't have to keep you indoors. While mosquitoes may carry diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and ticks may transmit Lyme disease, it's easy to protect yourself and your family.
DHHS recommends the use of an effective repellent -- products that contain DEET are effective against ticks and mosquitoes. Outdoors enthusiasts should also wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and hunters should wear gloves when handling dead birds.
"It's a popular time of year to be out hunting, fishing or just going outdoors to enjoy the natural splendors of New Hampshire. Simple measures can protect you from EEE, Lyme disease and other insect-borne illnesses," said Donald Clarke, Acting Executive Director of NH Fish and Game. "If you're on the water or in the field this fall, just remember to cover up and use insect repellent. Keep an extra bottle in your backpack or tackle box."
"The key element to avoiding tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses is to take preventive measures especially the use of an effective repellent," said Mary Ann Cooney, Director of Public Health for DHHS. "New Hampshire has a lot to offer and we want people to enjoy our State, but to do so safely, and avoid tick and mosquito bites."
For more information about insect-borne disease and how to protect yourself and your family, download "Don't Let the Bad Bugs Bite: Risk and Prevention in the Outdoors" at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife...adbugs.pdf.
DHHS maintains a toll-free EEE and West Nile virus hotline; call 1-866-273-6453.
DHHS recommends the use of an effective repellent -- products that contain DEET are effective against ticks and mosquitoes. Outdoors enthusiasts should also wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and hunters should wear gloves when handling dead birds.
"It's a popular time of year to be out hunting, fishing or just going outdoors to enjoy the natural splendors of New Hampshire. Simple measures can protect you from EEE, Lyme disease and other insect-borne illnesses," said Donald Clarke, Acting Executive Director of NH Fish and Game. "If you're on the water or in the field this fall, just remember to cover up and use insect repellent. Keep an extra bottle in your backpack or tackle box."
"The key element to avoiding tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses is to take preventive measures especially the use of an effective repellent," said Mary Ann Cooney, Director of Public Health for DHHS. "New Hampshire has a lot to offer and we want people to enjoy our State, but to do so safely, and avoid tick and mosquito bites."
For more information about insect-borne disease and how to protect yourself and your family, download "Don't Let the Bad Bugs Bite: Risk and Prevention in the Outdoors" at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife...adbugs.pdf.
DHHS maintains a toll-free EEE and West Nile virus hotline; call 1-866-273-6453.