Despite lack of human cases, EEE still a big concern in New Hampshire

As the leaves change, the temperature drops and there's pumpkin spice everywhere - fall truly has arrived in New Hampshire.

The Granite State has been fortunate as there have been zero EEE cases there in comparison to the 12 in Massachusetts.

While no cases have been reported in N.H. and the mosquitos that carry the disease are dying off, the risk that remains is still high as people take the opportunity to go outside for fall activities before winter arrives.

"We're going up to see some friends, do a little leaf peeping, play some golf," said Tom Kane, of Pembroke.

Kane and his wife Susan are passing through N.H. and thought they'd be leaving their mosquito worries back at home.

"I hadn't really thought about it up here," said Kane.

Beth Daly, an Infectious Disease Bureau Chief with the State of New Hampshire says EEE is still present, despite the lack of human cases.

"Even though there are fewer mosquitos, it's more likely to be in the population," said Daly.

Mosquito samples are collected from 37 communities in N.H. and are brought to a lab to be tested for EEE and other mosquito-borne viruses.

According to the CDC, there have been 12 reported EEE cases in Massachusetts, nine in Michigan and three in Rhode Island.

Daly says that, despite the risk, she doesn't want to discourage leaf peepers, hikers and others out for fall fun from going outside, just to be prepared.

"This is a great time of year for people to be outside, enjoying nature and we want people to do that, we just want to remind them that it's important to go ahead and take precautions against mosquito bites and also tick bites too," said Daly.

Precautions include wearing long sleeves and long pants, which thankfully in the cooler weather won't be a problem, avoiding the outdoors at dusk and dawn and wearing mosquito repellent with DEET. Also, dump any standing water near your home or campsite.

With 31 reported cases nationwide, the CDC says this is the highest number of EEE cases in more than 50 years.

Typically, labs will stop accepting mosquito samples around this time of year, but considering how warm it's been recently, the lab will continue processing them for another couple of weeks. Scientists say we won't fully be in the clear until we've gone through two hard frosts.

>> MORE : Head of Infectious Diseases says EEE vaccine is still years away

Cox Media Group