Press Release
New Hampshire DHHS Identifies
West Nile Virus in Stratham, NH

On September 23, 2026, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) notified the Town of Stratham that mosquitoes trapped in Stratham on September 10th tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This mosquito species readily bites humans, often entering houses in search of blood.  It breeds in fresh and brackish water, may be found in containers and can fly 1-5 miles.
Dragon Mosquito Control, the contractor for Stratham’s mosquito control program, continues treating standing water and trapping adult mosquitoes until the season ends in late fall. The State Lab in Concord will test mosquitoes for diseases into the middle of October.

According to the State Division of Public Health, the risk to the public remains low. West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people and animals bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV do not develop any symptoms or just mild, flu-like symptoms. If illness does occur, it happens within 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If someone is experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever and headache, they should contact their local medical provider. There are no vaccines to prevent WNV and treatment consists of supportive care. People with compromised immune systems should take extra precautions.

The best way to prevent infection from WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses like Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon Virus is to prevent mosquito bites. 

•    Stay vigilant when you are outside
•    Protect yourself by using an EPA approved mosquito repellent
•    Avoid exposure at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
•    Wear long pants and long sleeves to minimize exposed skin

Most West Nile Virus mosquitoes breed in containers where water collects when you wash your car, water the lawn or garden and when it rains. By dumping the water, you can reduce the risk of WNV in your neighborhood. Dump water out of containers such as wheel barrows, buckets, trash barrels, tarps, boats, canoes and any other manmade container. Change birdbath water every few days. Check screens on windows and doors for holes whereby mosquitoes can enter your home. 
More information on choosing a repellent and using repellents safely is available on the EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents.