Environmental Health Department

Mission

To protect the public’s health by promoting best prevention practices through science, education, guidance and fostering public trust; and enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Vision

A healthy and well informed public with a balanced integration of human health and environmental protection

About

The role of the Environmental Health Department is to protect the health of the public by defining, eliminating, controlling and managing environmental hazards. This is accomplished through the enforcement of all laws and ordinances that protect the public from harmful environmental conditions.The department:

  • Licenses and inspects food service establishments, swimming pools and spas 
  • Inspects child care, foster homes, and schools 
  • Responds to complaints regarding sanitation and environmental health hazards
  • Oversees Rabies Control activities
  • Approves demolition, septic, and subdivision plans 
  • Provides education to the public on a variety of environmental topics

Newsflash - Stay updated on the latest news! 

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus identified in Nashua

The City of Nashua Environmental Health Department continues to use surveillance efforts to trap and test mosquitos on a weekly basis. At this time, West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected at one Nashua location. There were not any other mosquito-borne diseases of concern identified.  There are no human or animal cases to date in the Greater Nashua Region. Nashua will continue these proactive efforts through the end of arboviral surveillance season (October 15th).

Transmission of West Nile Virus occurs through mosquito bites. Preventing mosquito bites and reducing mosquito populations by mosquito control methods are important in reducing the transmission. The Greater Nashua Region is currently at low risk, but we encourage residents and visitors to take personal precautions. 

1.    Use an effective, EPA registered mosquito repellant that contains 30% DEET. Repellents with picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products also provide protection against mosquito bites. 

2.    At dawn and dusk wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active.

3.    Remove standing water from around your home to prevent mosquito breeding. 

WNV activity US Map Sept 2018

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

WNV risk Sept 2018

Source: NH DHHS, Division of Public Health Services, Bureau of Infectious Disease Control

DHHS Press Release  

Arboviral Illness Surveillance, Prevention and Response

Fight the Bite! Mosquito Prevention Tips 

The most effective way to avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquitoes when at home and during travel is to prevent mosquito bites. Although most kinds of mosquitoes are just nuisance mosquitoes, some kinds of mosquitoes in the United States and around the world spread viruses that can cause disease.

4Ds of Mosquito

Wear Proper Clothing

  • loose fitting clothing (many mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing) 
  • long-sleeved shirts and pants 
  • Light-colored clothing 
  • Clothing that is treated with permethrin 
  • Also consider mosquito netting 

Use an EPA Registered Repellent  (and apply it safely!!!)                     

Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

  • Active Ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), IR3535, 2-undecanone 
  • Always follow all label instructions (including age limitations)
  • If you are also using sunscreen - apply sunscreen then insect repellent 
  • Do not use permethrin directly on the skin

Find the insect repellent that's right for you by using EPA's Search Tool

                          Three symbols for insect repellents showing protection times for ticks and mosquitoes

Mosquitoes Need Water to Breed - So Tip and Toss!

Eliminate standing water from:

  • Children's outdoor toys and pools
  • Swimming pool covers
  • Canoes & other boats
  • Tree holes
  • Low areas in your yard
  • Overturned garbage can lids and recycling bins 
  • Bottles, flower pots, barrels, tires, buckets, etc

Keep other water sources clean:

  • Bird baths
  • Pet water dishes
  • Swimming pools - As the end of the swimming season draws near make sure your pools are closed up safely for winter. Pools must be circulating when they aren't closed for the season.
  • Roof gutters

Keep them Outside

  • Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Use air conditioning when available. 

Visit the CDC For More Information about fighting the bite!