CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – A 4-year-old boy hospitalized in critical, but stable condition may have come down with Eastern equine encephalitis, the second suspected case in New Hampshire, state Department of Health and Human Services said Monday.

The department reported a preliminary positive test for the boy, who lives in Goffstown and became sick on Aug. 16 with fever, headaches and a sore throat. Results may be known by Friday.

Last week, the department announced a preliminary positive test for a woman from Londonderry, who was hospitalized in stable condition.

“This second suspect case reinforces the need for people to take important prevention measures,” said John Stephen, department commissioner. “We know that EEE is in the state and we know that this disease can be deadly. I hope everyone takes this matter seriously and takes common-sense steps to avoid EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses, like West Nile Virus.”

Other symptoms include stiff neck and sensitivity to light.

Stephen said the disease is preventable if people remove standing water, wear long sleeves and long pants in mosquito-prone areas, and wear repellent.

The department is testing a number of mosquito pools across New Hampshire and animal samples. So far this year in New Hampshire, three birds, three mosquito pools and three horses have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis.

Like the West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis is transmitted through an infected mosquito’s bite. the only other human case in the state’s history occurred more than 20 years ago, but it was contracted elsewhere.

State Epidemiologist Jose Montero said last week about a third of people who contract the severe form of the illness die. Last year, two Massachusetts residents died after becoming infected. this year, there have been only five human cases nationally, mostly in the South.

Eds: Hotline for Eastern equine encephalitis questions, 1-866-273-6453 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On the Net: www.dhhs.nh.gov.