CONCORD, N.H. – Health officials say they have found evidence of the dangerous eastern equine encephalitis in birds in three more New Hampshire communities.

Dead birds have tested positive for the disease in Franklin, Canterbury and Hooksett. The discovery follows two suspected cases of the disease in residents of Londonderry and Goffstown.

Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen said health officials are concerned because the virus is spreading. It’s carried by infected mosquitoes.

The disease, also known as Triple-E, usually doesn’t affect people, but can cause flulike symptoms and in rare cases, coma and death.

Stephen said people should continue to protect themselves from mosquitoes by getting rid of standing water on their property, wearing long sleeves and pants and using mosquito repellent.