How To Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes; Uptick In West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Found in Las Vegas Valley

New numbers from the Southern Nevada Health District indicate that the Las Vegas area is experiencing a significant surge in West Nile Virus activity in mosquitoes. This is the highest level of activity recorded in the Mosquito Surveillance Program's history, and it's happening much earlier in the season than usual.

A total of 91 mosquito pools, comprising 3,081 mosquitoes from 16 ZIP codes including 89014, 89030, 89031, 89032, 89081, 89101, 89102, 89104, 89107, 89108, 89117, 89120, 89121, 89128, 89129, 89146, tested positive for the West Nile virus, while two mosquito pools, comprising 46 mosquitoes from two ZIP codes 89014, 89115, have tested positive for the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis. According to SNHD, St. Louis Encephalitis hasn't been reported in mosquitoes in Clark County since 2019, and the last reported cases in humans were in 2016.

Most people infected with the virus will not develop symptoms, but those who become ill may develop fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Some may develop a neuroinvasive form of the disease that causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

SNHD reported minimal West Nile virus activity in 2020, 2021, and 2023, but in 2019, 43 confirmed human cases were reported. According to the health district, two human cases of West Nile Virus were reported in 2023.

The West Nile virus is a serious health threat, transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. It's important to note that about one in five people infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. These symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Approximately one in 150 will develop more serious, sometimes fatal, illnesses. This underscores the urgency of taking preventative measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to help "Fight the Bite" and keep yourself and your loved ones safe!

• Eliminate standing water and other breeding sources around your homes. Aedes aegypti breeds in small containers that collect rain or irrigation water, such as children's toys, wheelbarrows, and plant saucers.
• Prevent mosquito bites by using a-registered EPA insect repellent.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes and long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Report mosquito activity to the Health District's surveillance program at (702) 759-1633. To report a green pool, contact your local code enforcement agency.

People who think they might have West Nile or any mosquito-born illness should talk with their healthcare provider.