The Aedes aegypti mosquito has been identified in Clark County and can spread viruses like Zika, dengue, chikungunya.

• The Aedes mosquito species has been found in 89032 ZIP code. The Health District’s Vector Surveillance program has trapped and tested mosquitoes from this location. The identification of the mosquito in Clark County indicates that the mosquito can survive here. This is a new species identified in Nevada and one of the mosquitoes from the initial trapping is being sent to the CDC for species confirmation.
• The identification of the mosquito in one part of Clark County does not mean that is the only place where it can be found.
• The Health District advises everyone to eliminate breeding sources as a way to control the Aedes mosquito population no matter where you are located in Clark C

Three mosquitoes were found in the initial trap set. This is a new species identified in Nevada and one of the mosquitoes from the initial trapping is being sent to the CDC for species confirmation.

• Mosquitoes can travel. Some can fly over a mile. Although Aedes aegypti are not strong fliers, it does not mean that they are not living in other parts of town.
• The Health District recommends using all precautions to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding no matter what part of Clark County you are living in.

The Aedes mosquito can transmit viruses like Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. If you have been to an area where any of these illnesses have been spreading, and you return home to Southern Nevada and are bitten by an Aedes mosquito, that mosquito can become a carrier of the virus. When it bites someone else in our community, the virus can now be spread to that person causing local transmission of the disease.

• Aedes mosquitoes are different in that they bite during the daytime hours. In some places, Aedes mosquitoes have been found living inside homes in addition to outside. Like other mosquito species, they breed in standing water.
• Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile typically bite at dawn and dusk.

If you are experiencing mosquito activity, especially daytime biting mosquitoes at your home, please contact the Vector Surveillance Program at 702-759-1633.

• Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can spread Zika virus, dengue fever and chikungunya diseases. While many people who are infected with Zika or chikungunya will not become sick or develop symptoms, some will. Zika virus has been found to be especially harmful to a developing fetus and can cause severe birth defects.
• People who are infected with the virus that causes dengue fever can develop symptoms up to two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms often end in about one week. Sometimes symptoms can be severe and include intense stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose/gums. Sometimes death can occur.

• Not all mosquitoes carry diseases. Most people who are bitten by an Aedes or any other mosquito will not get sick or if they are bitten by an infected mosquito they will have only mild symptoms.
• Symptoms for several mosquito-borne illnesses include headache, rash, fever, joint pain. If you have symptoms and you are concerned about them or if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, you should check with your healthcare provider.
• Only a blood or urine test can confirm for certain if you have been infected with Zika, dengue, and chikungunya.

• While there is no way to tell for certain, a majority of people who become ill with Zika or other mosquito-borne viruses experience mild illness that lasts about a week. The current concern regarding Zika virus is its impact on pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant.
• The CDC recommends that pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant should postpone travel to areas that are currently experiencing outbreaks.

• Mosquitoes only need about one cup of water to breed. The Health District recommends eliminating breeding sites around your yard. Toss out standing water from flower pots, tires, wading pools, pet dishes, and ornamental ponds and bird baths.
• Check irrigation sites, drains, rain gutters for standing water.
• The CDC www.cdc.gov and the Health District www.SNHD.info have information about eliminating mosquito breeding sites and other prevention measures on their websites.

• The Aedes mosquito species has been found in several states including California and Arizona. In addition, it has been identified and spread illness in Florida and Texas as well as in Puerto Rico.
• Both types of the Aedes mosquito have the potential to be found across the Southwestern United States, the Southeastern United States, the South, and the Northeast.

• The Health District’s Vector Surveillance program has been looking for this species of mosquito since 2014. In addition to Southern Nevada, this particular mosquito has been found in neighboring states. The Health District continues to urge residents to remove mosquito breeding areas, which can be obvious sources including abandoned swimming pools or hidden sources such as tires and other small backyard containers. Contact the Vector Surveillance Program at (702) 759-1633 to report mosquito activity. More information on the Health District’s Vector Surveillance Program can be found on the website at www.SNHD.info.
• The Health District’s Vector Surveillance Program has put into place its plan to identify and control the Aedes mosquito population once it has been identified in the community.
• The Health District purchased equipment and resources to treat areas where Aedes mosquitoes have been found. Treatment can include the use of insecticides that are safe for people and the environment to eliminate breeding sites.