Five new West Nile virus cases reported in Clark County
Health District urges people to Fight the Bite this holiday weekend and throughout the summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 3, 2024
AS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting five new cases of West Nile virus, bringing the total to seven. Three patients — a female over the age of 60, and two males under the age of 50, were diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of the illness. All three patients were hospitalized and are recovering. A male and female, both under the age of 50, had the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness. Both patients have recovered.
As of June 27, 267 mosquito pools (8,578 mosquitoes from 36 ZIP codes) tested positive for West Nile virus. Fifteen mosquito pools, (447 mosquitoes from six ZIP codes) tested positive for the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis.
Public health officials continue to encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves. The risk of mosquito-borne illnesses can be reduced through preventive measures. The Health District’s Fight the Bite campaign calls on people to:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Remove breeding sources around their homes. Aedes aegypti breed in small containers that collect rain or irrigation water, such as children’s toys, wheelbarrows and plant saucers, and even bottle caps.
- Prevent Mosquito Bites: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Report Mosquito Activity: Call the Health District’s surveillance program at (702) 759-1633. To report a green pool, people should contact their local code enforcement agency.
Both St. Louis Encephalitis and West Nile virus are spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus will not develop symptoms and their cases will go unreported. Some people may develop a neuroinvasive form of the illnesses that cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
In addition to taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites, the Health District reminds the public of the dangers posed by extreme heat:
- Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Always carry plenty of water with you and a mobile phone.
- Remember to “look before you lock.” Children should never be left alone in a vehicle for any amount of time, even for a quick errand or quick trip into the home.
- Remember to never leave pets unattended in a car.
- Dress for hot weather. Clothing that is loose, lightweight and light-colored reflects heat and sunlight.
- Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against sunburn and skin cancer.
- Look in on friends and family, especially the elderly who may need help adjusting to the heat.
- Limit errands and outdoor activities to before noon or in the evening to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day.
- Updated cooling station information is available at https://helphopehome.org/get-help/.
Health District Fight the Bite tips and resources are available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/mosquito-surveillance/mosquito-bite-prevention/ or on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html.
The Health District’s seasonal mosquito surveillance reports are available at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/mosquito-surveillance/arbovirus-update/.
More information and extreme heat resources are available at www.SNHD.info/BeattheHeatSNV.
Previously released news releases regarding mosquito surveillance updates and extreme heat are linked below:
June 26, 2024: First confirmed West Nile virus cases of the season reported
June 10, 2024: More West Nile virus positive mosquitoes found in Southern Nevada
May 24, 2024: Early detection of West Nile Virus mosquitoes in Southern Nevada
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.