Health District Urges Precautions Amid High Respiratory Illness Activity in Clark County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 13, 2025

LAS VEGAS — The Southern Nevada Health District is urging residents to take precautions as respiratory illness activity, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), remains high throughout Clark County.

Seasonal flu activity is increasing and remains elevated across most of the United States. As of Dec. 28, 2024, the Health District reported 438 influenza-associated hospitalizations and seven deaths for the 2024-2025 flu season (October through May). During the same period last season, the Health District reported 294 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 13 deaths. Community wastewater surveillance as of Jan. 8, 2025, shows moderate concentrations of the virus that causes COVID-19 and high concentrations of RSV and influenza A in Clark County.

The Health District recommends people take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

Get Vaccinated: Safe and effective vaccines are available for flu, COVID-19, and RSV (for those eligible for the RSV immunization).
Wash Your Hands: Wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
Seek Treatment: Effective treatments are available for flu and COVID-19. Treatment is especially recommended for individuals at higher risk of severe illness and can help reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

In addition, people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others. Those who are immunocompromised should take extra precautions in public, such as wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask.

Testing is another prevention strategy that can assist individuals in making decisions to further protect themselves and others. Free, COVID-19 self-test kits are available at sites throughout Clark County, including Laughlin and Mesquite. For more information and locations, go to www.snhd.info/covid-testing.

More information about the respiratory illnesses currently circulating is available at CDC|About Respiratory Illnesses. To make an appointment to get vaccinated at a Health District immunization clinic, go to www.snhd.info/immunizations.

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.