The Southern Nevada Health District joins with community partners in observing World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 1, a day of solidarity for those affected by HIV. In 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally. Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV; about 13% of them don’t know it and need testing. In Clark County, more than 12,000 people live with HIV and 500 were newly diagnosed in 2023.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident—a woman in her 70s. While reports of respiratory and influenza-like illnesses locally remain minimal, seasonal flu activity has slightly increased nationally, particularly among children. Emergency department and urgent care visits for influenza-like illness are also increasing. The Health District is encouraging everyone to protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill by getting the flu vaccine.

Thursday, November 21, is the Great American Smokeout, an opportunity for smokers to take the first step to quit the habit. It is estimated that eight out of 10 smokers would like to quit smoking, which remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes many health problems including cancer and cardiovascular and lung diseases. The Southern Nevada Health District has cessation resources and tools as well as information about alternative tobacco products and smoke-free living on its GetHealthyClarkCounty.org website.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting an increase in norovirus detected in community wastewater. Often referred to as the “stomach flu,” norovirus is not related to the influenza virus. It is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness in the United States.

In recognition of American Diabetes Month in November, the Southern Nevada Health District is raising awareness of one of the most widespread diseases in the United States. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness. People with diabetes also face a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, in Las Vegas, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are being held this season at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) observes National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) on Tuesday, October 15, focusing on the disproportionate impact of HIV in Hispanic/Latinx communities while promoting effective ways to prevent, treat and stop the transmission of HIV among Hispanic/Latinx people.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, in Las Vegas, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are being held this season at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has launched a new data dashboard and a test strip mail order program as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce overdoses. These programs provide harm reduction resources and education to Clark County residents.

Friday, September 27, is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, focusing on the continuing and disproportionate impact of HIV on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to efforts to end the HIV epidemic by expanding testing, prevention, treatment, and to reducing stigma.

Updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are now available at Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) clinics. The vaccines can be administered at the same time, and SNHD is recommending everyone eligible get their updated vaccines to protect against more serious illness from COVID-19 and flu this upcoming respiratory season. 

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to spotlight the critical importance of being ready for unexpected disasters. Potential emergencies in Southern Nevada could include natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and storms as well as Intentional acts. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) encourages everyone to assess their personal and community readiness for emergencies that could strike at any time.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is alerting people to the health risks associated with consuming raw milk, following an increase in the illegal sale of these products in Clark County. The sale of raw milk, and its products, is illegal in Clark County due to serious health concerns. SNHD advises residents to only consume pasteurized milk, which is treated to eliminate germs that can cause severe illness.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to learn about how to prevent obesity and reduce the stigma around it. The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, along with Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition, are promoting the 5-2-1-0 guidelines. These evidence-based recommendations can help children — and people of all ages — adopt healthier lifestyles. Activities and events scheduled during the month are available on the Get Healthy Clark County and Spanish-language Viva Saludable websites.

As the fall season approaches, the Pop-Up Produce Stands return to Las Vegas on September 3, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The pop-ups are scheduled for six dates in September, October and November at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards.

The Southern Nevada Health District continues to report sporadic cases of Mpox in Clark County residents. To date in 2024, the Health District has reported seven probable and confirmed Mpox cases in Clark County.

The Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is hosting its 8th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event on Saturday, August 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, 401 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89101. The event is an opportunity to remember those who have died, while acknowledging those who have survived.

In June, the Southern Nevada Health District issued an order upholding its decision to revoke a variance that allowed Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) to monitor pool users via video camera in lieu of an in-person lifeguard. An important factor in the Health District’s decision was video showing an incident in February 2024 in which an LVAC customer died in one of its indoor pool facilities. At that time, the Health District gave LVAC 60 days’ notice that the revocation would go into effect on August 12, 2024.