Public Health Update
Health District reports 16th Case of West Nile Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 8, 2019

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting an additional case of West Nile virus, bring the year’s total to 16. The individual is a male over the age of 50 with the neuroinvasive form of the illness. Of the 16 reported cases, 11 have had the more serious, neuroinvasive form of the illness.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The Health District continues to urge people to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Precautions include:

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below.
  • DEET
  • Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
  • 2-undecanone
• Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
• Eliminate areas of standing water, including birdbaths, “green” swimming pools, and sprinkler runoff, which support mosquito breeding.

For more information visit the Health District’s website at  www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/west-nile-virus/. For updated surveillance information go to www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/mosquito-surveillance/weekly-arbovirus-update/

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.