Health District provides tips to eliminate West Nile Virus breeding sources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 19, 2015

LAS VEGAS – Due to the increase in rain and flooding activity, the Southern Nevada Health District is recommending that residents in the Laughlin, Nevada region assess the areas surrounding their home for standing water in order to eliminate breeding sources for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can spread potentially serious diseases such as West Nile Virus and West Nile Encephalitis. West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been reported in Clark County. To date, no human cases have been reported.

Standing and/or stagnant water provides an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes. It takes seven to 10 days from the time a mosquito lays her eggs until 100 to 400 larvae begin their life. Due to the small size of the mosquito larvae and pupae, a large source of standing water is not needed.

Additional breeding prevention tips include:

Pools

• Chlorine will not kill mosquito larvae.
• If a pool cover is used, keep it tightly sealed.
• Remove rain water from the top of the pool cover.
• Stock unused or “out-of-order” pools with mosquito fish.

Plastic Wading Pools

• Change water every week.
• Store indoors and empty when not in use or on vacation.

Ornamental Ponds

• Aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with mosquito eating fish.
• Remove leaves and thin out plant.
• Keep water levels up.
• Screen inlet of recirculation pump.
• Transfer fish to glass bowl when cleaning pond because chlorine kills fish.
• If pond is no longer desired, break holes in the bottom and fill with dirt or sand.

Boats

• Prevent accumulation of sprinkler or rainwater.
• Store small boats upside down or cover tightly.

Animal Water Troughs

• Stock large troughs with mosquito fish.
• Clean small troughs every week.
• Change the water in pet dishes twice a week.

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.