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West Nile Virus

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West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness that is most often spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals. West Nile virus has been detected in all lower 48 states (but not in Hawaii or Alaska) and outbreaks of disease have been occurring in the United States every summer since 1999.

The first human cases of West Nile virus in Clark County, along with the first positive mosquitoes, were reported in 2004. The health district conducts surveillance of mosquito populations to monitor the level of virus throughout the valley. Every year since then (except 2010), the virus has been found in both humans and mosquitoes. West Nile virus is now endemic in Clark County, which means we expect to see the virus every year during the mosquito season, which occurs April through November.

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. You can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus by reporting stagnant water, green swimming pools or other potential mosquito breeding sources to your local code enforcement agency. Visit the Mosquito Surveillance for more information on reporting mosquito activity to the health district. For additional information on West Nile virus visit the Frequently Asked Questions page or the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s website.

West Nile Virus – Public Health Updates & News Releases

1Aug 2019

West Nile virus an ongoing risk in Southern Nevada

The Southern Nevada Health District reports three more Clark County residents have neuroinvasive illness caused by the West Nile virus. All three individuals are male, and over the age of 50. These new cases bring the year’s total to 11. Nine of the 11 cases reported to the Health District had the neuroinvasive form of the illness.

30Jul 2019

Mosquitoes – Southern Nevada has them and they are spreading disease!

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting two new cases of West Nile virus in Clark County residents. Both have the more serious, neuroinvasive form of the illness. One individual is a female over the age of 50, and the other is a male under the age of 50. These new cases bring the year’s total to eight. Six of the eight West Nile cases reported to the Health District had neuroinvasive illness.

26Jul 2019

West Nile Virus Update

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting Clark County’s sixth case of West Nile virus. The individual is a female under the age of 50 who has the neuroinvasive form of the illness. West Nile virus is considered endemic in Clark County, having first been identified in 2005. This new case is a reminder to the public of the importance of preventing mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sources around their homes.

25Jul 2019

Health District issues precautions as additional West Nile virus cases reported

Three more Clark County residents have tested positive for West Nile virus, and the Southern Nevada Health District is reminding the public to take precautions to protect themselves from this potentially serious disease. One individual is a male over the age of 50 who had the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness, and another is a female under the age of 50 who had the neuroinvasive form of the illness. The third individual is a male over the age of 50 who was asymptomatic and is classified as a presumptively viremic donor (PVD).

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Contact Information

Phone:
(702) 759-1633

Updated on: October 21, 2019 4:06 pm

2019-10-21T16:06:01-07:00
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