The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting that preliminary laboratory results suggest norovirus as the cause of illness in the gastrointestinal outbreak at Tanaka Elementary School.

To commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Southern Nevada Health Consortium will provide free HIV testing, STD screenings, safe sex kits and education about pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, PEP) today (February 7) from noon – 5 p.m. at Nucleus Plaza, 1040 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106. The event will also feature a vendor health fair and free entertainment.

The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a report of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness reported at Wayne Tanaka Elementary School on Jan. 27, 2023. To date, the agency is reporting a total of 71 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus associated with this outbreak.

As National Nutrition Month gets underway, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) urges area residents to learn how to make informed food choices and develop healthful eating habits. This year’s campaign encourages consumers to “fuel for the future” when planning meals and snacks.

The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in guests who stayed separately at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., in December 2022 and January 2023. The hotel is assisting in the investigation and taking steps to notify current and past guests dating back to December 16, 2022.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is Friday, March 10, a day to support women and girls who are living with HIV and to encourage others to be tested for HIV.

Tuberculosis continues to be a significant global health threat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, across the globe, 1.6 million people died of TB and another 10.6 million become ill with it. While global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 74 million lives, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have reversed years of progress.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) are proud to welcome the Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit, to be held at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas April 11 and 12. Presented by the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), the summit will convene more than 1,400 leaders, advocates and educators to share ideas and learn about new approaches to preventing HIV infection.

April is National Minority Health Month, calling attention to health disparities that affect people from racial and ethnic minority groups. It is also a time to encourage action through health education, early detection and control of disease complications. The theme for 2023 is “Better Health Through Better Understanding.”

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and its various programs dedicate the month of April to creating awareness and advocating for Minority Health. Racial and ethnic minorities face the greatest health disparities in the U.S. Minority Health Month is a time for public health professionals and community partners to remember the responsibility they have to understand healthcare barriers that disproportionately affect minorities and take action towards supporting better health outcomes and creating a more culturally responsive environment. It is a time to celebrate program successes that increase health care access to our most underserved communities, such as the opening of the Fremont Public Health Center, and a time to reflect on the inequities that have yet to be addressed to consistently decrease health disparities.

Would you consider drinking 10 teaspoons of sugar? That’s about the amount of sugar in a regular, 12-ounce can of soda. Because of that added sugar, soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to myriad health problems including obesity, tooth decay and type 2 diabetes.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is urging heightened public awareness of the health dangers associated with xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the country’s illicit drug supply and linked to overdose deaths throughout the United States. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is not approved for human consumption. It can be life-threatening and is especially dangerous when combined with opioids such as fentanyl.

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion kicks off the 2023 Move Your Way® Summer Challenge on Friday, May 26, with Slide into Summer activities at the Henderson Multigenerational Activity Pool. Slide into Summer is the first in a series of free, summer-long events aimed at encouraging Southern Nevadans to be more physically active.

The Pop-Up Produce Stands are back, giving people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. While the pop-up stands are open to everyone, they are being implemented to help those who experience barriers to accessing fresh produce, including affordability and transportation obstacles. The first of the 2023 pop-ups was offered in May and five more are scheduled throughout the year at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) Plaza in Las Vegas. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit, or credit cards.

The school year begins on Monday, August 7, and Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) immunization clinics will be offering expanded dates and times so parents and guardians in Clark County have plenty of time to ensure their children are appropriately immunized and ready for the first day of school. SNHD encourages parents and guardians to make an appointment now for their kindergartners, 7th and 12th graders at one of its immunization clinics for their mandatory school vaccines so they can beat the back-to-school rush.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women outlive men in the United States by nearly six years. Diseases including heart disease, cancer and diabetes affect men to a greater extent than women, but these conditions can, in many cases, be prevented through regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices. Throughout June, during Men’s Health Month, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds men to take charge of their overall health by implementing health-centered decisions.

The Mosquito Disease Surveillance Program of the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has identified the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of the season in the 89074 ZIP code. The analysis was conducted by the Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory. West Nile Virus (WNV), the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people.

In observance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Southern Nevada HIV Awareness Consortium will provide free HIV testing throughout the day at community locations. The theme of this year’s observance is, “Take the test and take the next step.”

As temperatures rise and an excessive heat warning is issued, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is urging area residents and visitors to take precautions. In 2023, there have been seven heat-associated deaths reported in Clark County, according to SNHD. During all of 2022, Clark County recorded 152 such deaths.

The first day of school is less than one week away, and the Southern Nevada Health District is reminding parents and guardians that all students enrolled in Nevada public, private or charter schools must be up to date on mandatory vaccines before classes begin. SNHD immunization clinics are offering expanded dates and times to accommodate the back-to-school rush, but appointments are required. Parents and guardians are urged to make an appointment now for their kindergartners, 7th and 12th graders.

The Southern Nevada Community Health Center is celebrating National Health Center Week August 6-12, by raising awareness of the services it offers, showing appreciation for patients with giveaways and raffle prizes, and celebrating its dedicated employees at its Community Health Center locations.

The Southern Nevada Health District has added another date to its lineup of back-to-school clinics. The Health District will be offering vaccinations at its Main Public Health Center on Friday, August 11, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Health District urges parents and guardians to ensure their children have all mandatory vaccines before classes resume on August 7, but is prepared to provide expanded services throughout the first week of school to accommodate families in Southern Nevada.

“Uniting the pillars of community response to substance abuse” is the theme of the 4th annual Southern Nevada Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention Summit (SNSMOPS), set for August 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Red Rock Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.

The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a travel-associated case of Legionnaires’ disease in a guest that stayed at The Orleans Hotel & Casino.

The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating two travel-associated cases of Legionnaires’ disease in guests who stayed at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino.

The Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is hosting its 7th International Overdose Awareness Day event on Thursday, August 31, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Chuck Minker Sports Complex, located at 275 N. Mojave Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101. The event is an opportunity to acknowledge the loss of friends and loved ones to fatal drug overdoses, while honoring the families and friends touched by overdoses. The observance also aims to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths while raising awareness about overdose prevention and drug policy.

Following a summer break, the Pop-Up Produce Stands return to Las Vegas on September 5, with additional dates scheduled during the fall and winter. The pop-up stands give people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. While being open to everyone, the pop-up stands are implemented to help those who experience barriers to accessing fresh produce, including affordability and transportation obstacles.

Due to the recent rain and flooding, the Southern Nevada Health District is recommending residents assess areas surrounding their homes for standing water to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sources.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about childhood obesity and ways to prevent it while also reducing its stigma. For the annual observance, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is teaming up with the Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition and other community partners to promote healthy behaviors that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases including obesity. A key focus of this effort is the American Academy of Pediatrics 5-2-1-0 guidelines, which entail the following strategies to develop and maintain healthy habits:

The Southern Nevada Health District has identified a local supplement manufacturer, Harmonic Innerprizes, sold products made with ingredients that are not food grade and with ingredients from unapproved sources, including some that could lead to heavy metal toxicity. Testing of products from the facility that were found to be from unapproved or unidentified sources is being conducted to determine more information about the contents of the supplements.

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation. Noting that Hispanic/Latin Americans comprise the largest minority group in the United States, District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said, “Diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths, and we are grateful for the far-reaching impact of Hispanic culture on our society. The Health District is proud to join the local community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.”

As the 2023-2024 flu season gets underway, flu vaccines will be available at Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) clinics beginning Monday, September 18. With flu viruses evolving each season, SNHD strongly recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive their flu vaccination before this season’s flu viruses begin circulating in the community. Vaccines are provided at Health District public health centers by appointment, and appointments are available at www.snhd.info/immunizations or by calling (702) 759-0850.

All Southern Nevada Health District locations will be closed until 1:30 p.m. for staff development and an all-hands meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is now offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine at its clinics. The rollout follows recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, amid an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations and concerns about the spread of new variants.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, in Las Vegas. The pop-up stands give people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. While being open to everyone, the pop-up stands are implemented to help those who experience barriers to accessing fresh produce, including affordability and transportation obstacles.

All Southern Nevada Health District locations will be closed until 1:30 p.m. for staff development and an all-hands meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) joins with the LGBTQ+ community in observing National Coming Out Day on Wednesday, October 11. The annual observance calls attention to stigmas that affect the LGBTQ+ community, including those associated with HIV.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) will participate in the Southern Nevada Health Consortium’s free health fair on National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), October 14. Activities include cost-free rapid HIV testing, information on HIV prevention (PrEP/PEP), syphilis testing, STD education, substance use resources, vendors and music. The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Chuck Minker Sports Complex, 275 N. Mojave Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101.

In observance of American Diabetes Month in November, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, 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 has received reports of seven new cases of mpox in Clark County residents during the month of October. The Health District last reported a case of mpox at the end of August, and reports had been significantly declining at that time.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, in Las Vegas. The pop-up stands give people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. While being open to everyone, the pop-up stands are implemented to help those who experience barriers to accessing fresh produce, including affordability and transportation obstacles.

In September, the Southern Nevada Health District identified that a local supplement manufacturer, Harmonic Innerprizes, sold products made with ingredients that were not food grade and with ingredients from unapproved sources. Subsequent testing of products from the facility found lead at levels that may be a health concern for certain people in three products.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident — a man in his 60s. Reports of hospitalizations and people seeking care for influenza-like-illness in the community are also continuing to increase, and the Health District is encouraging everyone to do their part to protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill by getting the flu vaccine.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) joins with community partners in observing World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1, a day of solidarity for those affected by HIV. More than 32 million people have died worldwide from AIDS-related illness. In Clark County, more than 11,000 people are living with HIV and 488 were newly diagnosed in 2022.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds area residents that the next Pop-Up Produce Stand – the last of the year -- is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC), 101 E. Bonneville Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101. The hours are noon to 3 p.m., or while supplies last.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is an annual observance the first week of December to encourage those who have not received a flu vaccine to get one. It’s also an optimal time to remind everyone 6 months and older that it’s not too late to get vaccinated against flu now that both the holiday and flu season have officially arrived in Clark County.

The Southern Nevada Health District is working with Clark County School District on a tuberculosis investigation involving a person with active TB disease who was on multiple school district campuses while they were sick and had the potential to spread the disease to others. Based on the Health District’s preliminary investigation, the patient had minimal close contact with people at most of the campuses where they were present. However, students and staff at Ruthe Deskin Elementary School were identified as having potential TB exposure. Notifications are being conducted for all individuals identified as close contacts of the patient.

The individual who was diagnosed with active TB disease was on 26 campuses and one training site before they were aware of their diagnosis and the case was reported to the Southern Nevada Health District. At this stage of the Health District’s investigation no exposures have been identified at eight of the campuses, individual notifications are occurring at 17 of the campuses for people identified as possibly having an exposure, and one broader exposure notification is occurring at Ruthe Deskin Elementary School.