Southern Nevada Health District begins mosquito surveillance one month early

Public encouraged to “Fight the Bite” as conditions favor early mosquito activity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 9, 2026

LAS VEGAS —The Southern Nevada Health District has begun routine mosquito surveillance activities approximately one month earlier than usual in response to warmer-than-average temperatures and recent rainfall across Clark County.

Environmental Health staff have started setting mosquito traps throughout the Las Vegas valley as part of the Health District’s Mosquito Disease Surveillance Program. Early surveillance allows public health officials to closely monitor mosquito populations, identify species present in the community and detect signs of mosquito-borne viruses before peak mosquito season.

Traps are placed in parks, wash channels, wetlands, residential neighborhoods and other potential breeding sites. Mosquitoes collected in the field are transported to a laboratory at the Health District’s Main Public Health Center, where they are sorted and cataloged by species and location. Samples are then sent to the Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory to test for arboviruses, including West Nile virus.

“Starting mosquito surveillance one month early gives us a critical head start,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer. “With warmer temperatures and the potential for standing water from recent rains, mosquitoes can begin breeding sooner than usual. Taking action now allows us to detect virus activity early and respond quickly. Mosquito prevention starts at home, and we encourage residents to eliminate standing water before mosquito populations increase.”

While activity has fluctuated in recent years, surveillance remains an essential public health tool to detect virus activity and guide response efforts. In 2024, 12 non-neuroinvasive cases and 14 neuroinvasive cases of West Nile virus were reported in Clark County. In 2025, no human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Clark County.

Because early-season conditions are favorable for mosquito development, the Health District is urging residents to take precautions now, particularly against Aedes aegypti, an invasive mosquito species capable of transmitting viruses such as Zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya. Unlike most mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti are aggressive daytime biters that prefer feeding on people. They breed in small containers that collect rain or irrigation water, including plant saucers, buckets, children’s toys and even bottle caps.

The Health District’s Fight the Bite campaign encourages residents to:

• Eliminate standing water around their homes
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and wear protective clothing
• Report mosquito activity to the Health District’s surveillance program at (702) 759-1633
• Report green pools to their local code enforcement agency

Additional resources and prevention tips are available at www.snhd.info/mosquito

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.