LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first West Nile virus death in a Clark County resident. The individual was a female over the age of 50 and had previously been reported as having neuroinvasive illness.
The Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed a fourth case of severe respiratory illness linked to e-cigarettes in a Clark County resident. The individual is over the age of 18. The Health District previously reported cases in an individual under the age of 18 and two over the age of 18. The first case confirmed in Clark County was reported in September 2019. Up to date information on the outbreak is available on the CDC website.
As part of this year’s National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), the Southern Nevada Health District is partnering with the Southern Nevada HIV Awareness Consortium for the “Big Oh” Health Fair between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Nucleus Plaza, 916 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106. For more information, visit the Southern Nevada HIV Awareness Consortium’s Facebook page,
Dr. Joe Iser, Chief Health Officer of the Southern Nevada Health District, announced his retirement from the Southern Nevada Health District today. Dr. Iser has served as the Chief Health Officer since September 2013. His retirement is effective January 3, 2020.
Two additional Clark County residents have been identified as having severe respiratory illness linked to e-cigarette products. The Southern Nevada Health District reports both cases are individuals ages 18 or older.
he Southern Nevada Health District is reporting Clark County’s first confirmed case of severe respiratory illness linked to e-cigarette products in a person under the age of 18. The youth was hospitalized with respiratory symptoms that met the case definition established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A pulmonary infection has not been identified. The patient was released from the hospital and is recovering.
The Southern Nevada Health District has identified a person with hepatitis A that worked at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 2910 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (Maryland Parkway and Vegas Valley Drive) while they were potentially infectious to others.
In 2017, there were 464 fatal drug overdoses (excluding alcohol) in Clark County. Opioid-related overdoses and deaths continue to occur across the United States and the world. In an effort to acknowledge those deaths, the Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance (SNHRA) is participating in its 3rd annual International Overdose Awareness Day, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, August 29 at the Chuck Minker Sports Complex, 275 N. Mojave Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101. The SNHRA will also offer overdose prevention trainings at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Participants will receive a free overdose prevention kit that contains nasal naloxone (Narcan®), the opioid overdose reversal medication, as well as community resources.
The Solid Waste Hearing Officer, under authority granted in Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 444.629, conducts monthly hearings to settle cases involving illegal dumping and other solid waste matters. At the August 19, 2019 hearing, the following cases were adjudicated:
LAS VEGAS - The Southern Nevada Health District is informing individuals and the public who were at different locations listed below that they might have been exposed to a person who was confirmed to have a case of measles. Because measles can be highly contagious, the Health District is advising people who may have been exposed to review their immunization status and contact their health care providers if they are not fully immunized against measles or have not already had the disease. This measles case was reported in a visitor. There have been no additional cases reported in Clark County residents.
In June, the Southern Nevada Health District announced Clark County was experiencing an outbreak of hepatitis A cases. Since November 2018, the Health District has reported 83 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A. In the past few years total cases reported have been significantly lower: 39 cases reported in 2018; 13 cases in 2017; and six reported cases in 2016. People who are at increased risk for infection include people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness. Of the reported cases, more than 92 percent were people who used drugs (injection or non-injection), and more than 80 percent were among people experiencing homelessness. Weekly hepatitis A outbreak updates will be available on the Health District website at www.SNHD.info/hep-a-control.
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.
The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting three additional cases of West Nile virus, bring the year’s total to 15. One individual is a female under the age of 50 with the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness. The other two individuals are both male, under the age of 50, with the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness. Of the 15 reported cases, 10 had the more serious, neuroinvasive form of the illness.
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting Clark County’s 12th case of West Nile virus. The individual is a male over the age of 50 with the neuroinvasive form of the illness. Ten of the 12 cases reported to the Health District have had the more serious, neuroinvasive form of the illness.
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.
The Southern Nevada Health District’s third annual Environmental Health Expo is a fun event for kids and the whole family. There will be informative and interactive exhibits that include a working model of a milking cow, how to pack a safe lunch, the big 8 food allergens, information about trash and recycling, and mosquito fish and equipment.
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.
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.
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).
The Southern Nevada Health District urges parents and guardians to beat the back-to-school rush by bringing their pre-schoolers, kindergartners, and 7th graders for mandatory vaccinations to one of its public health centers. This year, the first day of school for students in Clark County is Monday, August 12.
The Southern Nevada Health District hosted its first State of the Health District on Thursday to provide the public and stakeholders with highlights of agency accomplishments, an overview of the Community Health Needs Assessment developed in partnership with Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, and a preview of new initiatives planned for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Solid Waste Hearing Officer, under authority granted in Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 444.629, conducts monthly hearings to settle cases involving illegal dumping and other solid waste matters. At the July 10, 2019 hearing, the following cases were adjudicated...
The State of the Health District will celebrate the agency’s accomplishments, recognize achievements reached with community partners, set out policy goals for the upcoming fiscal year, and announce new public health initiatives to address healthy aging and recognize restaurants who implement environmentally-friendly practices.
The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting its second human case of West Nile virus in Southern Nevada in 2019. The individual, a female under the age of 50, has the more serious neuroinvasive form of the illness and has been hospitalized. The Health District reported its first West Nile case in April in a woman over the age of 50 with the more serious form of the illness; she has since recovered. There were no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Clark County last year.
People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives today because new treatments are available. The key is getting tested and getting into care! June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, and the Southern Nevada Health District is offering free rapid HIV testing from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at its Sexual Health Clinic located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd.
The Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed a significant increase in the number of acute hepatitis A cases in Clark County. Between January 1, 2019, and May 31, 2019, there have been 37 reported acute hepatitis A cases, compared to 17 reported cases in 2018, no reported case in 2017, and six reported cases in 2016 during the same period.
The Solid Waste Hearing Officer, under authority granted in Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 444.629, conducts monthly hearings to settle cases involving illegal dumping and other solid waste matters. At the June 13, 2019 hearing, the following cases were adjudicated...
The Las Vegas Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning in Nevada, and the Southern Nevada Health District is urging residents and visitors to take precautions now and throughout the summer.
The Southern Nevada Health District’s Mosquito Surveillance Program identified the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of the season in the 89005 ZIP code. The first human case of West Nile virus in Southern Nevada was reported in April. The individual, a female over the age of 50, had the more serious neuroinvasive form of the illness and has recovered. There were no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Clark County last year.
On Sunday, June 2, the Southern Nevada Health District, Clark County, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas will hold The Mega-POD, a full-scale emergency response exercise at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The Southern Nevada Health District, Clark County, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas are planning a full-scale emergency response exercise called The Mega-POD to test plans that include dispensing medication to Southern Nevadans in a public health emergency. The exercise will include approximately 200 staff members from Clark County who will play multiple roles during the exercise.
The Southern Nevada Health District is raising awareness about hepatitis and encouraging people to get tested during Hepatitis Awareness Month, and on May 19, Hepatitis Testing Day. Millions of people in the United States are infected with hepatitis and many are not aware of their infection.
Las Vegas Aces players A’ja Wilson and Carolyn Swords will visit the first Slam Dunk Health program-winning classroom to recognize students’ commitment to living healthy lifestyles with more physical activity and healthy eating habits.
Are your baby’s shots up to date? The annual Southern Nevada Baby Fest Immunizations & Health Fair is the perfect opportunity to update your children’s immunizations. The event is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 3 at the Southern Nevada Health District’s 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Public Health Center. Low-cost immunizations will be available for kids who qualify, and parents can update their shots as well.
The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting its first human case of West Nile virus in Southern Nevada in 2019. The individual, a female over the age of 50, had the more serious neuroinvasive form of the illness and has recovered. There were no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Clark County last year.
What does it take to be a Public Health Hero? Every year, the Southern Nevada Health District recognizes individuals or organizations whose actions have served to improve the health status of the community. This year, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) volunteers Maria Soto-Henry and Michael Slonina, and Clark County Code Enforcement’s Lt. Dave Pollex were honored.
An Immunizations & Health Fair to commemorate National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). Immunizations will be available for both children and adults during Baby Fest. Low-cost or free immunizations will be available for infants and children who qualify.
In 2017, Clark County ranked first in the nation for rates of primary and secondary syphilis and second for rates of congenital syphilis. Cases of congenital syphilis have been steadily increasing at an alarming rate in Clark County. In 2016, there were nine reported cases, in 2017 there were 20 cases, and in 2018 there were 24 cases of congenital syphilis in Clark County.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 465 cases of measles in 19 states so far this year. This is the second-greatest number of cases reported in the United States since measles was eliminated in 2000. The Southern Nevada Health District reported two confirmed cases of measles in Clark County the last six months. The CDC is urging people to protect themselves before traveling, especially to international destinations.
The Southern Nevada Health District has tested 187 individuals as part of its contact investigation related to a person diagnosed with active TB disease who was at Durango High School while potentially infectious.
Clark County ranks 8th healthiest in Nevada according to the annual County Health rankings, up from 10th in last year’s ranking. The County Health Rankings are released each year by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). The full rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.
An investigation by the Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed an internationally imported case of measles in Clark County. The patient is an international visitor and the potential Las Vegas exposure occurred between Saturday, March 9 and Monday, March 11. The patient’s immunization status is unknown. The Health District is notifying individuals who might have had contact with this patient and will not be releasing any additional information about the patient.
The County Health Rankings measure the health of nearly all counties in the nation and rank them within states. The Rankings are compiled using county-level measures from a variety of national and state data sources and then standardized using scientifically-informed weights.
The Southern Nevada Health District, the Clark County School District (CCSD), and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces are launching a new program called the Slam Dunk Health Challenge to encourage students to eat healthy and participate in physical activity. The Slam Dunk Health Challenge kicks off in February.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. During American Heart Month, the Southern Nevada Health District encourages Southern Nevadans to work with their health care providers to learn about their heart disease risk factors and the ABCS of heart disease.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed each year on February 7 to increase testing and treatment among black communities. This year the Southern Nevada Health District will commemorate the day by offering free Express Testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia at its Sexual Health Clinic between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
As the state of Washington declares an emergency in response to an outbreak of measles, the Southern Nevada Health District is urging everyone to ensure they and their children are appropriately immunized.
The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the 2018-2019 season's first flu-related deaths. One of the reported deaths occurred in a child in the 0-4 age group. The two adult patients who died were in the 50-64 age group.
The Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed an internationally imported case of measles in Southern Nevada. This is the first confirmed case of measles in Clark County since 2015. The patient is a previously vaccinated adult with a history of international travel. Appropriate testing confirmed the case on Monday, Dec. 24. The Health District is notifying individuals who might have had contact with this patient and will not be releasing any additional information about the patient.
Nevada ranks 39th nationwide in funding programs that prevent kids from using tobacco and help smokers quit, according to a report released today by leading public health groups.
Today, the Southern Nevada Health District issued a call-to-action to community partners and health care providers to implement HIV/AIDS interventions and strategies to achieve the goal of 90-90-90 in Nevada.
The Southern Nevada Health District is issuing a call-to-action to community partners and health care providers to implement interventions and strategies to achieve 90-90-90 in Nevada.
The demand for flu vaccine typically decreases after the end of November, and National Influenza Vaccination Week, scheduled for December 2-8, highlights the importance of continuing flu vaccination throughout the holiday season and beyond.
In observance of the 30th World AIDS Day, the Southern Nevada Health District will offer free Express Testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia at its Sexual Health Clinic on Friday, Nov. 30 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on a first come, first served basis; appointments are not necessary.
On Thursday, Nov. 15 many smokers will pledge to go smoke-free, even if it’s just for one day. The Great American Smokeout has provided an opportunity for smokers to commit to leading healthier lives for more than 40 years, and the Southern Nevada Health District has cessation resources, tools, and information to support them in their journey. The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for smokers to kick the habit for at least one day with the hope that it could lead to a permanent change. The Health District encourages tobacco users to take up the one-day challenge that can lead to a long-term plan to quit for good. The Health District’s GetHealthyClarkCounty.org website has cessation resources as well as information about tobacco products, smoke-free living, and smoke-free meeting spaces.
In the United States, approximately 84 million people have prediabetes, and nine out of 10 of them do not know it. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During American Diabetes Month, the Southern Nevada Health District encourages everyone to take the prediabetes risk test, speak with a health care provider about their risks of developing the disease, and take steps to reverse prediabetes. The Health District and its community partners offer education, self-management classes, and support for people with diabetes and their families as well as programs that can help people lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For more information about available resources, visit the Health District's Get Healthy Clark County website or its Spanish-language site Viva Saludable.
The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting that illegal dumping complaints increased by 28 percent in Clark County from 2016 to 2017. Complaints of material that have been illegally disposed of include trash, sewage, and hazardous material waste. In 2016, the Health District received 1,223 illegal dumping complaints, in 2017 the number of complaints increased to 1,575, and in 2018 the number of calls, emails, and information received through the Health District’s website has continued to increase.
On Friday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 3, teams from the Southern Nevada Health District will begin interviewing household members in Las Vegas about how extreme heat impacts them and their families. These neighborhood surveys are part of the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) technique to gather information to assist in emergency planning and response efforts. The goal of this CASPER survey is to understand how extreme heat affects Clark County residents and how local response agencies and Southern Nevadans can better prepare for such events. In 2017, the Health District reported 123 heat-related deaths among Clark County residents.
The Southern Nevada Health District received notification from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming the first case of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) in a child in Clark County. The Health District will not be releasing identifying information related to individual cases of illness.
The Solid Waste Hearing Officer, under authority granted in Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 444.629, conducts monthly hearings to settle cases involving illegal dumping and other solid waste matters.
The Southern Nevada Health District and the Southern Nevada HIV Awareness Consortium will offer rapid HIV screenings, syphilis testing, and additional health services on Saturday, October 13 to commemorate National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day. In the United States, Hispanics/Latinos accounted for approximately 26 percent of new HIV diagnoses in 2016 although they are only approximately 18 percent of the population. The testing event will take place from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 at Bonanza Plaza, 4250 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV. For more information, contact Rosita Castillo, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Inc., (702) 239-6217.
Contact Information Phone: (702) 759-1300 Email: snhdpublicinformation@snhd.org
In commemoration of World Environmental Health Day, the Southern Nevada Health District is hosting its second Environmental Health Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The public is invited to the Health District's main location at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. to learn more about environmental health programs, participate in hands-on demonstrations, view exhibits, and much more. Health District staff and partners will provide information about their role in keeping the community healthy at this free, family-friendly event.
If it's not too early to order a pumpkin spice latte, then it's not too early to protect yourself and your family from the flu! The beginning of fall means that flu season is just around the corner, and the Southern Nevada Health District is offering the injectable quadrivalent (four-strain) flu vaccine as well as the high-dose vaccine for people age 65 and older at its public health centers. Cost of the flu vaccine is covered by most insurance with no copay. For more information, visit the Immunization Program's Flu Vaccine Clinic page or call the clinic at (702) 759-0850.
Stephanie Bethel Public Information Officer (702) 759-1393 bethel@snhd.org Jennifer Sizemore Public Information Manager (702) 759-1225 sizemore@snhd.org [...]
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The Solid Waste Hearing Officer, under authority granted in Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 444.629, conducts monthly hearings to settle cases involving illegal dumping and other solid waste matters. At the September 13, 2018 hearing, the following cases were adjudicated:
The Southern Nevada Health District is hosting an Environmental Health Expo in celebration of World Environmental Health Day. This year's theme, Global Food Safety and Sustainability, highlights how providing safer food and water can raise a community's public health status and maximize environmental health benefits.
Back to school crunch time is officially here, and the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging parents and guardians to bring their preschoolers, kindergartners, and 7th graders for mandatory vaccinations to one of its public health clinics.
LAS VEGAS – Now that school is in session, the Southern Nevada Health District encourages parents to re-establish healthy routines for their kids. With online tips and tools, parents can learn about Safe Routes to school, prepare healthier school day breakfasts and lunches, and search for walking trails for the whole family. Visit Get healthy Clark County, www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org for information.
