Numerous Mosquitos Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is alive with a disturbing disturbance currently. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has declared over 3,000 mosquitoes with West Nile virus, hitting a new high in the city's history.
These mosquitoes were sampled from 91 monitored mosquito pools across 16 zip codes, as stated in an SNHD press release. It's believed that the upsurge is due to an escalation in Aedes aegypti, a highly persistent species of biting mosquitoes, preferring humans over birds and other creatures.
The reason behind this species' presence isn't pinpointed yet, but it marks the first time such mosquitoes with West Nile virus have emerged in Clark County.
Symptoms, Severity, Prevention
Approximately 20% of people who contract West Nile will exhibit symptoms. These could include fever, headaches, body discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and a rash.
About 1 in 150 human cases will be extreme, and 1 in 1,500 could be fatal.
The health officials urge both locals and tourists to observe preventive measures during the summer months. These comprise:
- Using EPA-approved bug repellants.
- Staying clear of stagnate water.
- Wearing relaxed, spacious clothes like long-sleeved tops and pants.
Cases of human West Nile virus were scarce between 2020-2023, with just two in 2022. But sporadic incidents were reported in 2019 - 43 cases.
Additionally, two mosquito pools in two zip codes were also found to have St. Louis encephalitis virus, marking the first occurrence since 2019. Thankfully, no human St. Louis encephalitis cases have been documented since 2016, the SNHD specified.
While in Las Vegas, the Health District's surveillance program welcomes visitors to report any mosquito-related activities they notice at (702) 759-1633.
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