66°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

1st confirmed West Nile virus cases of the season reported

Updated June 26, 2024 - 5:56 pm

The Southern Nevada Health District has identified two cases of West Nile virus for this season, the agency said Wednesday in a news release.

One patient, a man over the age of 60, was diagnosed with the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness, and a man over the age of 70 had the neuroinvasive form of the illness. Both patients have recovered.

The announcement of the first reported cases in Clark County residents occurs after the Health District reported the highest level of mosquito activity in the program’s history this early in a season. As of Friday, 230 mosquito pools (7,493 mosquitoes from 30 ZIP codes) tested positive for West Nile virus. Nine mosquito pools, (267 mosquitoes from five ZIP codes) tested positive for the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis.

Public health officials are encouraging everyone to take steps to protect themselves. The risk of mosquito-borne illnesses can be reduced through preventive measures. The Health District’s Fight the Bite campaign calls on people to:

Eliminate Standing Water: Remove breeding sources around their homes. Aedes aegypti breed in small containers that collect rain or irrigation water, such as children’s toys, wheelbarrows and plant saucers, and even bottle caps.

Prevent Mosquito Bites: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Report Mosquito Activity: Call the Health District’s surveillance program at (702) 759-1633. To report a green pool, people should contact their local code enforcement agency.

Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on X.

MOST READ: POLITICS & GOVT
In case you missed it
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Tight hips? Try these 10 yoga poses to feel less stiff

If you have back pain, neck and shoulder stiffness or pain, sit a lot for work or are sedentary, hip-opening exercises can quickly alleviate the tightness.

Hike in a sweet oasis 80 miles from Las Vegas — PHOTOS

Pick a date before the weather gets too warm to hike along a path winding through bewildering geology and hardscrabble history in a desert oasis.

Tips for seniors to save on car insurance premiums

As auto insurance rates across the country continue to rise for all drivers, seniors 70 and older can face an even bigger price hike.

MORE STORIES