Southern Nevada has had quite a lot of rain in the past couple of months. When there is rain there is standing water and that water attracts mosquitoes. The Southern Nevada Health District has reported 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.

Dr. Joe Iser, Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District stated “West Nile virus is a preventable illness, and it is important to remind everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, especially as we start to spend more time outside. There are simple things you can do to prevent bites and to prevent mosquito breeding around your home to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”

The West Nile virus is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes that have been infected by feeding on infected birds. Humans that have acquired the disease cannot infect other humans. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. In some cases, the virus can cause severe neurologic illness and even death if not treated.

The Health District recommends the following to prevent mosquito bites and to eliminate breeding sources:

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellants containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or 2-undecanone.
• Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to reduce mosquito exposure when outdoors.
• Eliminate areas of standing water around your home, including non-circulating ponds, “green” swimming pools, and accumulated sprinkler runoff, which support mosquito breeding.

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