Sun archives
- July 28, 2008 -- Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile
- Aug. 16, 2004 -- West Nile virus' spread watched
- July 22, 2004 -- County's first human case of West Nile virus is suspected
Beyond the Sun
Clark County's first probable case of West Nile virus this year has occurred in a man over the age of 50, the Southern Nevada Health District said today.
The man has contracted the more serious form of the illness, the health district said.
To date, health district officials have reported mosquitoes positive for the virus in the 89122 Zip code, in the eastern Las Vegas Valley.
The Nevada State Health Division has reported one human case associated with West Nile virus in a Lyon County resident and positive mosquitoes have been discovered in Lovelock.
The Clark County case is considered probable, as tests that confirm it can take months to complete, health officials said.
"As the summer progresses, it is important to practice preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites," chief health officer Dr. Lawrence Sands said. "Mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus are active throughout Clark County and in neighboring counties and states."
In 2007, Nevada had a total of 12 human cases of West Nile virus.
The health district's mosquito surveillance program begins in spring and continues through the end of September. This year with more homes in foreclosure, health officials are bracing for more stagnant water in swimming pools, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes that can carry the illness.
Environmental health officials routinely survey and treat known breeding sources for mosquitoes and trap them for identification and testing for the West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis.
The health district urged people to prevent mosquito bites by applying an insect repellent containing DEET. Repellents containing picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus also have some properties that ward off mosquitoes. However, DEET is the most effective repellent.
When outdoors, people should wear pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Also avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active at dusk usually during the first two hours after sunset and at dawn.
Eliminate standing water, including bird baths, unmaintained swimming pools and sprinkler runoff, which allow mosquitoes to breed.
For more information or to report mosquitoes, stagnant swimming pools with "green" water or stagnant water sources, call the mosquito control hot line at 759-1220, or visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org.
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