First case of West Nile virus now found in Clark Country

West Nile Virus Cases in the United States (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First case of West Nile virus reported in Clark Country

Last month, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)  released information stating that mosquitoes that tested positive for the West Nile virus had been found in the 89107 zip code right here in Clark County and the Health District felt since mosquitoes were found in one Clark Country zip code, that is would be likely they would be found in others.

They were right with the discovery of the first case of west Nile virus now found in Clark Country.

The victim is a 75 year old female and is currently hospitalized with the more serious neuroinvasive form of the virus.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the mosquito bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds.

You cannot contract West Nile Virus from another person

Last month, there were 1118 cases reported. That figure has now jumped to 2600 cased with 118 deaths linked to the sometimes

deadly West Nile virus.

The four key measures that the Center for Disease Control CDC recommends are;

1. At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
2. Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
3. Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
4. Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

In addition to the above, the SNHD recommends the following four preventative measures;

1. Apply an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) according to manufacturer’s directions. Repellents containing picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus also have some efficacy. However, DEET is the best-studied and most-effective repellant available.
2. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts, when outdoors.
3. Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, notably at dusk (the first two hours after sunset) and dawn.
4.  Eliminate areas of standing water, including bird baths, “green” swimming pools and sprinkler runoff, which support mosquito breeding.

With the first case of West Nile virus reported in Clark Country, there will likely be more cases so prevention of the disease is the best defense.

Dogs and cats can contract the west Nile virus too although the CDC says they are less likely to become ill and there is no evidence of contracting the virus from an infected pet.

Still it might be prudent to keep your pets away indoors and away from area where mosquitoes gather and of course standing water

Related articles

• CDC warns 2012 West Nile outbreak ‘most serious’- Deadly listeria outbreak linked to ricotta cheese
• West Nile Outbreak: How to Stay Healthy
• Birds Sound the Alarm on West Nile Virus