West Nile virus detected in Las Vegas

West Nile virus detected in Las Vegas

The sometimes fatal West Nile virus detected in Las Vegas likely means that other areas in the valley are at risk too.

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has released information stating that mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus have been found in the 89107 zip code.

(map: act4u.com)

So far there have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Clark County.

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The SNHD believes that since infected mosquitoes have been found that it is quite likely that mosquitoes carrying the virus will be located in other parts of Las Vegas.

Fortunately the virus is not transmitted person to person and there are measures you can take to reduce the probability of being bitten by a mosquito.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that’s the best step  – –  prevention.

To protect yourself, it is advisable to wear long sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors and to wear an insect repellant. Although we are suffering through triple digit weather, if you are working outdoors or are going to be outdoors for extended periods of times, it is advisable.

Another key area is to eliminate any standing water – which attracts mosquitoes.

The four key measures the CDC recommends are;

• 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.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
• Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

There have been 1118 cases reported so far this year which is the highest number of cases reported since the West Nile virus was first detected in 1999.

Over 75% of the cases have been concentrated  in 5 states; Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Dakota, and Oklahoma with over 1/2 of the cases being reported in Texas.

Still, with the discovery of infected mosquitoes in Nevada, it is highly advisable to undertake precautionary measures.

Related articles

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• Officials: Five active cases of West Nile in NC
• Canada: Three more cases of West Nile virus in Alberta
• CDC: West Nile outbreak largest ever seen in U.S.
• Our CDC is “Deeply Concerned About the Largest Outbreak of West Nile Virus in USA History “
• West Nile Virus: Symptoms and Treatment Options

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