Additional mosquito pools test positive for West Nile virus in Clark County

An additional 10 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Southern Nevada Health District said Thursday.

It brings the total number of positive mosquito pools identified this season to 14.

The newly identified positive mosquito pools were detected in ZIP codes 89117, 89121, 89142 and 89146, the agency said.

The Health District continues mosquito surveillance efforts throughout Clark County and reminds residents that the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes increases the risk of human infection.

“These additional positive mosquito pools are a reminder that West Nile virus activity is increasing in Southern Nevada,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, district health officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “As many people plan to spend time outdoors during the holiday weekend, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”

The update follows a statement issued Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported that West Nile virus activity is occurring earlier than usual across the country. As of Tuesday, 23 states have reported West Nile virus activity, and the number of human cases reported by this point in the year is the highest since 2004.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. Approximately one in five people develop a fever with symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop severe neurologic illness, including encephalitis or meningitis.

Residents can stay informed about local mosquito surveillance activity by visiting the Health District’s weekly West Nile virus surveillance reports.