USDA Agricultural Research Service via AP, file
In this image provided by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, a mosquito stands upon human skin.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | 12:04 p.m.
Five more West Nile virus cases have been reported in Clark County, including three of a more serious neuroinvasive form, according to the Southern Nevada Health District.
The new cases bring the total number of West Nile cases this year to seven.
The three patients diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of the mosquito-born illness — a woman over the age of 60 and two men under 50 — were all hospitalized and were recovering, health officials said.
A man and woman, both under, 50, were diagnosed with the non-neuroinvasive form and have already recovered, officials said.
Only 20% of people infected with West Nile will develop symptoms, which include fever, headache and tiredness, according to the World Health Organization Other symptoms can include body rashes and swollen lymph glands, the organization said.
The more severe neuroinvasive form of West Nile can cause high fever, neck stiffness, paralysis or coma, according to the WHO.
About one out of 150 people who are infected with West Nile will develop the neuroinvasive illness, according to WHO.
The seven cases this year are the most West Nile infections in Southern Nevada since 2019, when over 40 people were diagnosed with the disease, according to the Health District.
There were two cases of West Nile detected in 2023, officials said.
The Health District reported last month the highest level of mosquito activity since its surveillance program began.
There is no vaccine for West Nile, and treatment is usually responsive to symptoms, although for the neuroinvasive form of the illness, hospitalization, intravenous fluids and respiratory support are used, according to WHO.
