USDA Agricultural Research Service via AP, file
In this image provided by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, a mosquito stands upon human skin.
Friday, May 24, 2024 | 4:09 p.m.
With mosquito season beginning in Southern Nevada, the first cases of West Nile virus in mosquitoes have been detected in Clark County by the Southern Nevada Health District, the department announced Friday.
The virus-carrying mosquitoes were identified in the 89031 and 89032 ZIP codes, both in the North Las Vegas area, officials said. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease, and the Aedes Aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, are common carriers of the virus as well as zika virus and dengue fever.
The species has increased in population significantly since they were reported in the area in 2017 and were detected in 43 different ZIP codes in Clark County, officials said. The mosquitoes breed in containers that collect water, and officials encourage Southern Nevada residents to regularly drain items that may collect water such as wheelbarrows and plant saucers.
No human cases of West Nile virus have been identified yet, however cases over the past several years have been minimal, with only two confirmed cases in 2023. To monitor the presence of the virus, health district staff placed almost 900 traps mosquito traps in parks, wetlands and commonly identified breeding sites, and in 2024 officials have already tested over 9,000 mosquitoes.
