Mosquitoes have been an issue in Nevada for many years. More houses with swimming pools, the many golf courses with man-made lakes, and heavy monsoonal rains add to the problem.  The Southern Nevada Health District has detected West Nile Virus in a cluster of mosquitoes in the county. A 50-year-old man, in southwest Las Vegas was diagnosed with West Nile Virus last month. 

The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.  The Health Department strongly stresses the need for individual protective actions to avoid mosquitoes, including the elimination of standing water such as bird baths, unmaintained swimming pools, and sprinkler runoff, which will support mosquito breeding. 

If you know of an area with ‘green' pool water or stagnant water sources, please contact http://www.southernnevadahealthdepartment.org/ or call mosquito control at (702) 759-1220.  The health department does follow though on these reports. 

If you go near the stagnant water you should wear protective clothing, and spray with an insect repellent containing DEET.  Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.

West Nile fever can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle weakness.  Severe cases could lead to  encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions, and paralysis.

There have been 308 reported cases across the country this year and 11 deaths have been attributed to West Nile virus.

www.MaryWarren.com  or  www.MaryW.com