LAS VEGAS – Due to the recent rain and flooding, the Southern Nevada Health District is recommending residents assess areas surrounding their homes for standing water to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sources.
Prevent Mosquito Breeding
Mosquitoes can spread potentially serious diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika. One of the most effective steps people can take to protect themselves from mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito breeding by inspecting around their homes regularly and tipping, tossing or emptying any sources capable of holding even a small amount of water, including:
- Buckets, watering cans, cups, bottle caps or debris that can hold water
- Pet dishes
- Potted plant saucers
- Garbage and recycling cans
- Children’s toys, wading pools
- Patio furniture
- Bird baths, ornamental ponds or fountains
- Outdoor grills
- Recreation equipment
Female mosquitoes lay approximately 100 to 400 eggs, and it takes approximately seven to 10 days for the larvae to mature.
Protect Against Mosquito Bites
The Health District also urges people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of limon eucalyptus or IR3535 or long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Also, ensure any open doors and windows are screened to help prevent mosquitoes from entering homes and biting sleeping occupants.
Report Mosquito Activity
Report increased mosquito activity, including being bitten by mosquitoes during daylight hours, to the Health District’s Mosquito Surveillance Program at (702) 759-1633. Green pools are reported to the appropriate code enforcement agency. Additional resources and contact information are available on the Health District website.
Mosquito activity has been mild in Clark County these past few years. In 2022, no West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes were collected by the Health District. This year, West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes have been identified in three ZIP codes (89031, 89074 and 89122).
West Nile Virus, the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. About one in five people who are infected with West Nile Virus develop a fever and other mild symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness. In 2019, there were 43 cases reported in Clark County residents, including one death. There was minimal West Nile activity in 2020, 2021, 2022, and no cases have been reported so far in 2023.
More information about mosquito control is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/.