A Deadly Virus Has Infiltrated Las Vegas And It’s On It’s Way To Utah!

West Nile Virus has been discovered in Las Vegas, only 100 miles from the Utah Border. A record number of mosquitoes in Las Vegas are carrying West Nile virus, prompting local health officials to warn the public to be careful and take precautions. Recently, 169 out of over 24,000 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile across the state. This early season count breaks previous records set 5 years ago.

SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Swollen lymph glands
• Sore throat
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain

Although there are currently no vaccines for the West Nile Virus, only 1 in about 150 cases turn fatal. If you get infected, you have an extremely small chance of being in trouble (0.67%).

For a long time, scientists and public health officials have warned the public that climate change could expand the reach of mosquito-borne diseases... and here we are! The increasing mosquito population and rise in West Nile cases in Las Vegas highlight how climate change impacts human health. Warmer global temperatures and higher precipitation levels create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, extending their active season and increasing disease risk.

The first West Nile case in Las Vegas was recorded in 2004, following the first U.S. case in 1999 in New York City. The last significant outbreak in Las Vegas occurred in 2019. This resulted in 43 cases. Health officials fear this summer could actually be worse!

In Nevada and the Southwest, spring temperatures have risen, and heat waves have become more extreme. The Southwest United States have seen major heat waves over the last month. These conditions favor mosquito breeding, exacerbated by drought and low water levels in the Colorado River Basin, including Lake Mead.

Be prepared with your bug spray, your citronella candles, or even those bracelets. Be safe out there!