West Nile Virus Alert: What You Need to Know

It’s officially here. It's been reported that a deadly virus has touched down in Las Vegas, just 100 miles from the Utah border.  At the time, health officials warned that it could soon make its way north...

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WHAT TO DO:

If you’re thinking “That's not my neighborhood, I’m probably fine,” think again. Mosquitoes are tiny little escape artists that can travel several miles, so anyone in the surrounding region, including nearby counties, should take this pretty seriously!

It was reported earlier this month that the first case of West Nile Virus has hit Las Vegas Officials attributed the rise to recent weather, which has created a perfect storm of warmer temperatures and extra rainfall.

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Common Symptoms of West Nile Virus:

• Fever

• Headache

• Body aches

• Nausea

• Skin rash

• Swollen lymph glands

• Sore throat

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Joint pain

Only 1 in 150 cases become severe, so yes... the odds are low, but the risk still isn't something to brush off.

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How to Protect Yourself:

• Use EPA-registered repellents (like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).

• After sunset, wear long sleeves and pants—yes, even if it's hot.

• Dump standing water from things like buckets, old tires, and plant trays.

• Clean out gutters.

• Stock ponds with mosquito-eating fish or mosquito dunks.

• Make sure window screens are intact.

• Keep weeds and tall grass trimmed—mosquitoes love shady hideouts.

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