The Southern Nevada Health District has reported the first instance this year of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in Las Vegas. The infected mosquitoes were found in the 89123 ZIP code, located in south Las Vegas, north of Silverado Ranch Boulevard. This is the first detection of the virus in the area this year, from over 1,800 collected sample pools since April.
West Nile virus is commonly transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to symptoms like fever, headache, and rash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 20% of infected individuals may develop mild symptoms, while severe symptoms occur in about 1 in 150 cases.
This year, the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases in the region has been low. In 2024, there were 388 positive sample pools, with 26 human cases reported, the highest since 2019. The health district advises residents to use FDA-registered insect repellents, wear protective clothing, remove standing water from their properties, report green pools to local authorities, and report mosquito activity to the health district’s surveillance program at 702-759-1633.