Sep
15
First Human West Nile Case in Southern Nevada Reported
A 75-year-old female is admitted in a Las Vegas hospital with a critical form of West Nile virus, making it the first case of human infection this year in the southern part of Nevada, according to Southern Nevada Health District.
Health district officials first reported about the presence of mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus in the 89107 zip code last August. Last year, there were 11 reported cases of the disease in Clark County, where Las Vegas is situated. In 2010, no human cases of West Nile were reported.
Humans contract West Nile virus from bites of infected mosquitoes, which acquired the virus from sucking the blood of infected birds. The disease does not spread from person to person.
Health district officials remind residents about following guidelines to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate possible breeding sources. This includes applying insect repellents containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, avoiding spending time outdoors during dusk and dawn, and eliminating any standing water.
Source: KLAS-TV