Mayor & Council
West Nile Virus Information
With warmer weather, the climate becomes right for the hatching and breeding of mosquitoes. It is anticipated that there will be an increased mosquito population due to the above average rainfall that has occurred in Southern Nevada.
The West Nile Virus (WNV) has been found in mosquitoes and birds - carriers of the virus - in Southern Nevada as well as throughout the United States. Persons living in Southern Nevada or visiting the area are no more at-risk here than in other parts of the country.
The City of Henderson is taking proactive measures regarding WNV by working with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), which is Southern Nevada's centralized agency of contact for public education and awareness. For information on the West Nile Virus, visit the Southern Nevada Health District Web site at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org or call (702) 759-1220. Additional information is also available at the U.S. Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.
How is West Nile Virus transmitted?
WNV is carried by certain bird species. When mosquitoes bite an infected
bird, the mosquitoes become carriers of the disease and transmit the virus to
humans, horses, and other birds. Approximately 80 percent of the people who do
become infected with West Nile Virus will not experience any symptoms.
Where do mosquitoes breed and what is being done?
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or stagnant pools or bodies of water,
which could include ground water, inlets, and flood control basins. Residents
can contact the City of Henderson regarding
concerns or questions related to ground water, inlets, gutters, flood control basins, and ponds that are located
in Henderson public areas such as parks, the bird preserve, flood channels, etc.
The City is taking measures to mitigate and abate potential mosquito populations on Henderson public property. Those measures include removal of obstructions prohibiting water movement and cutting back or removing wet vegetation that are potential breeding areas. The City is populating ponds with Gambusia (fish that eat mosquito larvae), and when necessary filling in shallow areas of water that are not accessible to the Gambusia fish. Granular insecticide will be applied to areas of standing water to address mosquito eggs and the adult population will be addressed through insecticide spraying as needed.
How can West Nile Virus infection be prevented?
The SNHD suggests the following to avoid mosquito
bites:
Who can I call if concerned about WNV?
As the lead agency regarding WNV, please contact the Southern
Nevada Health District by calling
(702)
759-1220 or visit their Web site at
www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org.