Clark County West Nile cases in 2024 close to worst year on record

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - 2024 West Nile cases in Clark County are creeping up to the worst year on record.

Back in 2019, 43 human cases were reported. This year, the Southern Nevada Health District confirmed 26 cases.

The district says 12 cases are non-neuroinvasive. 14 are neuroinvasive.

Could 2024 be worst year ever for West Nile cases in Southern Nevada?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

According to a graphic from the SNHD, most cases are in northwest Las Vegas.

The district also set traps throughout the county to test mosquitoes for West Nile. Out of the sample pools, 387 tested positive for West Nile Virus and 21 tested positive for Saint Louis encephalitis.

The Health District's Fight the Bite campaign calls on people to:

Eliminate Standing Water: Remove breeding sources around their homes. breed in small containers that collect rain or irrigation water, such as children's toys, wheelbarrows and plant saucers, and even bottle caps.

Prevent Mosquito Bites: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Report Mosquito Activity: Call the Health District's surveillance program at (702) 759-1633. To report a green pool, people should contact their local code enforcement agency.