Woman diagnosed with mild form of West Nile virus
A 51-year-old woman has contracted the West Nile virus, though her case is not serious and she was not hospitalized, authorities said.
The Southern Nevada Health District did not release the woman’s name.
The health district said three of the seven previously reported cases this year were also of the less serious variety. In all, five people were hospitalized, and one person died.
The district also reported that West Nile-positive mosquito pools were found in the 89121 and 89124 zip codes. Winter weather should help diminish mosquito breeding.
But, with the identification of positive mosquito pools locally, authorities said it is likely that West Nile virus infected mosquitoes are present throughout the valley.
The virus can be prevented by using insect repellents and eliminating sources of standing water that support mosquito breeding.
Contact reporter Richard Lake at rlake@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307.