(Source-ktnv.com-1)
As the holiday weekend approaches, many residents of North Las Vegas plan to spend time outdoors. However, health officials are urging caution due to a rising mosquito population in the valley, which has led to an increase in West Nile virus cases. One North Las Vegas woman, Kathleen, recently experienced this threat firsthand when her husband was diagnosed with the virus, suffering from debilitating side effects.
Unexpected Illness in North Las Vegas
Kathleen and her husband live near Ann and Clayton in North Las Vegas. She did not initially realize the extent of the mosquito problem in their area until her husband fell ill in mid-June. “He was very fatigued. It’s not like him. He usually wakes up at like six in the morning and he was sleeping in until like eight or nine,” Kathleen recalled. “Then, a couple of days later, he started complaining of severe headaches and he said it felt like his eyes were popping out of his head.”
Recognizing that something was seriously wrong, Kathleen took her husband to the hospital on June 21. It took several days for doctors to determine that he did not have the flu or COVID-19. Suspecting something else, the couple requested tests for West Nile virus and meningitis. After about a week, the results confirmed that he had West Nile virus, which had caused meningitis.
Hospitalization and Recovery
Kathleen’s husband spent a week and a half in the hospital. Although he has returned home, his recovery is ongoing. “He has an IV port in his chest and we have to give him IV antibiotics until Sunday,” Kathleen explained. The experience has highlighted the growing concern of West Nile virus in the area.
On Wednesday, the Southern Nevada Health District reported that 268 mosquitoes in samples collected across the valley tested positive for West Nile virus. Additionally, seven people have been confirmed to have contracted the virus. Kathleen noted that mosquitoes are prevalent around her home, showing a trap full of mosquitoes from inside her house and a bite on her leg. “The health district reached out and said they are going to set up traps,” Kathleen said. “We have seen so many mosquitoes and they started earlier this year than usual.”
In response to the mosquito problem, Kathleen also contacted a pest control company to spray her yard.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
The health district emphasizes the importance of prevention and offers several tips to protect against mosquito bites and West Nile virus:
- Dump all standing water.
- Cover up when possible.
- Use insect repellent.
Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. Kathleen hopes that sharing her husband’s story will raise awareness about the virus. “I would say to protect your family, do preventative things around your house, don’t have standing water, and look out for the symptoms,” she advised.
Health District’s Efforts
The Southern Nevada Health District is actively addressing the spike in West Nile cases and the growing mosquito population. They are communicating with physicians about the virus. “We put out a notice to physicians basically stating that environmental health is seeing a lot of West Nile in mosquitoes,” explained Vivek Raman, a spokesperson for the health district. “If you have patients coming in with these symptoms, please consider West Nile as a diagnosis.”
For the first time this year, the health district is using a map to track mosquito activity, allowing residents to monitor the situation in their neighborhoods.
As the community navigates this public health concern, Kathleen’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to protect against West Nile virus.
