LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Southern Nevada Health District announced Monday it had already begun routine mosquito surveillance activities for the year in response to warmer-than-average temperatures and recent rain.
This surveillance is around a month early, the district said in a release. Environmental Health staff have started setting mosquito traps throughout the valley as part of the surveillance program. Those traps are placed in parks, wash channels, wetlands, residential neighborhoods, and other potential breeding sites.
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The release said the early surveillance allows health officials to monitor mosquito populations, identify species in the community, and detect signs of viruses before peak mosquito season.
“Starting mosquito surveillance one month early gives us a critical head start,” Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer, said. “With warmer temperatures and the potential for standing water from recent rains, mosquitoes can begin breeding sooner than usual. Taking action now allows us to detect virus activity early and respond quickly. Mosquito prevention starts at home, and we encourage residents to eliminate standing water before mosquito populations increase.”…