In The News: Department of Environmental and Global Health

The Southern Nevada Health District has started its mosquito surveillance program about a month early.
Las Vegans used to be able to brag about being a mosquito-free city — but not so much anymore. So we're bringing back a conversation with Dayvid Figler and UNLV professor Dr. Louisa Messenger about why Las Vegas is seeing a mosquito population boom and what we can do about it. Plus, host Sonja Cho Swanson kicks off the conversation with a fresh update on Dr. Messenger's latest skeeter survey results, and her 2026 mosquito forecast.

The Southern Nevada Health District has started its mosquito surveillance activity a month early due to warmer-than-normal temperatures. Many experts around the valley have already seen an uptick in mosquito sightings.

We are warming up again this week, with a chance to hit 90 by the weekend. While some might be happy for the chance to shake off the winter blues, the warmer weather is also set to bring out mosquitoes.
Heavy winter rains and rising temperatures have sparked an early mosquito surge across Los Angeles County, creating ideal breeding conditions and raising concerns about virus-carrying species this spring.

Based at UNLV’s School of Public Health, the program was first launched about two decades ago through the Southern Nevada Health District. It was the first time Nevada had a dedicated effort to track children’s blood lead levels and understand where and how exposure was happening in Clark County. For five or six years, the program quietly did its work, collecting data and raising alarms where needed — until federal funding dried up and Nevada’s effort, like many others around the country, was shuttered.Then Flint happened.

Based at UNLV’s School of Public Health, the program was first launched about two decades ago through the Southern Nevada Health District. It was the first time Nevada had a dedicated effort to track children’s blood lead levels and understand where and how exposure was happening in Clark County. For five or six years, the program quietly did its work, collecting data and raising alarms where needed — until federal funding dried up and Nevada’s effort, like many others around the country, was shuttered.Then Flint happened.

Alarmed about the continued spread of the chikungunya virus, US health officials have issued more travel advisories, warning Americans to take caution when traveling.
Even when ants aren’t dangerous, they’re a problem when it comes to hygiene and quality of life.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year, but it’s also when sickness can spread like wildfire. If it seems like more people around you are sneezing and sniffling, it’s not your imagination. Fall and winter are the most common times of year for the common cold.

Mosquito complaints are buzzing louder across Clark County. They aren’t just a nuisance; they can carry and spread viruses. County leaders are considering a mosquito abatement district to help control the growing threat before it gets worse.

You may notice it's been a bit cooler here in our Valley, but it's not quite time to ditch your mosquito spray or cream just yet. An expert tells me, mosquito activity is up right now in our valley.