Researchers began trapping mosquitoes a month early this year as mild winter temperatures signal potentially record-breaking mosquito activity

A national study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation, the University of Memphis, and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas found that 60% of African American children and 45% of Hispanic children do not know how to swim.

With record-high temperatures in March that created an optimal environment for the bloodsucking insects to breed, the timeline of mosquito season — traditionally lasting between late April and late October — has been effectively extended by a month, according to Louisa Messenger, an assistant professor at UNLV’s School of Public 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.

Environmental health workers have started setting mosquito traps throughout the valley as part of the health district’s Mosquito Disease Surveillance Program. Early surveillance allows public health officials to closely monitor mosquito populations, identify species present in the community and detect signs of mosquito-borne viruses before peak mosquito season.

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.