Las Vegas Has First Two Confirmed Cases Of West Nile

The Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed two men have been diagnosed with the West Nile Virus.

One patient, a man over the age of 60 was diagnosed with the non-neuroinvasive form of the illness, and a man over the age of 70 had the neuroinvasive form of the illness. Both have recovered.

The first confirmations of the season come after the Health District reported the highest level of mosquitos in the program's history this early in the season.

Authorities say that as of Friday, June 21, 230 mosquito pools (7,493 mosquitos from 30 Zip codes) tested positive for the Virus.

Nine mosquito pools, (267 mosquitos from five ZIP codes) tested positive for the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis.

Public Health officials want to remind everyone to take precautions to protect themselves as risks can be reduced through preventive measures.

Officials recommend eliminating standing water, using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent and wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants.

The Health District also asks that you report mosquito activity to your local code enforcement agency.