Diseases caused by ticks, mosquitoes and fleas have tripled in recent years, according to the CDC. In 2016, there were more than 25,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks. Northern Nevadans should certainly be aware of ticks, but shouldn't panic.

If you are enjoying the nice weather, there's a good chance the mosquitoes are, too.  The wet winter left behind a lot of standing water, creating more breeding ground for the insects. 

We look at the chances of the deadly disease returning this year, and how Washoe County is trying to stop it.

The mosquito population in Northern Nevada is getting a boost from this warm spring weather.

The Washoe County Health District has detected West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in south Reno. They say samples from standing water off of Trademark Drive tested positive, but they stress that people just need to be aware it’s there and take proper precautions.

Last week, the Washoe County Health Department found its first case of West Nile Virus. This morning, they abated numerous neighborhoods.

The Washoe County Health District is using helicopter treatments for the first time, of the spring. Their goal is to control the mosquito population in the Truckee Meadows.