West Nile virus identified, mitigated in Pahrump area
Officials at Nye County Emergency Management have announced that the West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes identified in the area recently have been eliminated in Pahrump.
Nye County officials declared, through a cooperative relationship, that Nye County has benefited from a “vector surveillance” program which traps and identifies mosquitoes for possible health concerns.
“The Southern Nevada Health Districts Vector Control Division has provided this trapping in Pahrump and Beatty since late April,” the late July release said. “Trappings from June identified six mosquitoes at a water suppression pond associated with Lakeside Casino and RV Park, which tested positive for West Nile virus.”
The release went on to note the recent information was shared with Nye County Emergency Management, who then notified Lakeside management about the findings.
Golden Casino Group management took immediate steps to mitigate the hazard in less than 18 hours, according to the release.
“On July 10, Lakeside Casino was notified by Nye County Emergency Management that a small number of mosquitoes trapped at the Lakeside fire suppression pond during a regular inspection had tested positive for West Nile Virus,” said Jeremy Jenson, vice president and general manager of Golden Casino Group in Pahrump.
“The pond is not accessible to Lakeside’s guests and is not part of the property’s man-made lake. Lakeside Casino immediately undertook aggressive steps to remediate the matter to the satisfaction of Nye County,” he said.
The pond of water was treated repeatedly, as well as weed control, which eliminated any opportunity for mosquito larvae to hatch, the release stated.
Additionally, the community is encouraged to eliminate all standing water sources that can become breeding spots for mosquitoes, as even in the desert mosquitoes can be present.
“The safety and comfort of our guests is the primary concern of the Lakeside Casino and we appreciate the efforts of Nye County in working with us toward a successful resolution,” Jenson said.
As reported last month in the Beatty area, results showed a small number of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus.
Though no human infections were reported, the positive test was in the Cottonwood Gallery area near the Boulder Ridge Trailer Park, the county said.
“Beatty General Improvement District (BGID) has already taken remediation steps in the Cottonwood Gallery, behind the Stagecoach, Bombo’s Pond, and throughout the riverbed,” a statement read. “The 30-day remediation program is ongoing. The information is the result of Southern Nevada Health District mosquito trapping in May.”
Typical symptoms and signs of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
More severe symptoms and signs may include a stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.
Most cases of West Nile virus infections are mild and go unreported.
Nye County Emergency Management gave thanks to the men and women of the Southern Nevada Health District and Golden Casino Group for their respective assistance and cooperation.
For information on the West Nile virus and methods to avoid it, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips at www.cdc.gov/westnile
For more general information on West Nile Virus, go to https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com, on Twitter: @pvtimes
