She has for some time been concerned about how vulnerable Las Vegas is to mosquito-borne diseases.
Its meticulous records show which mosquito species are present across the Las Vegas Valley year after year and where these flying insects have tested positive for diseases.
“In 2017, this mosquito was found in just a few ZIP codes,” said Raman, who oversees the health district’s mosquito surveillance program.
In Las Vegas, how the interplay between local environmental factors and changing climate trends is affecting mosquito populations is less well understood, but the implications are paramount.
What that means for mosquitoes in the city remains to be seen, but the problem so far shows no sign of slowing.
The Southern Nevada Health District conducts public outreach on how to identify and protect against mosquito breeding sites in and around homes, and how to prevent mosquito bites.
In the years ahead, Messenger said, prevention and control will be key to protecting the residents of Las Vegas and its many visitors from around the world. »