Mosquito populations are exploding across the Las Vegas Valley, raising alarm among health experts who warn the region is at risk for mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever.

Researchers from UNLV report that species such as Culex (West Nile) and Aedes aegypti (dengue, Zika, yellow fever) have spread to 48 ZIP codes since first being detected in 2017. These aggressive, daytime-biting mosquitoes are thriving in small containers of standing water, golf courses, and artificial lakes — aided by climate change, urban development, and insecticide resistance.

Experts call the situation a “ticking time bomb” as Las Vegas welcomes over 48 million visitors annually, making local outbreaks more likely.

Residents can help by:
🪣 Dumping standing water weekly
🧴 Using EPA-approved repellent
👕 Wearing long sleeves when outdoors

Public health officials stress that prevention and a coordinated abatement effort are critical to protecting both residents and tourists.