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Program Overview

Environmental health (EH) deals with all the different ways the world around us can impact our physical and mental well-being. The Environmental Health Unit is focused on the intersect between zoonotic and environmental factors that affect human health. Environmental health includes air, land, water, food, animals, and people. Each of these areas is directly related to the other. The health of one affects the health of all and can impact how we eat, live, and grow. 

Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) form when naturally occurring blue-green algae multiply quickly and cause discoloration, scum, and mats on the water. Harmful algae can produce toxins that hurt people, animals, and the environment. This section provides information on HABs such as possible symptoms from exposure, tips on what HABs look like, how to report an exposure, and more.

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West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States.  It is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. This section provides information on ways to protect yourself against WNV, tips on how to reduce mosquito populations around your home, treatment and testing of WNV and more.

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Mpox

Mpox is a disease caused by a virus not commonly seen in the United States. However, there is an ongoing, global outbreak and mpox cases have been found in the United States, including in Nevada. This section provides mpox information in congregate living including cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

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Bed Bug Guidance

Bed bugs are parasites that feed on humans, using their blood to grow and reproduce. This section provides quick facts of bed bugs, bed bug images, potential signs you have bed bugs, how to get rid of bed bugs and more.

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Naegleria fowleri

Naegleria fowleri is an ameba that is found in warm fresh water such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. This section provides information on Naegleria fowleri such as where it is found, what the infection symptoms are, what swimming behaviors are associated with this infection and more. 

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Norovirus

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. This section provides information on what norovirus is, the symptoms, how it spreads, and prevention measures.

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Hot Topics

Stay Prepared

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Walnuts

There is a current recall on organic walnut halves and pieces sold in bulk bins at natural food and co-op stores in AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, LA, MT, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, and WY. This recall is still under FDA investigation. To learn more, please click the link below.

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Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to advise clinicians and health departments to consider the possibility of illness due to lead exposure from recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches.

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Safe Harvesting and Hunting Practices

Important tips on how to safely harvest an animal for in-state and out-of-state hunters.

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Data

Nevada’s Authority for Epidemiology

Access up-to-date data on all active infectious diseases reported in Nevada

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Increased Incidence of Measles in United States, Recommendations for Health Care Providers

Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Health Advisory on March 18, 2024, to call attention to an increase in measles incidence in the United States…

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Reporting Form

Pursuant to NRS 439.4976, establishment of a system of reporting information on lupus and its variants. The State of Nevada has established a system of reporting for lupus and its…

Lupus Reporting Form

Pursuant to NRS 439.4976, establishment of a system of reporting information on lupus and its variants. The State of Nevada has established a system of reporting for lupus and its…

Latent Tuberculosis Infection Reporting Requirements and Updates to NAC441A

Background On Dec. 10, 2023, the Nevada Legislative Commission approved amendments to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 441A that included new reporting requirements for the condition Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI). Amendments…

Syphilis in Nevada and Updates to Nevada Administrative Code 441A

Background On Dec. 10, 2023, the Nevada Legislative Commission approved amendments to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 441A that updated syphilis testing, treatment and reporting guidelines for pregnant people to align…

STI Awareness Week 2024

More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in 2022. CDC released the 2022 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance report that provides the most current and complete data for…