Environmental Health

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Extreme heat kills more people in the United States each year than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. With climate change intensifying, heat-related illnesses are becoming a growing health concern in Nevada, especially in the summer. This page provides information on the types of heat-related illnesses, highlights those most at risk, and offers prevention tips to help Nevadans stay safe in hot weather.

Hantavirus is a group of viruses that are primarily transmitted to humans through rodents. These viruses belong to the family Hantaviridae and are typically associated with two main syndromes. Hantaviruses found in America are known to cause Hantavirus Pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Nevada is a great state for people who enjoy water recreation activities as it has many lakes, streams, reservoirs, hot springs, spas, swimming pools and water parks. However, it’s important to be aware of potential illnesses that can be spread through water recreation activities such as swimming, boating, diving, or rafting. Click below to learn how to stay safe in the water and to prevent illnesses.