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.

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.

One Health is the idea that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Diseases can spread between animals and humans, and it is important we understand how to prevent the spread of disease to keep everyone, including animals healthy. Click below to visit our One Health website and learn more about zoonotic diseases.

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.

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.

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