Environmental Health
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 (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.
Data
Nevada’s Authority for Epidemiology
Access up-to-date data on all active infectious diseases reported in Nevada
Blood Lead Level Testing in Nevada, Reporting Requirements
Background Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can cause negative health effects in children and adults. Sources of lead exposure can include chipping or peeling paint in homes…
FDA Approves and Authorizes for Emergency Use Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and De- authorizes Administration of 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccines
Background On August 22, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued approval and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech for their updated mRNA COVID-19…
BICILLIN® L-A SHORTAGE AND SYPHILIS TREATMENT – CURRENT SITUATION
Summary Penicillin G benzathine is the recommended treatment for syphilis, and the only recommended treatment for pregnant women infected with or exposed to syphilis. The Centers for Disease Control and…
CDC Clinical Guidelines on the Use of Doxycycline Postexposure Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, United States, 2024
Summary On June 6th, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released clinical guidelines for the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) to prevent bacterial sexually…
Davis Fire and Smoke in Southern Nevada
Wildfires and smoke are affecting multiple parts of Nevada. The Davis Fire has been burning since September 7 and started in Washoe Valley and is now also affecting Southwest Reno….
Tuberculosis Drug Susceptibility Testing for Pyrazinamide Suspended by Nevada State Public Health Laboratory as of July 29, 2024.
Situation Culture-based (phenotypic) drug susceptibility testing (DST) for one of the primary anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications, Pyrazinamide (PZA), is suspended by the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory (NSPHL) as of July…