© 2025 KUNR
Illustration of rolling hills with occasional trees and a radio tower.
Serving Northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
The threat of catastrophic funding cuts for public media looms, and while we don’t know what the U.S. Senate will do, we do know this: We need your help protecting this vital service.
Learn what you can do to support KUNR and public media today ➡️

Positive West Nile Virus Sample Confirmed in No. Nevada

State officials have confirmed the first positive sample of the West Nile Virus in northern Nevada this year.
State officials have confirmed the first positive sample of the West Nile Virus in northern Nevada this year.

http://kunr-assets.trinityannex.com/audios/1169_west_nile_for_web.MP3

State officials have confirmed the first positive sample of the West Nile Virus in northern Nevada this year. The positive mosquito sample was collected in Douglas County and State Veterinarian Anette Rink says that the last several weeks of hot temperatures have created a regional climate that's particularly conducive to virus transmission, posing a threat to people and horses. "It is a real risk; it always has been. We've had dozens of cases in northern Nevada over the years. And this year so far, we've had four people confirmed positive in Clark County; one, unfortunately, was a fatality." Because of the recent heat, it may only take 3 days for mosquito larvae to hatch. Rink says residents should frequently clean areas prone to standing water, like bird houses and watering cans, to avoid mosquito breeding grounds. The virus was first discovered in Nevada nine years ago.

Michelle Billman is a former news director at KUNR Public Radio.

Calls to defund public media are getting louder — but your voice is power


Personal stories are powerful, and your voice matters now more than ever. Call the KUNR Testimonial Line at 775-682-6039 to share what KUNR and public media mean to you. 💙