Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 | 12:17 p.m.
The Southern Nevada Health District is urging residents to take precaution as cases of respiratory illnesses — influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — spike in Clark County.
The health district said it has recorded 438 influenza-related hospitalizations and seven deaths for the flu season running from October through May.
By comparison, it reported 294 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 13 deaths a year ago.
To combat respiratory illnesses, the health district recommends people get vaccinated for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV and wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
Those who are experiencing symptoms should seek treatment, especially if they’re at a higher risk of experiencing severe illness, the health district said. And if you are sick, stay at home.
They added that immunocompromised individuals are advised to take extra precautions in public, such as wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask.
Respiratory viruses can cause a number of symptoms, including: chills, fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and headaches.
The health district added that community wastewater surveillance as of Jan. 8 “shows moderate concentrations of the virus that causes COVID-19” and “high concentrations of RSV and influenza A” in the county.
In 2022, UNLV partnered with the Desert Research Institute, Southern Nevada Water Authority and the health district to create a local wastewater surveillance system called “NV Enabling the Management of Public Health Outcomes Through Wastewater Resources,” or NV EMPOWER.
Over 5,000 COVID-19 tests were taken in Nevada over the past two weeks, roughly 3% of them coming back positive, the health district said.