Mosquitoes have poor eyesight. They live just long enough to make humans miserable, even though we're not their top choice for a juicy meal.
But it's the threat of West Nile Virus, not just mosquito habits, that's in the news of late.
ZIP codes 89117, 89119, 89134, 89109 and 89007 were identified as areas where the virus has been found.
"But that doesn't mean it's not found in other areas," said Jennifer Sizemore, a spokeswoman for the Clark County Health District. "It's possible it's spread to other ZIP codes. These are birds and mosquitoes, they don't stay in one place."
The district has been testing areas since March. It tests three ways -- mosquito traps at pools, taking blood samples from chickens placed in certain areas and dead-bird testing, done after the public calls and reports a bird carcass.
In late July, mosquito pools showed the virus present in most of the affected ZIP codes. Two dead birds, both mallards, were found in the 89109 ZIP code.
Sharyl Herbert is a clerk at Piggott Elementary, which is located in the 89117 ZIP code.
"I was disappointed to read about it in the news because I moved here from Minnesota and there are tons of them there," Herbert said. "I enjoyed the fact that there were none here."
Last year, Las Vegas reported 23 people being infected (three of those cases were initially labeled "probable" before they were re-categorized.) For all of Nevada, 44 cases were reported.
"There's no way to tell how many people will be affected," Sizemore said. "We're stressing to people that there's something they can do to prevent this illness. If they take steps to prevent it, if they do that, then we'll have a very mild season."
It's believed to take up to two weeks from the time a mosquito bites until the victim develops the disease.
The numbers for this year will not be known until the season is over in the fall.
The virus affects people differently. An estimated 20 percent of those who are infected will display flu-like symptoms to some degree or another. The remaining 80 percent may not even realize they were infected.
The health district has been running a half-hour special TV report on Clark County Television (CCTV) cable Channel 4. It tells about how the virus can be caught and how to prevent it. Its Web site, www.cchd.org, contains pertinent information as well.
Tips include using mosquito repellent containing DEET at dawn and dusk, the times mosquitoes are more apt to be about. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using products containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Picaridin (KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [active ingredient: p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)], a plant-based repellent. Do not spray aerosol or pump products directly on your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.
For those who want a natural solution, mosquito insect shield contains catnip oil. The formula used research from Iowa State University, showing catnip oil to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.
Residents also can help by removing water from birdbaths, buckets or any kind of container that is outside and has standing water. Call the health district to report abandoned pools with stagnant water.
Wear light-colored pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors. Dark colors absorb heat and mosquitoes are thought to be attracted by heat. Light-colored clothing also allows you to see mosquitoes that land on you.
Drain water from pool covers and change the water in pet dishes often. Got a tire swing? Drill a drainage hole in it. Toddlers' wading pools should be emptied after use and stored upside down. Ensure your gutters drain properly. If your family plans to be outdoors, place mosquito netting over infant carriers.
Last year was the first time Las Vegas reported any instances of the West Nile Virus.
"Typically, in other parts of the country, the second seasons have been worse," Sizemore said. "But we were hit late and people here have the advantage, if you will, of hearing about it early. So by the time it hit here, people were more educated on what to do, how to prevent it."
The Health District's West Nile Virus public information hot line is 759-1220. Besides information, it can be used to report dead birds or report large areas of standing water.
"This made me realize how fast it (West Nile) is spreading," Herbert said. "We work with little kids here at school, so you hate to see it spread here."
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