Watching Weather Patterns Could Squash West Nile Virus
LAS VEGAS -- A fifth case of West Nile Virus was reported in Las Vegas Monday in a 50-year-old.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists might have a way to catch the virus before it spreads.
They do it by monitoring weather patterns, mosquito surveillance and collecting data on re-occurring hotspots.
Studies show that Dallas County, Texas, had some of the worst cases of West Nile last year with nearly 400 cases.
Scientists believe in places such as Dallas County that had warmer than average winters with no freeze, produced more mosquitoes and cases of West Nile.
Chris Bramley with Clark County Vector Control, said taking the weather monitoring approach will give his officers an advantage.
"By doing these studies and monitoring patterns, you know where to be before these mosquitoes hatch out as adults," Bramley said. "So you're ahead of the game."