Mosquitos, cockroaches, scorpions, and rodents have given Las Vegas a ranking in the National Pest Management Association’s biannual Public Health Pest Index, according to a story in the Las Vegas Sun. Vegas “is one of 10 U.S. cities most vulnerable for disease-spreading pest activity this spring and summer.” The long string of record high temperatures in March have, the report warns, driven the pests indoors seeking water and a cooler environment. Clark County has already seen one death and 27 other cases of West Nile virus, transmitted by mosquitos. The warning is mostly for locals, but visitors should also be aware. In a related development, a study of water purity at national parks found a deadly “brain-eating amoeba” at three parks, including Lake Mead. Though very rare, the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, exists in hot springs and hydrothermally fed waters across Lake Mead Recreation Area, as well as Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The amoeba thrives in warm pools up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Source: Las Vegas News