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Northern Nevada Public Health pauses large‑area helicopter mosquito spraying for 2025; surveillance and targeted treatment continue
Summary
District health officials told the county commission they will suspend large‑area helicopter larvicide flights for the 2025 season because of rising program costs and low local disease incidence, while continuing ground‑level monitoring and targeted responses.
Northern Nevada Public Health informed the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 that it will suspend large‑area helicopter larvicide treatments for the 2025 mosquito season and rely on enhanced surveillance, hand‑treatment and targeted interventions instead.
District health officer Dr. Chad Kingsley told the commission that the program change responds to two factors: rising operating costs for helicopter application and larvicide and a low recent incidence of mosquito‑borne disease acquired within the county. He said the district will continue door‑to‑door response to complaints, drone and ground treatments, and ongoing trap‑based surveillance.
Why officials made the change Kingsley said the helicopter contract and associated chemical costs have risen substantially since 2021 — helicopter services approaching a 20 percent increase and larvicide pricing up as much as 17.8 percent in recent years. He said the large‑area program typically requires four flights per season to be effective and that funding and supply pressures make sustaining that cadence difficult going forward.
Health‑district data and response The district reported one locally acquired vector‑borne disease case in recent years (a 2023 West Nile virus neuroinvasive case) and several imported cases of mosquito‑transmitted illness (dengue and malaria) in travelers. Dr. Kingsley said the mosquito species that transmit dengue and malaria have not been detected in Washoe County, reducing the immediate risk of those illnesses spreading locally.
District staff described their surveillance process: they set CO2 baited traps, retrieve and identify mosquito pools, and submit pools to the state lab for viral testing. The district averages about 150–230 mosquito pools tested per month in season and will continue that program. Staff encouraged residents to report standing water or mosquito problems via the county's 311 system to ensure a documented address, facilitate follow‑up and allow the district to prioritize field investigations.
Board response and follow up Board members and health staff said the decision followed budgetary review and an assessment of essential services; commissioners emphasized the district will remain responsive to complaints and public‑health risks. Commissioner Andreola and others noted the change was not an elimination of mosquito control but a targeted reduction of one high‑cost tool.
Public guidance Kingsley urged homeowners to eliminate standing water around properties, limit outdoor light at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and use EPA‑registered repellents. Residents with fever or unusual symptoms who suspect mosquito exposure were urged to seek medical care and inform clinicians about possible exposures so the provider can order appropriate testing.
Ending Northern Nevada Public Health will continue trap‑based surveillance, complaint‑driven site investigations, targeted larval treatment and public outreach for the 2025 season. The district said it will review program choices and costs with county partners and could revisit large‑area treatments if circumstances or funding change.
