Department of Environmental and Occupational Health News
The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health emphasizes the role of air, water, the home environment, and the workplace as critical determinants of health. Our accredited programs provide mentorship, community involvement opportunities, and research projects for students to grow as experts and leaders in their fields.
Current Environmental and Occupational Health News
News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.
News highlights starring UNLV students and faculty who made local and national headlines.
Public Health professor Erika Marquez receives 2024 Community Engagement Award for her work breaking down barriers to reach marginalized communities.
![young female student carrying football across field](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-04/IMG_8593_2000x1333.jpg?itok=x_QMjrUZ)
Partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders uses sports to boost body image and mental well-being of teenage girls.
![Spring Flowers (Becca Schwartz)](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-03/D75415_001_Spring%20Flowers%20%281%29.jpg?itok=jAeZ9tPL)
A roundup of the top news stories featuring UNLV students and faculty.
![a UNLV football helmet placed on the turf with an Allegiant Stadium sign and empty bleachers visible in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-01/A230725_028.jpg?itok=8kF0kAwr)
As the nation's most-watched sports entertainment event rolls into town, UNLV researchers are available to provide expertise.
Environmental and Occupational Health In The News
We’re joined by mosquito and disease expert Dr. Louisa Messenger of the Las Vegas PARAVEC lab. It turns out that gators and snakes aren’t the big danger in a swamp. And this monster isn’t constrained to swamps. In fact, it’s probably in your own backyard.
![Las Vegas Weekly](/sites/default/files/styles/100_width_25_height/public/news_source/logo/las-vegas-weekly.png?itok=ZDXAKfAu)
The Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed the season’s first cases of West Nile virus, underscoring an urgent public health alert. According to a press release from the agency, a man in his 60s contracted the non-neuroinvasive form of the virus, while a man in his 70s faced the more severe neuroinvasive type, which causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
![USA Today](/sites/default/files/styles/100_width_25_height/public/news_source/logo/USA_Today_logo.png?itok=-oyGUFa-)
Summer is the season for the reemergence of bugs — not just the American cicada — but all types of indoor and outdoor bugs. You’ll spot silverfish, carpenter ants, ticks and spiders. With so many insects, you may be wondering where bugs go in the winter.
![KTNV-TV: ABC 13](/sites/default/files/styles/100_width_25_height/public/news_source/logo/KTNV-TV.png?itok=fuEYrB8V)
Two cases of West Nile virus have been found in people, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. SNHD reported the first case of West Nile virus in mosquitoes just over a month ago. Today they announced two men have contracted the illness and are in recovery.
![KTNV-TV: ABC 13](/sites/default/files/styles/100_width_25_height/public/news_source/logo/KTNV-TV.png?itok=fuEYrB8V)
UNLV professor and mosquito disease expert Louisa Messenger tells Joe Moeller why Southern Nevada has seen a "massive uptick" in our mosquito population in recent years.
If you are planning a trip to the ninth island in the coming months, make sure to wear insect repellent. Health officials warn of a record number of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus around Las Vegas.
Environmental and Occupational Health Experts
![Headshot of Shawn Gerstenberger](/sites/default/files/styles/100_width/public/experts/highres/D70380_33.jpg?itok=ORJ-tl7_)