LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Southern Nevada Health District confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus this year involving a woman in her 50s on Friday.
And diseases like the West Nile Virus can emerge from dirty, green swimming pools as they're the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
RELATED: First case of West Nile virus reported for 2019 in Clark County
Now, Clark County is urging people to report green pools -- pools that have been neglected for so long that the water has turned green from algae and bacteria.
Neighbors like Rocky Harper love to spend time in his own pool and keeps it clean.
"I just maintain the chemicals, clean it and make sure the pump is working properly," he said.
However, his neighbor's pool has turned green just a few doors down -- green from all the algae, plus there are different kinds of trash floating around.
"I would not be a happy camper. I don't want that anywhere near me," Harper said.
His neighbor is just one of the few so far reported to the county for having a green pool, according to officials.
"The mosquitoes and everything else that's going to come with that - the disease - it's sad really. No one should leave their pool like that," Harper said.
Dane Pealock, of Alchemist Pool Service, says homeowners should make sure their pool stays clear and this way you don't get fined or have any disease scares.
"In the state of Nevada, they recommend running the pool one hour per 10 degrees in the day. And that's also during the daylight hours during the summertime," Pealock said.
He also said to residents should run the pool pump and to clean the filters every 3 to 4 months while keeping the baskets clear of debris.
Also, report any drip or saturation, or else your pool will go from blue to green within just a couple of days
To report a green swimming pool, standing and/or stagnant water contact your local code enforcement.
