Nevada reports highest single-day coronavirus death toll

Nevada officials reported 60 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, breaking the record for the highest single-day total since the start of the pandemic.

The sum surpasses Dec. 31, when the state reported 59 deaths, and brings the cumulative total to 3,295 deaths — roughly 1 out of every 1,000 Nevada residents. Public health officials also reported 1,938 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 237,393 since the start of the pandemic. Nevada has broken records for cases, deaths, positivity rates and hospitalizations on a regular basis throughout the months-long surge which began in the fall.

Most cases have been in Las Vegas and surrounding Clark County, the region where most of the state's population resides.

Authorities nationally say the number of infections could be higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms for up to three weeks, although older adults and people with existing health problems can face severe illness and death. The vast majority of people recover.

Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.