What you need to know
Williamson county's public health department traps and tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus each year from May through the fall to warn residents of West Nile incidences and prevent human infection, said Deb Strahler, WCCHD director of marketing and communication.
On July 31, the department received positive test results from the Texas Department of State Health Services for two mosquito samples collected July 27 near Milburn Park in Cedar Park and Cat Hollow Park in the Brushy Creek MUD.
These were the 10th and 11th samples to test positive for West Nile virus this year, according to the department. Other positive samples have been collected in Georgetown, Granger and unincorporated areas of Williamson County.
The county has not received any reports of human West Nile virus cases this year, but five have been reported throughout Texas, according to WCCHD.
Most people with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; however, symptoms may include fever, body aches, headaches, skin rash on the torso and swollen lymph nodes. Ages 50 and older and those with a weakened immune system have a greater risk of severe symptoms, according to WCCHD.
What you can do
- Drain standing water in pet dishes, flowerpots or clogged gutters so mosquitos can’t breed, and treat water that cannot be drained with larvicides.
- Defend yourself with an EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Dress in pants and long sleeves when outdoors.
