Georgetown mosquito spraying mapA mosquito trap sample collected on the north side of downtown Georgetown last week has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a news release from the city today. The sample was collected on Oct. 11. The city of Georgetown is a participant in the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s Integrated Mosquito Management Program. The positive result was reported from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin, according to the news release. Mosquitoes in Hutto have also recently tested positive for West Nile Virus; however, further testing yielded negative results. Here’s what you need to know: 1. The mosquito that tested positive was a Culex quinquefasciatus, also known as a southern house mosquito. The species has an approximate one-mile flight range. 2. The city will implement insecticide spraying using a pyrethrin-based insecticide along the street and public parks near where the mosquito was collected tonight, weather permitting, according to the news release. The insecticide is expected to reduce the adult mosquito population, and will only be done if the wind speed is less than 10 mph. The city also treats standing water found on public property with larvicide tablets, according to the news release. 3. There are no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Williamson County, according to the news release. The last reported case in the county was in 2014. According to TDSHS, most people with West Nile will not have any symptoms, which can include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally skin rash or swollen lymph glands. Severe infection symptoms can include those symptoms as well as neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors and muscle weakness among others. 4. Residents can help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating mosquito-breeding areas and reduce the chance of mosquito bites. “Residents have a key role in reducing mosquito-breeding areas by draining pans and flower pots and putting larvicide disks in puddles or ponds on private property,” Georgetown Transportation Services Manager Mark Miller said in a statement. WCCHD and TDSHS recommend residents:
  • Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes or clogged gutters and treat water that cannot be drained
  • Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors
  • Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit www.txwestnile.org.