The testing is part of the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s mosquito management program. According to the release, the sample was collected July 9 and the positive test was indicated in a lab result from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin and reported to WCCHD on July 10. The species that tested positive for West Nile Virus is Culex quinquefasciatus, or the southern house mosquito. This species has a flight range of about one mile.
Williamson County parks staff will continue mosquito control efforts with the treatment of standing water with larvacide and WCCHD will continue enhanced monitoring and testing, along with increased public outreach and education, the release said, adding the county is prepared to take additional action if necessary.
"Due to the proximity to outdoor activities at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park and in several nearby neighborhoods, WCCHD is encouraging everyone to be especially vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors—and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property," the release said.
No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Williamson County since 2017; West Nile Virus should not be confused with other mosquito-borne viruses; and there has been no evidence of mosquitoes transmitting COVID-19.
