The HCHD received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services, or DSHS, on July 18 that several mosquito trap samples collected from two sites in and around Wimberley tested positive for the virus on July 11, according to a news release.
What we know
The individual is a Buda resident, but due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, HCHD cannot disclose any additional patient information.
Infected individuals will exhibit symptoms for 3-6 days, and may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or months. Symptoms of infection can include a fever, headache and skin rash on the torso of the body. Additional symptoms include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Body aches
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The cause
A mosquito can become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds. Once infected, the mosquitos can transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis or meningitis, the news release states.
What they're saying
Hays County Epidemiologist Ian Harris emphasized that WNV is not contagious and humans are not capable of transmitting the virus to other individuals. The key to preventing the virus is to minimize the number of mosquitos in areas where people live, the news release states.
Public health officials are encouraging people to remain "vigilant" about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquitos from breeding on their properties. Mosquitos can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, the number of places mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed diminishes, the news release states.
Going forward
Hays County Development Services will set up collection traps across the county on a rotating basis to determine which areas are harboring disease-carrying mosquitoes. Once samples are collected, they will be sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin for identification and determination of the type of illnesses the insects could be spreading.
Individuals who would like to learn more about mosquito abatement can contact HCDS at 512-393-2150. Individuals can also view the Mosquito Tracking Locations GIS Dashboard or visit the DSHS for more information on WNV, according to a news release.
