Mosquito trap in Cedar Park tests positive Dec. 2 for West Nile virus

A mosquito trap tested positive for West Nile virus Dec. 2 in Cedar Park near RM 1431 and West New Hope Road, according to the Williamson County and Cities Health District, and city of Cedar Park.

This is the first positive sample at this site, according to the Dec. 2 release. Another sample tested positive for West Nile virus Nov. 29 in Leander.

No human cases of the virus have been reported in Williamson County this year, according to the WCCHD. Case symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph nodes.

Mosquitoes are most active between May and November, according to the health district. It is recommended to drain standing water, use a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent, and dress in long pants and sleeves when outside.

“Cooler temperatures prolong wet breeding areas for mosquitoes," said Jason Fritz, the WCCHD Integrated Vector Management Program lead, in the release. “Dumping any amount of standing water around your home and using insect repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, is highly recommended to keep yourself and your family safe from mosquito-borne illness.”