New mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in Cedar Park

A mosquito trap tested positive for West Nile virus Nov. 24 in Cedar Park near Sun Chase Boulevard and Cypress Creek Road, according to the Williamson County and Cities Health District.

Another positive sample was collected Nov. 6 near the H-E-B Center.

Seventeen mosquito trap samples have tested positive for the West Nile virus in Williamson County this year. This is the most samples reported in a year for the county since its testing program began in 2012.

Three human cases have been reported in the county in 2020. According to WCCHD, symptoms include headache, fever, body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph nodes. People age 50 and older or people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe symptoms.

“Cooler temperatures prolong wet breeding areas for mosquitoes,“ said Jason Fritz, WCCHD Integrated Vector Management Program lead, in a WCCHD and city of Cedar Park news 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.”

It is recommended to drain standing water, use an EPA-approved insect repellent and dress in long pants and sleeves when outside.

More information can be found on WCCHD's website and the Texas Department of State Health Services' West Nile website.