As of Aug. 3, nine mosquito samples taken the previous week tested positive for the West Nile virus in Montgomery County Precinct 3, according to a news release from Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack.

Noack said in the release the uptick in positive tests indicates an increased risk of people contracting the disease. Precinct 3 will treat the affected areas multiple times, he said in the release.

“This proactive trapping and testing allows us to find the West Nile activity early and target our treatments accordingly,” Noack said. “Our goal is to keep our residents safe and healthy.”

More than 400 samples have been gathered by the mosquito abatement team so far this year, including more than 27,000 individual mosquitoes, according to the release.

Some samples are tested locally in house while others are sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services. A total of 47 positive tests have been recorded this year, Noack said in the release. A total of 70 treatment missions have been carried out over about 21,000 acres in Precinct 3. Another 16 treatments are planned the week of Aug. 3, according to the release.



Among measures residents can take to protect against the virus are using insect repellent registered with the EPA as well as wearing long, light, and loose clothing and avoiding outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, according to Precinct 3. Residents are also encouraged to eliminate standing water around their properties.

“Everyone who is able to do so should wear some kind of insect repellent when they go outside,” said Justin Fausek, director of mosquito abatement for Precinct 3, in the news release. “It’s the most effective means of protection available as long as you follow the instructions on the label.”