According to a statement released by the city Aug. 6, there have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Williamson County since 2016, and there are none in Cedar Park at this time.
However, a sampling of mosquitos were found to be carrying the illness after being tested by the Texas Department of State Health Services, according to the statement. The mosquitoes were taken Aug. 2 from a trap near the intersection of Cypress Creek Road and Sun Chase Boulevard.
While many people infected with the virus do not become ill, 20 percent will have mild symptoms, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Around one in 150 of those infected will become severely sick with symptoms like disorientation, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma, according to the department.
Williamson County and Cities Health District recommends residents follow a number of tips to prevent infection, including:
- draining standing water in places such as tires, wheelbarrows and open boats so mosquitos cannot breed;
- applying an insect repellant approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
- and wearing long sleeves and pants.
The city of Cedar Park is draining standing water on city property and treating water that cannot be drained with a bacterium called bacillus thuringiensis, according to the statement from the city. Bacillus thuringiensis is an insecticide safe for humans, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
The city asks that if residents report stagnant water on a private or public property at www.cedarparktexas.gov/reportaproblem.
For more information, visit the city of Cedar Park’s website.
