POSITIVE WEST NILE VIRUS MOSQUITO TRAP SAMPLES REPORTED IN BRUSHY CREEK AND CEDAR PARK

August 1, 2023 – The 10th and 11th positive West Nile virus mosquito samples have been reported in the Brushy Creek MUD and City of Cedar Park. This testing is part of Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) Integrated Vector Management program. The positive tests were indicated in lab results received on 7/31/2023 from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.

The positive samples were collected from trap sites near Cat Hollow Park (Liberty Walk Dr/ O’Connor Dr) and Milburn Park on 7/27/23. Since testing began in May, eleven mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. No human cases have been reported in Williamson County to date, however, there have been five human cases reported in Texas this year.

The goal of the program is to provide an early warning for residents to take precautions when there is a high incidence of West Nile virus in the area to prevent a human infection. Symptoms of infection may include fever, headache, and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those age 50 and older and/or with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for severe symptoms, which may include stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis, and in rare cases, death. 

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, needing as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

What you can do:
  • WCCHD encourages residents in affected areas to be a part of the solution by eliminating insect breeding areas and larvae before they develop into adult, flying mosquitoes. Standing water can be treated with EPA-approved larvicides that are available for retail purchase.
  • Larvicides are products used to kill immature mosquitoes before they become adults. Larvicides are applied directly to water sources that hold mosquito eggs, larvae, or pupae. When used consistently, larvicides can help reduce the overall mosquito burden by limiting the number of mosquitoes that are produced, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes, or clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed and treat water that can’t be drained,
  • Defend by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, and
  • Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
For more information, go to the WCCHD website at www.wcchd.org or visit the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile website at txwestnile.org.