Williamson County Health, TX

Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) reports the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Williamson County for 2023. The patient is a female resident of northern Williamson County and was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease. Due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, WCCHD does not disclose any additional information about the patient.

WNV is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis and/or meningitis.

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. West Nile virus is not contagious among humans. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.

“Mosquito activity continues to be very high across Central Texas, and we would like to encourage the community to be careful when going out outside to enjoy activities, especially early mornings at dawn and evenings at dusk,” said Dr. Amanda Norwood, WCCHD Medical Director. “Please follow the 3Ds to do everything you can to avoid mosquito bites.”

• DEFEND: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellents and follow instructions.

• DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
• DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.

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.