Mosquitoes in Georgetown trap test positive for West Nile virus

A mosquito trap sample collected Tuesday in Georgetown has tested positive for West Nile virus. The sample was collected from a trap in the Sun City neighborhood along Yellow Rose Trail, according to a Georgetown news release.

It said that this year, five mosquito trap samples have returned positive for West Nile virus in Williamson County. The virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States.

There have been no cases of humans infected with West Nile virus this year in Williamson County.

An adult who lives in northern Travis County was identified in late July as the county’s first probable human case of West Nile virus disease this year, Austin Public Health officials have said.

Five mosquito pools in Austin tested positive for West Nile virus in the last week of July. The pools were in the ZIP codes of 78701, 78722, 78728, 78751 and 78756.

Three mosquito traps near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park also tested positive for West Nile virus in mid-July.

Scientists have found no evidence of mosquitoes transmitting COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, health officials said.

The city of Georgetown will continue mosquito control efforts with the treatment of standing water with larvicide, and the county health district will continue monitoring and testing, along with increased public outreach and education. The city is prepared to take additional action if necessary, the release said.

Symptoms of infection may include fever, headache and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph nodes.

People ages 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, the release said.

Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November.

Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, needing as little as one teaspoon, the release said.

It said people can reduce mosquito breeding by draining all standing water in and around their property including in flowerpots, pet dishes or clogged gutters. People can also defend themselves by using an EPA-approved insect repellent, and dressing in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

For more information, go to the WCCHD website at wcchd.org or visit the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile website at txwestnile.org.