Williamson County, Texas

A sampling of mosquitoes taken at a trap near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the second time this trap has had mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in the past three weeks. The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) set up two expanded trap sites near the park, and both of the expanded traps came up with negative test results at this time. No other samples were found to be positive from routine trapping this week as part of the WCCHD Integrated Vector Management program. Williamson County will adjust hours for park visitors at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park to prevent exposure to mosquitoes when they are most active. Starting July 28, the park will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On July 21, the Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the implementation of an Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County to commence on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing for a period not to exceed 30 days and to authorize County Judge Bill Gravell to lift the ban if conditions improve during the effective period of the burn ban.  A person violates this order if they burn any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings.  It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.  This order may be enforced by any duly-commissioned peace officer.  It is a Class C Misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $500.  For additional restrictions, requirements and details relating to the Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning, the Order may be viewed here.    

A follow-up sampling of mosquitoes taken at two expanded traps near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park tested positive for West Nile Virus. The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) set up two expanded trap sites following last week’s positive mosquito sample. Both of the expanded traps came up with positive test results, while the original trap tested negative. No other samples were found to be positive from routine trapping this week as part of the WCCHD Integrated Vector Management program. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Please eliminate all standing water around your house or on your property. Mosquitoes cannot breed without standing water. Residents should treat ponds, rain barrels, or other stagnant water that can’t be drained with a larvicide. Please apply the treatment based on its labeled use. These products can be found at local home improvement stores.

Williamson County’s Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program issued 3,662 checks for a total of more than $34.2 million. The financial boost helped thousands of small businesses that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The County Auditor’s Office received a total of 4,194 applications from May 6, to June 30. A majority of the 466 applications that were denied were duplicates. The Auditor’s Office is still reviewing 66 more applications. While the amount issued per grant depended on whether the business was fully or partially closed starting March 2020, the average grant was $9,350.54. Both for-profit and non-profit businesses headquartered and located in Williamson County were eligible to apply. The deadline to apply for a grant was June 30. The program was made possible thanks to CARES Act Funds the County received from the federal government. Out of $93 million, $35 million was allocated for Wilco Forward, the remainder of the money will be utilized in phases. 

A sample of mosquitoes collected from a trap near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park located in area of FM 1431 and CR 175 has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The testing is part of the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) mosquito management program. This species has a flight range of about one mile. ​There have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Williamson County since 2017. West Nile Virus should not be confused with other mosquito-borne viruses.  ​There has been no evidence of mosquitoes transmitting COVID-19. 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 www.txwestnile.org. For questions, email wcchd-info@wilco.org.