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 parks staff will continue mosquito control efforts with the treatment of standing water with larvicide. WCCHD will continue enhanced monitoring and expanded testing, along with increased public outreach and education. Williamson County is prepared to take additional action if necessary.  ​

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.

What you can do

Mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of standing or stagnant water.  Eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed and reducing the chances of mosquito bites are the most effective lines of defense against exposure to West Nile Virus.  The mosquito species that transmits West Nile Virus is most active at dawn and dusk, residents are advised to be most cautious at those times by following the 3Ds of mosquito safety:

• Drain standing water in flower pots, 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-approved insect repellent, and
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

For more information on mosquito safety, please visit the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s website at   http://www.wcchd.org/services/disease_mgmt/fight_the_bite_-_williamson_county/index.php  or www.txwestnile.org.