A sampling of mosquitoes taken at a trap near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, 3005 CR 175 in Leander, has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the third time this trap, located at New Hope and CR 175, has had mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus this year.
The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) will set up two additional trap sites near the park to expand testing in the area. In the past week, mosquito samples collected from routine trapping in Georgetown also have tested positive for West Nile virus. Mosquito trapping is conducted 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 Department staff will continue mosquito control efforts with draining or treating standing water with larvicide.
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.