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Health officials from a city in the Austin area confirmed last Friday that a sample from a mosquito trap in the area tested positive for West Nile virus.
The positive sample, which was near an HEB store in Cedar Park, was the first time a mosquito trap from that location had tested positive for the virus since October 2018, according to a press release from the city.
So far this year, 21 counties in Texas, including Bexar County, have reported a trace of West Nile virus in livestock, humans or mosquitoes, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Earlier this year, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District said a sample taken on July 15 just east of downtown tested positive for West Nile.
READ ALSO: Austin mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus
Data shows that counties like Brazos, Travis, Harris and Nueces have also reported traces of West Nile virus. For a map of counties with confirmed cases of West Nile virus, click here. The map was last updated on November 3.
Mosquitoes are present in central Texas year-round, but the population is most active from May through November, according to health experts at Cedar Park.
Symptoms of the infection may include fever, headache, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. People aged 50 and older or those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe symptoms.
Cedar Park officials have encouraged residents to follow these steps to reduce the risk of getting bitten:
- From dusk to dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of the day, the species that spread West Nile virus are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Dress: Wear long pants and sleeves when you are outside. Wear light colored, loose fitting, or mosquito repellent clothing.
- DEET: Apply an insect repellant containing DEET. Read and follow the directions on the label. Spray exposed skin and clothing with repellant.
- Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, birdbaths, and wading pools can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Priscilla Aguirre is general mission journalist for MySA.com | [email protected] | @CillaAguirre
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