2 Mosquito Traps Test Positive For West Nile Virus In WilCo

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Two separate mosquito traps in Granger and Taylor have tested positive for West Nile Virus, accoridng to the Williamson County and Cities Health District.

The positive tests were indicated in lab results received Wednesday from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin. These are the second and third reported West Nile virus positive traps of the 2021 season.

The Granger positive sample was taken from a trap site near N. Colorado Street. The last date a positive sample was collected at this location was June 2, health authorities said.

The Taylor positive sample was taken from a trap site near Murphy Park on Veteran's Drive. This is the first occurrence of a positive sample at this location.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus may include fever, headache, and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those age 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.

Considering the upcoming holiday weekend and planned increased outdoor activities, the City of Taylor has coordinated for truck-mounted spraying, officials said.

The insecticide spraying in Taylor will occur in a 1-mile vicinity of the positive sample for Friday and Saturday night.

The chemical used is a pyrethrin-based insecticide along the street right-of-way and in public parks, weather permitting. Pyrethrin is a chemical that can be found in chrysanthemums, authorities said.

The use of the insecticide will reduce the adult mosquito population in that area. Spraying will be done if weather conditions are appropriate.

Although the mosquito control product poses no significant health risk, officials are asking people and pets to stay indoors during spraying.

Health authorities said both cities will implement enhanced monitoring and testing and increased public outreach and education.

What can the public do to prevent being bitten by infected mosquitos

Williamson County health authorities said people can eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed. This helps reduce the chance of mosquito bites, which is the most effective lines of defense against exposure to West Nile Virus.

As part of its Fight the Bite campaign the Health District recommends the 3 Ds of mosquito safety:

• Drain standing water in flowerpots, 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-registered insect repellent, and
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.

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