AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Public Health officials say a pool of mosquitoes has tested positive for the West Nile Virus in a Central Austin neighborhood.
Officials said the pool, which was found in the 78758 zip code, is the first in Travis County since 2018. While there were no positive pools in Travis County in 2019, there were 119 positive pools across the State of Texas last year.
The news comes after a positive sample was found in a Williamson County mosquito trap last week. Officials announced Thursday that follow-up sampling around that area had also come back positive.
Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, Austin Public Health's Rodent and Vector Control Program monitors the mosquito population and tests for mosquito-borne viruses.
"Our community has the ability to help us prevent mosquito-borne viruses," said Don Hastings, Austin Public Health Assistant Director for Environmental Health. "Let’s take the time to remove standing water, wear protective clothing when working outside, and avoid being outside when mosquitoes are active."
Symptoms of infection of West Nile may include fever, headache and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe illness, which may include stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, and paralysis.
Officials say the best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to reduce the opportunities for mosquitoes to breed. Mosquitoes can only breed in standing water, but as little as one teaspoon is enough. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
Here are tips from Austin Public Health to "fight the bite", dubbed the Four D's:
- Dusk through dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of day, the species that spread West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito repellent clothing is also available
- DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.
- Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.
To view Austin Public Health’s arbovirus surveillance map, visit www.austintexas.gov/department/environmental-rodent-and-vector-control. For more information on West Nile Virus, visit www.austintexas.gov/westnile.
