Leander Park Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus

LEANDER, TX — A sampling of mosquitoes taken at a trap near the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park has tested positive for West Nile virus, officials said on Monday.

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, according to county health officials. The park is located at 3005 CR 175 in Leander.

In response to the positive tests, the Williamson County and Cities Health District said up to two additional trap sites near the park will be installed 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. Residents are urged to eliminate all standing water around their house or property. Mosquitoes are unable to breed without standing water, officials explained.

Moreover, residents should treat ponds, rain barrels, or other stagnant water that can’t be drained with a larvicide. Residents are urged to 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, county officials said in an advisory. Health officials noted that West Nile virus should not be confused with other mosquito-borne viruses, and tThere 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 website or the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.