Mosquitos Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — A sample of mosquitos has tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials said Thursday.

The positive samples emerging from the 78756 ZIP code, health officials said in an advisory.

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., officials said, noting there were no mosquito pools that returned positive for West Nile Virus in Travis County last year although there were 119 positive pools across the state of Texas.

While there have been no incidences of human infection of West Nile Virus in Travis County this year, symptoms of infection may include fever, headache and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes, health officials said. 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 added.

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, officials said.

The most important way to prevent West Nile Virus is to reduce the number of mosquitoes where people work and play. Mosquitoes can only breed in standing water, but only need as little as one teaspoon. 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.

“Our community has the ability to help us prevent mosquito-borne viruses,” Don Hastings, Austin Public Health Assistant Director for Environmental Health, said in a prepared statement. “Let’s take the time to remove standing water, wear protective clothing when working outside, and avoid being outside when mosquitoes are active.”

Related stories:

• WilCo Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile Virus
• Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In WilCo Park

Health officials in neighboring Williamson County reported another positive West Nile virus mosquito sample on Thursday after the same results resulted last week. Travis County officials offered tips on avoidance:

Fight the Bite Day and Night with the Four Ds:

• 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, click here. For more information on West Nile Virus, visit www.austintexas.gov/westnile.