2nd Human West Nile Virus Case Reported In Williamson County

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Health officials on Thursday confirmed the second locally acquired human case of West Nile virus.

Williamson County and Cities Health District officials confirmed the presence of the neuroinvasive disease in a resident in his or her 70s who lives in central Williamson County. The gender of the patient was not disclosed.

News of the second human case comes less than one week after health district officials confirmed the first case of human transmission. On Aug. 28, officials said a person in his or her 40s became the first human case of West Nile virus in southern Williamson County.

The development also comes after 13 positive West Nile virus mosquito trap samples tested positive for the virus — exceeding previous highest total number of 12 in a single season, officials noted. Trap samples are collected and sent to a state lab from May through November each year, health officials added.

Additionally, officials said a new positive trap location has been reported this week in Granger. Health officials said there are now four areas with West Nile virus activity in the county in addition to Granger, the three others being in Southwest Williamson County Regional Park/New Hope Drive area in Leander; Georgetown near Sun City and Georgetown Village; and Brushy Creek Community Center, near the intersection of Great Oaks Drive and Racine Trail in Round Rock.

Previous coverage:

• First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In WilCo
• Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In WilCo Park
  
• WilCo Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile Virus
• West Nile Virus Detection Prompts WilCo Park Hours Changes
• Leander Park Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus
• Mosquitos Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Austin
• Human West Nile Virus Case Emerges In Travis County

“The report of the second human case of West Nile virus, and multiple positive trap sites in Williamson County are evidence of very high virus activity,” Dr. Lori Palazzo, the health district's medical director and the Williamson County Health Authority, said in a prepared statement. “Taking simple steps to avoid mosquito bites by protecting yourself with insect repellent each time you are outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn, and by preventing mosquito breeding areas around your home is the best way to prevent becoming ill.”

Symptoms of West Nile virus infection may include fever, headache, and body aches, 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. West Nile virus cannot be passed from human to human, infection occurs from a bite of an infected mosquito.

Health district officials strongly urge residents to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and to prevent mosquito breeding on their personal property. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, only needing as little as one teaspoon to thrive. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, residents can measurably reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

What you can do

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-approved insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

For more information, visit the Williamson County and Cities Health District website or visit the Texas Department of State Health Serviceswebsite containing information about the West Nile virus.