Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In Cedar Park

CEDAR PARK, TX -- A mosquito sample collected in Cedar Park tested positive for West Nile virus, officials confirmed.

The sample was collected last week, but officials barely released details on Friday. The testing was part of the city's proactive participation in the Williamson County and Cities Health District's mosquito management program. The positive test was conducted at a lab at the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin, officials said.

The health district operates six traps at various locations throughout Cedar Park. The mosquito that tested positive was collected at the far eastern side of Brushy Creek Sports Park located at the intersection of Brushy Creek Road and Parmer Lane.

The species of mosquito that tested psoitive, Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito) has a flight

range of about one mile.

"The city is following the health district’s Best Practices for Integrated Mosquito Management which, at this

time, call for enhanced monitoring and testing, along with increased public outreach and education," city officials said. The city of Cedar Park is prepared to take additional action if necessary."

Given upcoming Halloween activities when many people will be outdoors, health district officials heightened health officials' calls for precautions.

What you can do

• Mosquitoes breed in 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. As part of its Fight the Bite campaign the Health District recommends the 3 Ds 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

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent, and dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

City officials are asking residents to notify them if they are aware of a location of stagnant water on public or private property. If so, contact the city's Code Enforcement Division via: www.cedarparktexas.gov/ReportaProblem, the CPConnect app on your mobile device or e-mail at code@cedarparktexas.gov.

For more information on mosquito safety, visit the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s

website at by clicking here.