City Of Cedar Park: Mosquito Trap Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

Press release from the City of Cedar Park:

10/21/2021 4:30 pm

A mosquito trap sample collected in the City of Cedar Park has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This testing is part of Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) Integrated Vector Management program. The positive test was indicated in lab results received on October 21 from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.

The positive sample was taken from a trap site near Cypress Creek Road and Sun Chase Boulevard.  This is the first time this season that a sample from that location has tested positive for West Nile virus. The last date a positive sample was collected was November 2020.

In 2021, there have been nine mosquito trap samples that have returned as positive for West Nile Virus in other parts of Williamson County. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Williamson 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. 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. 

Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, WCCHD monitors the mosquito population and tests for mosquito-borne viruses.

• 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, and
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

This press release was produced by the City of Cedar Park. The views expressed are the author's own.