Mosquito In Cedar Park Tests Positive For Carrying West Nile Virus

Cedar Park, TX -- Health officials said Saturday a mosquito within the city's sampling area has tested positive for the West Nile virus

"One mosquito sample collected last week from a single location in Cedar Park has tested positive for West Nile Virus," city officials said in a press advisory. "This testing is part of the City of Cedar Park’s proactive participation in the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s mosquito management program. The positive test was indicated in a lab result from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin."

City officials note there have been no reported cases of the virus in humans in Cedar Park. Moreover, Williamson County has not had a reported human case since 2014, officials added.

Most people infected with the mosquito-born virus either don't develop signs or symptoms or have only minor ones, such as fever and mild headache, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, some people develop life-threatening illness that could include inflammation of the spinal cord or brain

More information about West Nile Virus is available at www.wcchd.orgor www.txwestnile.org.

The Health District has six traps at various locations throughout Cedar Park, officials said, and the species that tested positive is Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito).

"It was collected in northwest Cedar Park, near the intersection of West New Hope Drive and West Whitestone Boulevard/RM 1431," officials added. "This species has a flight range of about one mile."

City officials said the detection of the virus-carrying mosquito has prompted enhanced efforts at eradication.

"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," officials wrote. "The City of Cedar Park is prepared to take additional action if necessary."

City officials are urging residents to take extra precautions in the wake of the detection, especially given the test sample's proximity to summer outdoor activity sites at Veterans Memorial Park and several neighborhoods.

"The City and Health District are encouraging everyone to be especially vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors – and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property," officials said.