WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — A human has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Williamson County.
The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) reported the first human case in the county so far this year on Friday, July 19. The WCCHD said the patient, who resides in southern Williamson County, is in their 50s.
As of July 26, the county's health department said so far this season, 18 mosquito trap samples have tested positive for the virus.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Symptoms of West Nile Virus may include body aches, fever, headache, skin rash on the "trunk of the body" and swollen lymph nodes. Those 50 years old and older and/or with compromised immune symptoms are at a higher risk for severe symptoms, which may include disorientation, vision loss, paralysis, coma, stiffness and, in rare cases, death.
West Nile Virus can't be passed from human to human – infection occurs from being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“Fortunately, most people who contract West Nile Virus never develop symptoms and most people’s risk of getting seriously ill is very low," Jason Fritz, Integrated Vector Management Program lead for the WCCHD, said.
Other mosquito-borne illnesses reported in Central Texas
Travis County officials have reported two mosquito pools that have tested positive for West Nile Virus so far this year. In late May, the first positive mosquito pool was reported in the 78744 ZIP code in southeast Austin. A little more than a week later, another mosquito pool tested positive in the same ZIP code.
On Friday, Hays County reported that several mosquitos in traps in the Wimberley area have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Meanwhile, Austin Public Health has also confirmed five cases of Dengue fever, another illness spread by mosquitos, in Travis County this year.
Mosquito safety tips
To protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, health officials recommend you:
- Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes and clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed. Treat any water that can’t be drained
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent that includes DEET
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when outside, especially at dawn and dusk