AUSTIN, Texas — Health officials have identified a positive mosquito pool for West Nile virus in Travis County.
According to Austin Public Health (APH), the pool was found as part of the city's routine monitoring for mosquito-borne illnesses.
APH said the positive West Nile pool was found of the 78744 ZIP code in southeast Austin and southern Travis County, but that, thankfully, no human cases have been identified at this time. Last year, 913 positive pools were reported in Texas, along with 90 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in people.
Officials say most people exposed to West Nile do not become ill, but that 20% develop symptoms like headaches, body aches, joint pains, nausea and diarrhea. People over 60 years old are also more likely to develop serious symptoms.
Less than 1% of cases lead to the more severe West Nile neuroinvasive disease that can cause neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and even death.
There are no specific medications to treat West Nile virus. Health officials urge you to contact your doctor if you feel you were exposed to mosquitos or start experiencing symptoms.
How to repel and prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Apply an EPA-registered repellent containing products such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Drain standing water in bird feeders, water bowls for pets, potted plants, wading pools and other children’s toys
- Regularly clean debris in gutters, trash cans, buckets and plant pots that provide moisture and harborage
APH also says that while some mosquitos are active at different times of day, the Culex mosquito that spreads West Nile virus is most active between dusk and dawn.
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