AUSTIN, Texas — A mosquito pool in East Austin has returned a positive test for West Nile virus.
According to a Wednesday release from Austin Public Health (APH), the positive pool was located in the 78721 postal code of East Austin. APH stressed that no positive cases of West Nile virus have been detected in people in the area as of yet.
“As more people are spending time outdoors, especially with the upcoming holiday, it’s crucial that we get the word out on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the viruses they may carry. Let’s follow the four Ds and use the prevention tools at our disposal to keep ourselves, our families and communities safe,” said Marcel Elizondo, the Environmental Health Services division chief.
In 2022, there were six positive mosquito pools in Travis County, 410 positive pools across the state of Texas and 46 confirmed West Nile virus cases in people.
So far in 2023, three pools in Williamson County have returned positive tests, but there have still not been any cases detected in humans in the area.
In the Sonterra Community in Jarrell, signs are up that read, "Health Alert: West Nile virus detected in the area."
This comes after the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) Integrated Vector Management program set up traps and collected mosquitoes, which were sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), where a sample tested positive for the virus.
Liz Maldonado and Marco Liscano live in the Sonterra Community and heard the news of the mosquitoes testing positive.
"I heard Jarrell had the first case actually, so it’s kind of nerve racking," Maldonado said.
The DSHS did the testing at its labs in Austin.
"The lab determined there have been three in the 2023 season, three positive pools of mosquitoes for West Nile virus," DSHS senior press officer Lara Anton said.
In an unrelated case, Anton said someone in Cameron County in South Texas contracted the deadly Malaria virus. Thankfully, no cases of Malaria have been detected in Central Texas.
The APH is reminding people that there are several steps to take to prevent the spread of West Nile virus and the breeding of mosquitoes. Just remember the four Ds: drain standing water, dusk to dawn is when mosquitoes are most active, dress in long sleeves and pants when outside and apply DEET on exposed skin and clothing.
Although mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, the months between May and November are considered the most active and when mosquitoes have the largest population.
"One of 5 people infected with West Nile get infected with West Nile fever. West Nile fever you may have headaches, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting," Anton said.