WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected through routine surveillance, prompting health officials to urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Officials announced the positive test results after monitoring mosquito populations in the county. No human infections have been linked to the infected mosquitoes, but the findings confirm that the virus is circulating in the area during the peak mosquito season.
West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito and remains the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Most infected individuals do not develop symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, joint pain, nausea or a skin rash. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological complications, particularly among older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Health officials advised residents to use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and reduce outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Officials also urged residents to eliminate standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Common sources include flowerpots, buckets, bird baths, pet water dishes and clogged gutters.
The detection follows the confirmation of Texas’ first human case of West Nile virus this year, which was reported in Harris County in May.
Health authorities encouraged anyone who develops symptoms after a mosquito bite to seek medical attention.
