GEORGETOWN – A mosquito in Georgetown has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a notification sent out by Williamson County Agricultural Extension Agent Gary Pasturneck. As of June 3, only Williamson County and Tarrant County have found infected mosquitoes, with Tarrant County having trapped 13.
“This phenomenon has occurred much earlier than usual. Take appropriate precautions to avoid the bite by wearing effective repellents and avoiding dusk and dawn periods when mosquitoes are the most active. Make sure your horses are current on their vaccines,” Pasturneck recommended.
Texas Department of State Health Services data shows that last year in Williamson County, mosquitoes testing positive for WNV were not found until October, much later than in other Texas counties. Travis County’s first WNVinfected mosquito of 2022 was found in mid-July.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Williamson County and Cities Health District’s Integrated Vector Management program traps mosquitoes around the county and sends the samples to the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.
“Most people infected with West Nile Virus will not have any signs of illness. Twenty percent of people who become infected will develop the milder form of the disease, West Nile Fever, whereas only one out of 150 will develop the more severe form, West Nile Neuro-Invasive Disease,” according to TDSHS.
The agency said that the mild disease may last a few days, and symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent. Death from West Nile Virus is rare.
Williamson and Travis counties each had one human case reported in 2022, both diagnosed with the more severe neuro-invasive form.
There is no vaccine to prevent WNV in humans, though there is one for horses.
The Health District encourages residents to be especially vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Recent rain and continued warm temperatures are prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2 (from breathing), chemicals and odors found in sweat, the smell of alcohol and heavilyfragranced colognes, hair products and body lotions. They are also more attracted to dark clothing than light colors. People with type O blood may also be more prone to mosquito bites, according to the TDSHS.
