Mosquito season: Williamson County is looking out for West Nile Virus
As warmer temperatures and rain arrive, so does the annual mosquito trapping season in Williamson County. From May to November, public health officials will be collecting mosquitoes from traps and sending them to the Texas Department of State Health Services to be tested for viruses. Information gathered from mosquito trapping and testing can guide appropriate mosquito control interventions to safeguard communities against the threat of mosquito-borne diseases. To date Williamson County has not yet reported capturing any mosquitos that tested positive for West Nile Virus, however, Travis County confirmed this week it has trapped mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus in a pool in the southeastern portion of Travis County near the Airport.
As the summer progresses it is inevitable that, just as in past years, West Nile Virus will be detected here in Williamson County. But we do not have to wait for a case of WNV to be found before we begin the process of reducing the number of mosquitoes in Williamson County and reducing the chance of infection. We can start now!
What is West Nile Virus
Most people who are infected with the West Nile Virus will not get sick. However, it is estimated that 20% of people who become infected will develop West Nile fever with mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph glands.
About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. Those older than 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Symptoms can last for as short as a few days or may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Read more about symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Prevention
The most important way to prevent WNV is to reduce the number of mosquitos where people work and play. Mosquitoes can only breed in standing water, and it can be in as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
Using insect repellents and wearing protective clothing is the best way to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Fight the Bite Day and Night with the Four Ds:
Dusk and dawn: Although different species of mosquitos are active at different times of day, the species that spread West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn.
Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito repellent clothing is also available.
DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.
Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitos.
CUN.NEWS will keep you updated on the latest finds of West Nile Virus in our area and we will offer more tips on how to protect everyone.
