Second Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Williamson County

September 3, 2020 – The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) is reporting the second locally-acquired human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) neuroinvasive disease in Williamson County for 2020. The person is in their 70s and resides in central Williamson County.  

Thirteen positive West Nile virus mosquito trap samples have been reported this season in Williamson County, which exceeds the previous highest total number of 12 in a single season. Trap samples are collected and sent to the State lab from May through November each year. 

A new positive trap location has been reported this week in Granger. There are now four areas with West Nile virus activity in the County in addition to Granger; Southwest Williamson County Regional Park/New Hope Drive area in Leander, Georgetown near Sun City and Georgetown Village, and Brushy Creek Community Center, near the intersection of Great Oaks Drive and Racine Trail in Round Rock. 

“The report of the second human case of West Nile virus, and multiple positive trap sites in Williamson County are evidence of very high virus activity,” said Dr. Lori Palazzo, WCCHD Medical Director and Williamson County Health Authority. “Taking simple steps to avoid mosquito bites by protecting yourself with insect repellant each time you are outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn, and by preventing mosquito breeding areas around your home is the best way to prevent becoming ill.” 

Symptoms of West Nile virus infection may include fever, headache, and body aches, skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those age 50 and older and/or with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for severe symptoms, which may include stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis, and in rare cases, death. West Nile virus cannot be passed from human to human, infection occurs from a bite of an infected mosquito. 

WCCHD strongly encourages everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and to prevent mosquito breeding on their personal property. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, only needing as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you can reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.  

What you can do 
As part of its Fight the Bite campaign the Health District recommends the 3 Ds of mosquito safety: 

  •  Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes, or clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed and treat water that can’t be drained,
  •  Defend by using an EPA-approved insect repellent, and
  • Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

For more information, go to the WCCHD website at www.wcchd.org or visit the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile website at txwestnile.org. 

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