MOSQUITO TRAP TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS IN GRANGER

August 25, 2021 – A mosquito trap sample collected in the City of Granger has tested positive for West Nile virus. This testing is part of Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) Integrated Vector Management program. The positive test was indicated in lab results received on August 25th from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.

The positive sample was taken from a trap site near N. Colorado St.. The last date a positive sample was collected was August 17, 2021. Truck-mounted spraying occurred in Granger on the evening of August 22, 2021.

This is the sixth reported West Nile virus positive trap of the 2021 season in Williamson County, and the fifth time this trap has tested positive this year.

“West Nile virus activity is increasing throughout Texas. It is important we work together as a community to prevent mosquito breeding around our homes.” says Jason Fritz, MPH, Integrated Vector Management Program Lead. 

The most important way to prevent West Nile virus is to reduce the number of mosquitoes where people work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, needing 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.

Symptoms of infection may include fever, headache, and body aches, a 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. 

What you can do:

Eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed and reducing the chances of mosquito bites are the most effective lines of defense against exposure to West Nile Virus. 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-registered 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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