Williamson County resident tests positive for West Nile virus

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A person in Williamson County tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), according to the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD).

WCCHD reported this was the first case in the county for 2024.

According to the report, the person is a resident in their 50s and lives in the southern portion of the county.

WCCHD said 13 mosquito trap samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season. In 2023, 35 mosquito trap samples returned positive for the virus.

“West Nile virus cannot be passed from human to human, infection occurs from a bite of an infected mosquito,” WCCHD said.

The health district said people should 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,” WCCHD said.

How to protect your home

On a hot summer day, Drew Fulton is busy running around the Round Rock Garden Center. KXAN caught up with him to find out some easy ways to protect your home from the West Nile virus.

“The biggest thing is going to keep your yard maintained,” Fulton said. That’s as simple as mowing your lawn, but also going a step further.

“Don’t let grasses and weeds grow real tall around your home,” added Fulton. “That is an instant breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

With the potential for storms in the forecast, he also suggests trying to get ahead of areas in your yard where standing water is an issue.

“If you have areas that you know that tend to do that after a rain, you can do things like fill in with top soil gradually to fill in those spaces to get them a little more level,” Fulton suggested.

The health department wants to remind people mosquitoes with the virus are typically most active at night. If you want to beat the heat and wait to do some yard work when it’s cooler and later outside, it suggests to wear a long sleeve shirt.

Fulton said there are plenty of things available on the market at the garden store for purchase that specifically deal with mosquitoes. That’s not the only worry this time of year, however.

“Especially overnight with our warmer temperatures, you’re going to be looking at brown patch, black spot fungus. You’re increasing the chances of those diseases and it’s hard to control once they get in,” Fulton said.

Fulton also added that one mosquito can lay thousands of eggs in a single night, meaning it’s never too late to start to getting your home ready.

He also suggests emptying your bird bath every few days. It’s something that’s often overlooked in backyard gardens.

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