Mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus found in Hays County

Public health officials urge Texans to be vigilant in protecting against mosquito bites after confirming the first Texas case of West Nile virus and 10 travel- associated dengue cases this year alone.

In Hays county, officials confirmed last week that several mosquito trap samples collected in the Wimberley area tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive samples were collected from two sites in and around the city of Wimberley on July 11. There are about 20 traps in and around the Dripping Springs and Driftwood area but no mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus.

These are the first reported West Nile Virus-positive IDs of the 2024 season in Hays County. There were no positive West Nile virus mosquito pools during the 2023 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 913 positive mosquito pools during the 2023 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1051 positive mosquito pools for West Nile Virus.

“Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos,” said Eric Vangaasbeek, chief environmental health specialist at Hays County Development Services (HCDS). 'We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites by reducing areas of standing water around their homes and properties.”

First human cases reported in Texas; one in Williamson county The first human case of West Nile in 2024 was reported in a Montgomery County resident who has been diagnosed with West Nile fever. A second case was reported Friday in Williamson county. None so far, are reported in Hays county.

Last week, the Texas Department of State Health Services said it identified nearly 800 mosquito samples infected with West Nile virus in 24 counties.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people exposed to the virus don’t get sick, but about 20 percent develop symptoms like headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. In a very small proportion, less than one percent, the virus affects the nervous system, leading to the more serious West Nile neuroinvasive disease that can cause neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and even death.

“ Unfor t u n a t e l y, many mosquitoes in Texas are capable of spreading diseases, such as West Nile and dengue. These diseases are often mild, but some people will develop severe illness,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennishortly fer Shuford. “So, it is important for Texans to know how to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”

Heavy, widespread rain from Hurricane Beryl has left behind standing water that provides mosquitoes ample breeding ground to multiply. An increase in nuisance mosquitoes may initially occur in areas impacted by the storm. This may be followed by an increase in the types of mosquitoes that can spread diseases like West Nile. People working on clean up and recovery should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

The Texas Department of State Health Services urges people to not give mosquitoes a biting chance by following these steps to protect themselves and their families from West Nile and other diseases spread by mosquitoes.

•WEAR long sleeves and pants. Create a barrier to mosquito bites by covering up.

•APPLY insect repellent. Use EPAregistered repellents such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.

•REMOVE standing water. Emptying out water that accumulates in toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters and plant pots will deny mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs and reproduce.

Mosquitos are active all day, but particularly at dusk as they avoid the heat of the full sun. Avoid being out at that time if possible. If not, be sure to wear protective clothing and mosquito repellent.

People should also keep mosquitoes out of their homes by using air conditioning and making sure window and door screens are in good repair. DSHS urges people with West Nile or dengue symptoms to contact their health care provider and mention any exposure to mosquitoes.

There were 154 cases of West Nile disease in Texas last year and 13 deaths. Over the last five years, Texas has had 497 cases and 68 deaths. There were 79 cases of dengue in Texas last year, including one locally acquired case in Val Verde County. Mosquitoes remain active in much of Texas into November and December.