Juliana Russ and Barrett Tryon
7 hours ago
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Williamson County resident has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), according to the Williamson County and City Health Department (WCCHD).
WCCHD reported this is the first case in the county in 2024.
The individual is reportedly in his 50s and lives in the southern part of the county.
WCCHD said 13 mosquito trap samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season. In 2023, 35 mosquito trap samples have tested positive for the virus.
“West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person, but is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito,” WCCHD said.
The health department said people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and ensure mosquitoes do not breed on their property.
“Mosquitoes breed in standing water – all it takes is a teaspoon of water. By draining all sources of standing water on and around your property, you will 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 cruising around his Round Rock garden center, and KXAN caught up with him to find out some easy ways to protect your home from the West Nile virus.
“The most important thing is to keep taking care of your yard,” Fulton says. That can be as simple as mowing the lawn, but it goes a step further.
“Don’t let grass and weeds grow too tall around your home,” Fulton adds, “as that quickly becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
With storms in the forecast, she suggests taking proactive measures to prevent puddles in areas of your yard where they could be a problem.
“If you have areas that are prone to landslides after it rains, you can gradually fill those areas with topsoil to make them a little more level,” Fulton suggested.
The health department wants to remind people that mosquitoes carrying the virus are generally most active at night, so if you want to avoid the heat and want to wait until it’s cooler to do yard work, they recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts if you’re spending late hours outside.
Fulton said garden centers sell a lot of products specifically designed to combat mosquitoes, but that’s not the only concern this time of year.
“As temperatures rise, especially at night, we’re going to see brown spot and black spot outbreaks. Those diseases are more likely to occur and are harder to control once they get in,” Fulton said.
Fulton added that a single mosquito can lay thousands of eggs in a single night, so it’s not too late to start preparing your home.
He also suggests emptying bird baths every few days, something that’s often overlooked in backyard gardens.
