Austin Public Health confirms Travis County’s third case of West Nile Virus

Austin, Texas– The Austin Public Health Disease Surveillance Unit confirmed three Travis County residents who have contracted the West Nile Virus.

This comes after APH reported the area’s first positive mosquito pool last month. There are now a total of five mosquito pools identified through routine area testing. All of which are in the zip code of 78744.  

Two of the three infected individuals were exposed to the virus while traveling outside of the Austin-Travis County.

Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, the APH Environmental Vector Control Unit monitors the mosquito population.

“West Nile Virus is a preventable disease spread by infected mosquitoes,” said Janet Pichette, Austin Public Health Chief Epidemiologist. “Remember to protect yourself whether at home or traveling by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and using insect repellent with DEET. Avoid the times when mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn, especially between May and November. Make sure any open windows and doors are screened and drain standing water where mosquitoes breed.” 

Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not experience symptoms. About 20 percent will develop a fever and mild, flu-like symptoms including headache, body aches, a skin rash, and swollen lymph glands.

People over 60 years of age are at greater risk of developing serious disease, as are those with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease. Organ transplant recipients are also at risk for more severe forms of the disease.

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile Virus is not spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching other people or live animals.

Know the dangers and fight the bite with the “Four D’s”:

• Dusk through dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of day, the Culex species that spread West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn. Make sure any open windows are screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering the room. 
• Dress: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting pants and long sleeves when spending time outside. Mosquito-resistant clothing is also available.
• DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.
• Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths, and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/WestNile