Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile
A mosquito trap sample collected Tuesday on the north side of downtown Georgetown has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This testing is part of the City of Georgetown’s participation in the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s Integrated Mosquito Management program. The positive test was indicated in lab results received yesterday afternoon from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.
The sample was collected from a trap on the north end of the downtown area on Oct. 24. The species of mosquito that tested positive for West Nile Virus was Culex quinquefasciatus, also known as the Southern house mosquito. This species of mosquito has a flight range of about one mile.
Cooler overnight temperatures and windy conditions for the next few days mean that the application of an insecticide with a truck-mounted sprayer would not be effective. With nighttime temperatures in the 30s and 40s, mosquitoes will not be active and would not come into contact with the insecticide spray. Also, the use of an insecticide with a truck-mounted sprayer is not recommended when winds exceed 10 mph.
The City continues to use larvicide tablets to treat standing water found on public property. Residents are encouraged to drain any sources of standing water to remove mosquito breeding areas.
What you can do
Mosquitoes breed in standing or stagnant water. 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 flower pots, 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-approved 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.
