Mosquito Sample Positive for West Nile in Berry Creek Area
A mosquito trap sample collected last week in the Villages of Berry Creek neighborhood on the north side of the city 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 in the Villages of Berry Creek neighborhood October 18. The species tested positive for West Nile Virus was Culex quinquefasciatus, also known as the Southern house mosquito. There were 44 Culex mosquitoes in the sample. The number of mosquitoes with the West Nile Virus in the sample is not known. This species of mosquito has a flight range of about one mile.
A contract pesticide applicator is scheduled to spray in the vicinity of the trap location since children and families will be out for trick-or-treating next week. After 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the applicator will use a permethrin-based insecticide along the street right-of-way and in public parks, weather permitting. Permethrin is a synthetic derivative of a pyrethrum, which comes from Chrysanthemum flowers.
A map is included showing the area where application of the pesticide is planned in the Villages of Berry Creek area. The use of the insecticide will reduce the adult mosquito population in that area. Spraying will be done if the wind speed is less than 10 mph.
The City also continues to use larvicide tablets to treat standing water found on public property.
There are currently no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Williamson County, and the County has not had any reported human cases since 2014. West Nile Virus should not be confused with other mosquito-borne viruses.
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 www.txwestnile.org.
