News Summary
The Williamson County and Cities Health District has initiated its annual mosquito trapping season to combat the West Nile virus. Running from May to November, the program involves collecting and testing mosquito samples to monitor virus activity. In 2024, there were reported cases of West Nile virus in residents, with numerous infected mosquitoes detected. The community is encouraged to participate in prevention efforts and stay informed through the Mosquito Surveillance Dashboard and the Fight the Bite campaign.
Georgetown, Texas – The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has launched its annual mosquito trapping season aimed at combatting the risks associated with the West Nile virus. The trapping and testing period will run from May through November, with mosquitoes being collected from various locations around Georgetown. These samples will be sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services for thorough testing to monitor and manage virus activity in the area.
In 2024, the WCCHD reported four human cases of West Nile virus, along with a record-high of 75 WNV-positive mosquito samples found throughout Williamson County. The data collected during this trapping season is crucial for informing public health strategies and mosquito control efforts, ultimately helping to protect the local community from mosquito-borne diseases.
Residents are encouraged to track the WCCHD’s mosquito surveillance efforts via the Mosquito Surveillance Dashboard, where they can access information about positive samples and active mosquito control areas. Additionally, if the situation requires it, the city will notify residents of truck-mounted mosquito spraying operations through the Nextdoor app.
The primary focus of the WCCHD’s prevention strategy against the West Nile virus is the reduction of mosquito populations within residential areas. Health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant against mosquito bites and to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites on their properties. Mosquitoes are known to breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water, emphasizing the importance of keeping yards free of stagnant water.
In coordination with its awareness efforts, the WCCHD has launched the Fight the Bite campaign, which aims to inform residents about ways to minimize mosquito breeding and contact. Community members can play a significant role in reducing mosquito populations by following recommended guidelines for standing water removal and protective measures against bites.
Residents seeking more information about West Nile virus prevention and mosquito control can visit the WCCHD website or the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile website at txwestnile.org. By staying informed and proactive, residents of Georgetown can contribute to the safety and health of the entire community during this mosquito season.
As proactive measures continue, the WCCHD encourages everyone to remain engaged in their personal health and environmental hygiene to protect against mosquito-related risks this season.
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Additional Resources
- Hello Georgetown
- Wikipedia: West Nile Virus
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Search: West Nile Virus Williamson County
- The Washington Post
- Google Scholar: West Nile virus
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: West Nile Virus
- Dallas News
- Google News: West Nile Virus
