Hays County mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Several mosquito trap samples collected by the Hays County Health Department (HCHD) tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the department.

“Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos,” said Eric Vangaasbeek, chief environmental health specialist at HCHD.

The department said the samples were collected in the 78676 ZIP code, which covers Wimberley and Woodcreek, and the positive samples were collected from two sites July 11.

“These are the first reported West Nile Virus-positive IDs of the 2024 season in Hays County. There were no positive West Nile virus mosquito pools during the 2023 season,” HCHD said.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• body aches
• joint pain
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• skin rash on the torso of the body
• swollen lymph nodes

Additional symptoms for individuals 50 and older and/or with compromised immune systems include:

• stiffness
• disorientation
• coma
• tremors
• vision loss
• paralysis
• death (in extremely rare cases)

“The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play,” HCHD said. “Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties.”

The county said it would also continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance for the health and safety of its residents.