Julianna Russ and Barrett Tryon
11 hours in the past
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — An individual in Williamson County examined optimistic for West Nile virus (WNV), in line with the Williamson County and Cities Well being District (WCCHD).
WCCHD reported this was the primary case within the county for 2024.
In accordance with the report, the particular person is a resident of their 50s and lives within the southern portion of the county.
WCCHD stated 13 mosquito lure samples have examined optimistic for WNV to this point this season. In 2023, 35 mosquito lure samples returned optimistic for the virus.
“West Nile virus can’t be handed from human to human, an infection happens from a chunk of an contaminated mosquito,” WCCHD stated.
The well being district stated folks ought to stay vigilant about defending themselves from mosquito bites and to forestall mosquito breeding on their private property.
“Mosquitoes breed in standing water, solely needing as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and round your property, you possibly can cut back the variety of locations mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed,” WCCHD stated.
how one can shield your property
On a sizzling summer time day, Drew Fulton is busy working across the Spherical Rock Backyard Heart. KXAN caught up with him to seek out out some simple methods to guard your property from the West Nile virus.
“The most important factor goes to maintain your yard maintained,” Fulton stated. That is so simple as mowing your garden, but in addition going a step additional.
“Do not let grasses and weeds develop actual tall round your property,” added Fulton. “That’s an on the spot breeding floor for mosquitoes.”
With the potential for storms within the forecast, he additionally suggests making an attempt to get forward of areas in your yard the place standing water is a matter.
“You probably have areas that you understand that have a tendency to try this after a rain, you are able to do issues like fill in with prime soil regularly to fill in these areas to get them a bit extra stage,” Fulton prompt.
The well being division desires to remind folks mosquitoes with the virus are usually most energetic at evening. If you wish to beat the warmth and wait to do some yard work when it is cooler and later exterior, it suggests to put on an extended sleeve shirt.
Fulton stated there are many issues out there in the marketplace on the backyard retailer for buy that particularly take care of mosquitoes. That is not the one fear this time of yr, nonetheless.
“Particularly in a single day with our hotter temperatures, you are going to be taking a look at brown patch, black spot fungus. You are rising the possibilities of these ailments and it is exhausting to regulate as soon as they get in,” Fulton stated.
Fulton additionally added that one mosquito can lay hundreds of eggs in a single evening, which means it is by no means too late to begin getting your property prepared.
He additionally suggests emptying your hen tub each few days. It is one thing that is usually missed in yard gardens.
