18 cases of West Nile virus in county

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Travis County officials say they have confirmed 18 cases of West Nile virus. That number is according to the Office of the Medical Director for Austin/Travis County.

One death was confirmed in Travis County two weeks ago. In Williamson County, at least two human cases of West Nile virus are under investigation this year. Previously only five cases had been reported since 2002.

On Monday officials with Dallas County Health and Human Services said a person living in North Dallas died from a severe form of West Nile disease. As of the most recent count, 190 human cases of the virus have been confirmed in Dallas County.

Bastrop County has two reported case, as does Williamson County.

In Hays County, there are four reported case and all people, including a child, are recovering.

Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year round, but the population is largest and most active from April through September.

During the season, adult mosquito populations are monitored and tested for mosquito-borne viruses by the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department.  As of Aug. 10, Travis County has founc a total of 73 mosquito pools testing positive for West Nile virus, which is the highest number of positive pools detected since surveillance activities began in 2003, according to the city of Austin.

Health officials say those older than age 50 leading an active lifestyle outdoors are most at risk, but anyone going outside is susceptible, and personal precaution is key, even if mosquito hotspots on one’s property or in the community have been treated.

Health officials say before going outside, use repellents with DEET , or as an alternative, use picaridan , oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR-3535 .

To treat clothing, use permethrin , which will kill mosquitoes on contact.

For yards or patios, officials also recommend eliminating standing water, install screens on windows and doors, and use air conditioning or a fan if available.