Number rises in local West Nile cases

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Two cases of West Nile virus are under investigation in Williamson County and a total of two cases have been reported in Hays County.

According to a Williamson County news release, both cases were reported to the city's health district in July.

The Hays County Personal Health Department learned of one additional case of West Nile Virus since July, bringing the total to two, officials said. Both patients are over 50 years old, which is considered one of the high-risk categories, but both are believed to be recovering at this time.

According to Texas Department of State Health Services, residents can protect themselves from mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, since this is the prime feeding time for West Nile Virus carrying mosquitoes.

Officials said, if you go outside, take precautions; wear loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and long pants. All residents are encouraged to take immediate steps to eliminate the habitats where mosquitos live and breed:

• Eliminate standing water in wheelbarrows, rain gutters, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed
• Empty and change the water in pet drinking bowls, bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays every 4 to 5 days to destroy potential mosquito habitats
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating
• Clean out rain gutters
• Remove discarded tires or keep them dry and covered
• Add an aerator to ponds and water gardens or add fish that will eat mosquitos and larvae
• Remove debris (leaves, twigs, trash) from ditches and low areas
• Fill in ruts and holes that collect standing water