Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said today the West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the Wimberley area northeast of Canyon Lake.
Residents are advised to follow the ‘Four D’ strategy of draining standing water, dressing in protective clothing, exercising special caution at dusk and dawn, and using EPA-approved repellents.
Key prevention tips include using mosquito repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and minimizing outdoor activities, especially at dusk and dawn.
“Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Eric Vangaansbeek, chief environmental health specialist at Hays County Developmental Services (HCDS). “We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites by reducing areas of standing water around their homes and properties.”
Comal County has not issued an advisory about the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.
Most people infected with the virus do not feel sick. About one in five people who are infected will develop a fever and other symptoms. One out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness.
For more information, visit hayscountytx.com/mosquito-surveillance.
