CEDAR PARK, Texas — The City of Cedar Park announced on Thursday, Oct. 18 that it has received yet another positive sampling of West Nile Virus at a trapping site, adding to the positive samplings the city announced on Oct. 3.
The latest sampling was collected near brush and a collection bond behind an H-E-B Center located at 2114 Avenue of the Stars. The City of Cedar Park said the Health District is hopeful that the recent cold front killed some of the "weaker" mosquitoes and reduced the overall numbers.
Here's a look at the recent mosquito samplings that have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Cedar Park:
- Sample taken Oct. 4 tested positive on Oct. 10 in a trap located on Brushy Creek Road and Parmer Lane.
- Sample taken Sept. 27 tested positive on Oct. 2 in a trap located on Cypress Creek Road and Sun Chase Boulevard.
- Sample taken Sept. 13 tested positive on Sept. 18 in an expanded trap located on Cypress Creek Road at Lakeline
- Sample taken Sept. 6 tests positive on Sept. 11 in a trap located on Cypress Creek Road and Sun Chase Boulevard.
- Sample taken Aug. 2 tested positive on Aug. 6 in a trap located on Cypress Creek Road and Sun Chase Boulevard.
"The City and Health District strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property – especially in light of the positive test sample’s proximity to outdoor activity at Elizabeth Milburn Park and several nearby neighborhoods, as well as with our recent rainfall," the City said in a press release.
Though despite the newest confirmation, no human cases of the virus have been reported in Williamson County since 2016.
Officials said the species that tested positive on Sept. 6 near the intersection of Cypress Creek Road and Sun Chase Boulevard is the Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito). It has a flight range of about one mile.
According to the City of Cedar Park and the Williamson County & Cities Health District, that trap location had a previous positive result taken on Aug. 2. The Health District said on Sept. 11 that since this test was over a month ago, the second positive result was considered a sporadic event and not due to sustained mosquito activity.
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The City of Cedar Park will continue to follow the Health District's Best Practices for Integrated Vector Management, which calls for enhanced monitoring and testing, along with additional public outreach and education.
Officials say to follow the three Ds of mosquito safety:
- Drain standing water in flower pots, pet dishes or clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed, and treat water that can’t be drained.
- Defend by using an EPA-approved insect repellent.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
The City will also be draining and treating standing water on City-owned land where possible.
The Cedar Park Parks and Recreation Department uses bacillus thuringiensis larvicide pellets on public property to treat standing water that cannot be drained. Harmless to people and most pets, it can be found at most hardware retailers.
The City asks you to report stagnant water locations by clicking here, the CPConnect 2.0 app, or by email at code@cedarparktexas.gov.
For more information on mosquito safety, click here.