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The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on Oct. 31 that a mosquito trap sample collected in the 78737 zip code tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive sample was collected from a site in the unincorporated area of Austin / Dripping Springs on Oct. 28.
This is the first reported West Nile Virus-positive mosquito trap of the 2025 season in Hays County. There were nine positive West Nile Virus mosquito traps during the 2024 season.
In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito traps during the 2024 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1,182 positive mosquito traps for West Nile Virus.
“Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Eric Vangaasbeek, Chief Environmental Health Specialist at Hays County Development Services (HCDS). “We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites by reducing areas of standing water around their homes and properties.”
While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, 20% of people may experience some symptoms, which can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention.
“The detection of West Nile virus in our mosquito surveillance program is a reminder that public health is a shared responsibility,” said County Judge and Emergency Services Director Ruben Becerra. “While this finding is not a cause for alarm, it is a call to action. We urge residents to take simple precautions — like using insect repellent and eliminating standing water — to protect themselves and their families.”
Health officials said that mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. Draining all sources of standing water in and around properties reduces the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Common examples of sources of standing water include buckets, flowerpots, old tires, and pet bowls.
“While we continue to monitor the situation, please try to avoid mosquito bites by following the three Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain,” said Ian Harris, HCHD Disease Surveillance and Preparedness Manager.
• DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA registered repellents, and always follow label instructions.
• DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
Hays County Development Services and the Hays County Health Department will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of residents.
For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact Hays County Development Services at 512-393-2150. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org.
