In a concerning development, officials from Austin Public Health (APH) have announced that a second mosquito pool in southeast Austin has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. This comes within two weeks of the first positive test result of the year in Austin-Travis County.

The positive result was reported in the 78744 zip code, originating from the same mosquito trap as Travis County's initial positive pool, which was reported on May 28. APH has emphasized the need for caution against mosquitoes, especially since the peak season for these insects is from May through November.

In response to the positive pool, APH's Environmental Health Officers have taken prompt measures to spread awareness in the surrounding areas. They have placed signs and distributed informational flyers on mosquito prevention. Additionally, larvicide has been administered in standing bodies of water to combat mosquito breeding.

Despite no human cases of West Nile virus being reported so far, the positive mosquito pool indicates the presence of the virus in the Austin community. Last year, Austin-Travis County experienced one West Nile-related fatality, along with three other probable cases of the virus.

Underlining the agency's commitment to public health, APH Director Adrienne Sturrup stated, "Our teams continue to monitor mosquitoes in the area and take actions to alert and educate residents on the threat and prevention methods. While the positive pools have only been seen in the 78744 area, I encourage everyone in Austin and Travis County to follow best practices and protect themselves from mosquitoes throughout the year."

It is important to note that mosquitoes are present in Central Texas all year round, but their population is largest and most active from May to November. In light of recent rainfall, the risk of contracting mosquito-borne infections has increased across the state.

To minimize the risk of mosquito bites, APH recommends the following precautions:

1. Drain standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so emptying any accumulated water in toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters, and plant pots is crucial to prevent mosquito reproduction.

2. Avoid dusk-to-dawn exposure: The Culex mosquito that spreads West Nile virus is most active between dusk and dawn. It is advisable to limit outdoor activities during this time.

3. Dress appropriately: Wearing pants and long sleeves provides an extra layer of protection. Opt for light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, as well as mosquito-repellent clothing options if available.

4. Apply insect repellent: Use an EPA-registered repellent containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Apply the repellent to exposed skin and clothing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines West Nile virus as the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Approximately one in five people infected with the virus may develop symptoms.

With the West Nile virus detected in multiple mosquito pools in southeast Austin, it is essential for residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and potential infection throughout the year.