AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health announced Thursday it has identified a positive mosquito pool for West Nile virus in an East Austin ZIP code.


What You Need To Know

  • The Culex mosquito that spreads West Nile virus is most active between dusk and dawn 

  • Mosquitoes breed in standing water and need as little as one teaspoon

  • Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside

  •  Use an EPA-registered repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone

APH stated that although it has found no human cases of West Nile virus at this time, the positive mosquito pool confirms the virus has made its way to the 78721 ZIP code.

Last year, APH confirmed eight positive mosquito pools in Travis County, with 1,515 positive pools in the state of Texas. Seventy-seven cases of the West Nile virus were confirmed as well.

“The monitoring of mosquito pools is key to keeping the public informed and safe, especially when many people are spending time outside,” said Marcel Elizondo, interim assistant director for Environmental Health Services. “By removing standing water and using prevention tools, we keep ourselves, our families, and communities safe.”

West Nile virus, notoriously spread through being bitten by an infected mosquito, is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. However, according to APH, only 20% of people infected develop symptoms, and even fewer develop serious illnesses. Older people, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, are at a greater risk of developing serious complications from this disease.

Check here more information on West Nile Virus.

The Austin/Travis County Arbovirus Surveillance Map highlights Austin/Travis County zip codes where one or more mosquito traps test positive for West Nile Virus. (Austin Public Health/City of Austin)