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2 Diagnosed With West Nile Virus In Williamson County, 2 in Hays County

Updated: Friday, September 7 2012, 12:39 PM CDT

Health experts in Williamson and Hays Counties are investigating four cases of West Nile Virus.

According to the Williamson County and Cities Health District, the two cases they’re investigating are from July. In the last decade, only five cases have been reported in Williamson County.

Hays County health officials say two patients over 50-years-old have also been diagnosed since July. Both received hospital care, and both are recovering.

One person in Travis County died from the virus this year.

West Nile is a potential deadly virus.  About one out of 150 people bitten by a mosquito infected with the virus will develop a central nervous system disease such as encephalitis or meningitis.  About 10 percent of those people will die from their illness and many survivors suffer from long-term nervous system problems.

Fortunately most people bitten by infected mosquitoes develop West Nile Fever, the less severe form of the disease.

Public health experts say the best protection is to avoid getting bitten in the first place.

Do that by limiting outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeve shirts, and long pants and use insect repellent with DEET.  Also make sure there is no standing water in your yard because mosquitoes can breed there.

West Nile Virus Information Resources:
Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile Information:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/westnile/information/special/
Annual summaries of West Nile Statistics in Texas:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/westnile/statistics/annual/default/2 Diagnosed With West Nile Virus In Williamson County, 2 in Hays County