Mosquito sample in Cedar Park tests positive for West Nile Virus

For many, Sunday was just another day at the Cedar Bark Park but an unusual sign was greeting park-goers at the entrance of this popular destination after a mosquito sample from the area tested positive for West Nile Virus.

"The city proactively participates in the Williamson County and Cities mosquito-sampling program." Jennie Huerta, media and communications manger for the City of Cedar Park, said, "As such we have six traps that they place throughout the city of Cedar Park and this sample was returned from one of those traps."

Huerta said additional testing is taking place within a one mile radius of Veterans Memorial Park, which includes five additional test traps. She said it is still safe to go outside but to be sure to take proper precautions.

"The most effective form of mosquito management is to eliminate them at their source and then also to protect yourself from being bitten," Huerta said.

Although some residents, like Delyn Yerges, don't seem too concerned with the positive test.

"I've got a pretty strong immune system so it really doesn't bother me. For me I just protect myself the best I can and go on with life," Yerges said.

The city is asking anyone planning to be outdoors to follow the three D's of mosquito safety.

"Those include, first of all, draining any standing water from your yard. That includes things like pet dishes, flower pot pans, gutters, things of that nature." Huerta said, "The other two D's are: Dress and Defend yourself. (Dress) in long sleeves and long pants if you're going to be outside, particularly in the dawn and dusk hours. Defend yourself with an insect repellent that contains deed."

There have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus. The last human case to be reported in Williamson County was back in 2014.

The city is urging anyone to report any locations of stagnate water to the Cedar Park Code Enforcement Division.

You can do that by going to its website, here.