Williamson County spraying for West Nile virus

Williamson County health officials are warning residents about the threat of West Nile in the area. On Wednesday night, the city of Georgetown worked to prevent the spread of the virus.

Health officials collected a sample pool of mosquitoes from a trap placed on the north side of downtown Georgetown last week. Up to 50 female mosquitoes were separated from the pool for testing and there was a positive result for West Nile. 

Officials say a positive result could mean that of the 50 mosquitoes tested, one or all of them could be infected with the virus but it's not clear the exact the number. They say the pool data is used to monitor the mosquito population and estimate the risk of West Nile transmission to the humans.

The city will be sprayed the affected area with insecticide at 11:00 pm. They urge everyone to be cautious and wear repellent.  No human cases in the county have been reported since learning of this news.  With the popularity of the season, health officials warn everyone to be cautious.

“The city of Georgetown is concerned because of the timing. We are in the area where the mosquitoes are this is a populated area. The property where we are standing has got the county sponsored haunted house at the jail. So we will have lots of children and folks standing around in lines at dusk when the mosquitoes are out,” said Deborah Marlow, environmental health services director, Williamson County Cities Health District.

The use of insecticide will lower the adult population of mosquitoes in this affected area.