West Nile virus detected in 2 mosquito samples near San Marcos

HAYS COUNTY, Texas - State officials detected West Nile virus in two mosquito samples collected this week from different sites near San Marcos. [KSAT 12]

Health officials across Central Texas are ramping up mosquito control efforts after recent laboratory testing confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in multiple counties this week.

In Williamson County, all three mosquito monitoring stations have now yielded positive results for the virus, marking a significant milestone for the region's surveillance program. The Williamson County and Cities Health District announced it has begun pesticide applications in neighborhoods surrounding each of the three trap locations. The agency said a detailed spraying timeline will be released to the public soon.

Hays County also reported positive findings this week, with two separate mosquito samples collected near San Marcos during routine Tuesday testing showing evidence of West Nile virus. These results represented the first confirmed detections of the virus in Hays County for this calendar year, according to a county statement.

Meanwhile, Bexar County continues to see ongoing transmission, with state health officials reporting four positive mosquito traps as of Sunday. The first detection in Bexar County came in early May, indicating the virus has been circulating in the region for several weeks.

Texas authorities have documented five human infections associated with West Nile virus so far this year, all occurring in the Houston area. While most people bitten by infected mosquitoes experience no ill effects, about one in five individuals may develop symptoms including fever, headache, body aches and rash that resemble influenza. Health officials are particularly concerned about vulnerable populations, advising residents older than 50 and those with compromised immune systems to seek medical care if symptoms develop.