Taylor sprays against mosquitoes after two positive West Nile virus samples

In the lab, mosquitoes are sorted before being tested for West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis and chikungunya. (Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle) (Photo by Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Taylor began mosquito control efforts Thursday evening and will continue through Saturday.

According to the city, the Williamson County and Cities Health Department (WCCHD) helped coordinate the mosquito control truck effort, which will take place at 9 p.m.

“The spraying is in response to the two positive West Nile virus samples collected in Taylor on July 9 and July 15,” the city said. “The samples were collected at trap locations near North Drive and TH Johnson, and near East Third Street and Washburn.”

The city has provided the following maps of the areas to be sprayed.

Detailed

In 2023, 35 mosquito trap samples were infected with West Nile virus in Williamson County. In addition, one case of human infection with West Nile virus was reported in the county during the year.

Symptoms of West Nile virus can include fever, headache, body aches, a rash on the trunk, and swollen lymph nodes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The health department said people aged 50 and over and/or with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe symptoms. Symptoms could include stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, loss of vision, paralysis and, in rare cases, death.