AUSTIN (KXAN) — Flash floods are not the only thing people should be prepared for as historic rainfall continues in Central Texas.
Austin Public Health (APH) issued a reminder this week urging people to take precautions against mosquitoes, as wet weather patterns can lead to an increase in the mosquito population, heightening the risk of diseases borne by the insect, such as West Nile virus and Zika.
The state’s first West Nile virus case of 2025 was recently confirmed in Brazos County, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
In 2024, 101 local mosquito pools tested positive for the virus, according to APH. Preliminary results, pending finalization by the department, show 33 West Nile virus cases, including two deaths, were reported in Austin-Travis County, APH added.
“We’re in the midst of mosquito season this year, and this massive rainfall will raise the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in our community,” Environmental Health Services Division Chief Marcel Elizondo said in a press release from APH. “We urge everyone to follow the 4 Ds to protect yourself, family members and neighbors.”
Those “4 Ds” mentioned by Elizondo are:
Dusk and dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of day, the species that spread West Nile virus are most active between dusk and dawn.
Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito-repellent clothing is also available.
DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Find the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of repellents here.
Drain: Remove standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.