Hays County partners with Homeless Coalition, local agencies, volunteers for annual PIT Count
Kate Esqueda • November 24, 2025
SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Jan. 22, 2026, the Hays County Homeless Coalition will conduct the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count in collaboration with Texas Homeless Network (THN), the Hays County Health Department, local agencies and volunteers throughout Hays County. The PIT Count provides a one-day snapshot of the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered. This census plays a vital role in the planning of future programs and the allocation of resources for individuals experiencing homelessness in Hays County.
The PIT Count is a nationwide effort mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that collects data on homelessness. Communities across the country use this annual census to understand the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, track trends over time and guide local policy and funding decisions.
“As a community, we have a responsibility to understand the challenges our unhoused neighbors face,” said Isabella Vigil, Hays County Behavioral Health Coordinator and Co-Chair of the PIT Planning Team. “The PIT Count helps us see the full picture so we can respond with intention, empathy and the resources needed to make a real difference.”
On the day of the count, volunteers will be deployed across Hays County to conduct surveys and offer support to individuals experiencing homelessness. The data collected will be submitted to THN for analysis and reporting to HUD, contributing to the national understanding of homelessness trends.
"Tackling an issue like homelessness requires county-wide solutions, and this collaborative effort highlights the strength of Hays County's commitment to caring for our most vulnerable neighbors," said Nancy Heintz, HCHC Board Secretary.
“Addressing homelessness requires more than just data — it needs unity, compassion and coordinated action,” said Matthew Gonzales, Hays County Health Department Director. “By working together with organizations like the Homeless Coalition, volunteers and community partners during the PIT Count, the County is not only gathering vital information — we’re building the foundation for long-term, community-driven solutions that prioritize health, dignity and stability for all.”
Community members and local organizations are encouraged to get involved by volunteering, donating items, spreading awareness or supporting local shelters and service providers. Those interested in donating items from the shopping list developed by the team for the individuals surveyed may contact Isabella Vigil at isabella.vigil@hayscountytx.gov.
“The PIT Count gives us the data we need to advocate for stronger resources in Hays County. When we understand the scope of homelessness in our community, we can target services more effectively and work together toward permanent solutions,” said Erika Rosa, Co-Founder of Breaking Bread Outreach Ministries and PIT Committee Co-Chair.
For more information on how to get involved with the PIT Count, contact this year’s PIT committee co-chairs, Erika Rosa from Breaking Bread Outreach Ministries at breakingbreadom78666@gmail.com, or Isabella Vigil, Behavioral Health Coordinator from Hays County Health Department at isabella.vigil@hayscountytx.gov.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Commissioners Court appointed Karl Flocke as the new director of Parks and Natural Resources, which recently became its own independent department in accordance with the FY2026 budget. With a bachelor’s degree in Renewable Natural Resources from Texas A&M and a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Florida, a career in parks and natural resources was a “no-brainer” for Flocke. “I was fortunate enough to identify at a young age that I am happiest when I am outside, and that I am passionate about conserving the natural environment,” he said. “From there, it was a logical step to start researching careers that would allow me to accomplish this.” As a native of the County, the new director said he welcomed the opportunity to serve with enthusiasm. “I was born and raised in Hays County and was lucky to be able to explore many of our parks and preserves long before it was ever imagined that the County could have its own park system,” Flocke said. “When I heard about the position, I jumped at the opportunity to help manage and preserve the land that got me into this field to begin with.” As Hays County grows, the Parks Department has evolved rapidly to meet its demands. “We struggle to have enough parks and conservation lands needed for our current population,” he said. “With our meteoric population growth and increasing property values, it will be that much harder to meet the demands placed on Parks in the future. Everything we do now must have an eye toward the future.” One of his goals as the new director, Flocke noted, is to take the formation of the new department “as an opportunity to find what has been working well for us and what we need to improve and to bring it together into a cohesive strategy that can form the bedrock of Hays County Parks and Natural Resources moving forward.” The new director will now oversee the department’s flagship project — the opening of Sentinel Peak Preserve in the southwest part of the County — a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy the beauty of their environment. He encouraged residents to take a quintessential Texas Hill Country hike and then cool off in the Blanco River once the facility opens to the public in 2027. In the meantime, several new parks, playgrounds and sports facilities are being opened by the County and municipalities as a part of the 2020 Parks and Open Spaces Bond. “On top of this, we are continuously looking for opportunities to upgrade, improve and expand our facilities to best serve Hays County residents,” Flocke said, noting that the department values public feedback – whether that is through formal processes such as the Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Commission, which helped draft the bond priorities, or through a simple conversation. “Most importantly, residents can help make their vision a reality by volunteering to get things done,” he said. “Whether you were born in Hays County or moved here later in life, the natural environment of the region probably plays a key role in why you chose to call this place home and in your overall quality of life. Come visit us in Hays County Parks and Natural Resources and learn what we are doing to keep this a great place to live.” For more information, visit www.hayscountytx.gov/parks-and-recreation. # # #
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that yesterday, Nov. 20, 26-year-old Royce Robison was sentenced by a Hays County jury to 15 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for intoxication manslaughter and 10 years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. These sentences will run concurrently. This came one day after the same jury found Robison guilty of both felony counts. The evidence in the trial showed that, on December 2, 2022, Robison was driving while intoxicated and “T-boned” a vehicle as it was turning into the entrance of a residence. Robison was driving east on Clovis Barker Road at approximately 63 miles per hour in a 45-miles-per-hour zone and ran a stop sign at the intersection of Clovis Barker and FM-123. Robison struck the driver's side door of the victim’s vehicle, causing the death of the driver, 58-year-old Crisanta Cazares. Her son, Francisco Cazares, and her 8-month-old granddaughter were also in the vehicle. Cazares’ granddaughter suffered from a skull fracture and liver contusion, leading to the aggravated assault charge. On scene, Robison admitted to being the driver of his truck and being responsible for the collision. At trial, he took the stand and attempted to blame an innocent passenger who was asleep at the time of the accident. Evidence in the trial, including video surveillance that showed Robison exiting the driver's side directly after the collision, proved that Robison’s version of events was untrue. Robison showed no remorse for his actions throughout the two-week trial and expressed no apology to the packed courtroom filled with Cazares’ loved ones. Following the conviction, the state presented evidence in the punishment case that Robison had been arrested a year before the incident for public intoxication, as well as testimony from Cazares’ family members about the impact Robison’s actions have had on their lives as they grieve their significant loss. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her charity to many in this community and her role as a mother, sister and grandmother of seven. This case was investigated by the San Marcos Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cassidy Story and Jessica Rabena, assisted by Sandra Groters, Avery Slocum, Cristina Kearbey and Sergeant Investigator Robert Torres. “We want to thank the jury for honoring Crisanta’s life with their sentence,” Story said. “We also want to express our gratitude to the family for their patient and unwavering faith in the justice system as they waited for long overdue closure. As they mourn the third anniversary of their loved one this holiday season, we hope that this sentence serves as a reminder to the community of the unjustifiable risk of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated." # # #
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at a regular meeting of the Commissioners Court of Hays County, Texas (the “Commissioners Court”), to be held at its regular meeting place in the Hays County Courthouse, Room 301, 111 E. San Antonio Street, San Marcos, Texas, the Commissioners Court intends to pass one or more orders authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $100,000,000 total principal amount of certificates of obligation, in one or more series (collectively, the “Certificates”), bearing interest at any rate or rates not to exceed the maximum interest rate authorized by law, as shall be determined within the discretion of the Commissioners Court at the time of issuance of the Certificates, and maturing over a period of not to exceed thirty (30)years from their date of issuance, for the purpose of paying contractual obligations to be incurred for all or any portion of the costs associated with (i) constructing, equipping, improving, extending,expanding, upgrading and/or developing a County administration building to be known as the East side Campus, including any necessary acquisition of land or interest in land in connection therewith,related drainage and utility costs, and other costs related thereto; (ii) acquiring, constructing,equipping, improving, renovating, extending, expanding, upgrading and/or developing animal shelter facilities, including any necessary land acquisition, related drainage and utility costs and other costs related thereto; (iii) remodeling, constructing, equipping, improving, renovating, extending,expanding, upgrading the existing Hays County Government Center; (iv) acquiring, constructing,equipping, improving, renovating, extending, expanding, upgrading and/or developing a Precinct 4office building, including any necessary land acquisition in connection therewith, related drainage and utility costs, and other costs related thereto; (v) acquiring, constructing, equipping, improving,renovating, extending, expanding, upgrading and/or developing a Precinct 5 office building, including any necessary land acquisition in connection therewith, related drainage and utility costs, and other costs related thereto; and (vi) professional services of attorneys, financial advisors, engineers and other professionals in connection with the foregoing purposes and the issuance of the Certificates.Said Certificates shall be payable from the levy of a direct and continuing ad valorem tax, levied within the limits prescribed by law, against all taxable property within the County sufficient to pay the interest on said Certificates as due and to provide for the payment of the principal thereof as the same matures, as authorized by Sub chapter C, Chapter 271, Texas Local Government Code, as amended, and from certain of the net revenues of the County's Solid Waste Management System. The estimated combined principal and interest required to pay the Certificates on time and in full is $184,959,875.00. Such estimate is provided for illustrative purposes only and is based on an assumed interest rate of 5.25%. Market conditions affecting interest rates vary based on numerous factors beyond the control of the County, and the County cannot provide any assurance regarding the rate of interest that the Certificates will bear upon their issuance. As of the date of this notice, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt obligations of the County secured by and payable from ad valorem taxes is $635,108,993.00. Based on the County's expectations, as of the date of this notice, the combined principal and interest required to pay all of the outstanding debt obligations of the County secured by and payable from ad valorem taxes on time and in full is $923,048,745.64. COMMISSIONERS COURT HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS November 18, 2025
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that on November 7, 44-year-old Richard Santa Ana was sentenced to a total of 218 years in prison by Hays County District Court Judge Joe Pool after being found guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact. The sentence followed a bench trial that proved that Santa Ana had repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted the teenage daughter of a friend. Evidence during the punishment phase included testimony from a previous victim that the defendant had sexually assaulted in 2007. Despite the verdict, the defendant remained unremorseful. Judge Pool stated, "This gives notice to others in the community that we're not going to accept this type of behavior." Judge Pool announced he was ordering the sentences to run consecutively, or “stacked,” requiring the first sentence to be served before the second sentence can begin, and the second to be served before the third starts. Santa Ana must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, and a lifetime protective order on behalf of the victim was put into place against him. “This defendant had already shown he won’t be rehabilitated,” said lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Abigail Whitaker, “We asked the Court to make sure he wouldn’t be able to reoffend again. Both of the girls who came forward and told their stories in this trial were extremely brave, and we are grateful we were able to get justice for them.” The case was investigated by Kyle Police Department Detective Jerritt Bean. It included scientific analysis by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification and NMS Labs. The State’s trial team that appeared on behalf of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins in this matter included prosecutors Whitaker and Phillip Guebert, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator Annalise Brewer-Hall, Investigator Sergeant Rheanne Garcia, Legal Assistant Avery Slocum and Digital Media Evidence and Discovery Coordinator Mercedes Pena. # # #
Hays County approves resolution to issue COs for administrative buildings, animal shelter facilities
SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the publication and posting of a notice of intent to issue Hays County, Texas, Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation (COs) not to exceed $100 million for County office and administrative buildings and animal shelter facilities. The item was co-sponsored by Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe and Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen. “These projects represent an important step in making sure Hays County keeps pace with the needs of the people who live here. As our county grows, so does the demand on our facilities, and it’s important that our spaces reflect the level of service our community expects. Investing in these improvements now allows us to support our staff, strengthen our operations and create welcoming, functional environments for residents,” said Cohen. “Whether it’s updated precinct offices, improved administrative buildings or better-equipped animal shelters, each project is about giving our community the infrastructure it deserves. These upgrades will help us work more efficiently and meet families where they are today and in the years ahead. I’m proud to co-sponsor this item alongside Commissioner Ingalsbe, because it moves us toward a more responsive, accessible and prepared county government — one that truly serves our people well.” These projects include the following: • Eastside Campus: Constructing, equipping, improving, extending, upgrading and/or developing a County administration building to be known as the Eastside Campus, including any necessary acquisition of land or interest in land in connection therewith, related drainage and utility costs, and other costs related. • Animal Shelter Facilities: Acquiring, constructing, equipping, improving, renovating, extending, expanding, upgrading and/or developing animal shelter facilities, including any necessary land acquisition, related drainage and utility costs and other costs related thereto. • Hays County Government Center Remodel: Remodeling, constructing, equipping, improving, renovating, extending, expanding and upgrading the existing Hays County Government Center. • Precinct 4 Office Building: Acquiring, constructing, equipping, improving, renovating, extending, expanding, upgrading and/or developing a Precinct 4 office building, including any necessary land acquisition in connection therewith, related drainage and utility costs and other costs related thereto. • Precinct 5 Office Building: Acquiring, constructing, equipping, improving, renovating, extending, expanding, upgrading and/or developing a Precinct 5 office building, including any necessary land acquisition in connection therewith, related drainage and utility costs and other costs related thereto. “Investing in Hays County’s core infrastructure is essential to keeping our county working efficiently and responsibly as our population continues to grow. These projects — whether it’s the Eastside Campus, improvements to our government facilities, or long-needed upgrades to our animal shelter — are about ensuring that our residents can access services in spaces that are safe, modern and equipped to meet today’s demands,” said Ingalsbe. “By moving forward with these renovations and new facilities, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also creating long-term investments in our community. Updated infrastructure helps us deliver better services, reduces operational inefficiencies and ultimately saves taxpayer dollars over time. Most importantly, it provides residents with the level of accessibility, care and responsiveness they deserve from our county government. I’m proud to co-sponsor this item and support the work that will strengthen our ability to serve the people of Hays County well into the future.” The County estimates that a tax rate levy of $0.0102 per $100 assessed value will be necessary to pay the debt service on the COs. The approval of the resolution is the first step to proceed with the projects. The County will then issue notices to the public, begin the bond rating process and approve a delegation order to sell the COs at the scheduled Jan. 20 meeting of the Commissioners Court. The County will receive the funds in early February. ###
SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Mental Health Court (MHC) is proud to announce its sixth commencement ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 10 graduating participants — the largest graduation class to date. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, Texas. MHC serves individuals 17 years of age or older who have a diagnosable mental health disorder and a pending charge in Hays County. All potential participants complete a structured referral process and are reviewed by the MHC team to ensure eligibility. “The County has executed several contracts to provide counseling, case management, housing and transportation services to the participants,” said Mental Health Court Judge Elaine Brown. “Additional community-based resources are identified and utilized by the Court to assist participants.” The program offers 12 months of services for misdemeanors, with a possible three-month extension, and 18 months for felony offenses, also with a possible three-month extension. Success in the Mental Health Court is measured by personal growth, stability and self-sufficiency. Participants work toward goals such as returning to school, securing employment, establishing stable housing and strengthening family relationships. “Many utilize services such as residential treatment, sober living and peer support,” said Brown. “All these services work hand-in-hand to support their mental health, physical health and help them gain confidence in working towards their personalized goals.” To complete the program, participants must stabilize their mental health, including consistent medication adherence (if prescribed), maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol, achieve the goals in their individualized mental health and/or substance use treatment plan and follow all court orders, probation conditions and MHC program guidelines. Every graduate who has completed the program has a unique story of perseverance and transformation. “One individual we engaged with was incarcerated at the time we met with them. During their time in the program, they were able to get stabilized on medications, start therapy and work with a Benefits Navigator to apply for benefits,” said Mental Health Court Administrator Kaimi Mattila. “This individual has been able to gain a deeper understanding of their mental illness and the importance of taking medications. Their mental health is much more stable.” This commencement ceremony celebrates not only the graduates’ achievements but also their dedication and commitment to rebuilding their lives. Each participant's success reflects their individual goals and the support of a dedicated treatment team walking beside them throughout their journey. For additional details about the ceremony or the Mental Health Court program, contact the Hays County Mental Health Court Office at 512-757-0795 or by email at k aimi.mattila@hayscountytx.gov . ###
For the original document, click here Hays County Health Department 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666 Public Health Advisory Board Meeting Notice Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM Kyle Precinct 2 Building Multipurpose Conference Room 5458 FM2770, Kyle, TX 78640 This Notice has been posted with Hays County, Office of the County Clerk, according to the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. Area Reserved for the Hays County Clerk’s Office
WIMBERLEY, Texas —Hays County Development Services (HCDS) received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on November 6, 2025, that a mosquito trap sample collected in the 78676 ZIP code tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive sample was collected from a site in the unincorporated area of Wimberley on November 4, 2025. This is the second reported West Nile Virus-positive mosquito trap of the 2025 season in Hays County. There were nine positive West Nile Virus mosquito traps during the 2024 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito traps during the 2024 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1,243 positive mosquito traps for West Nile Virus. While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, only 20% of people may experience some symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention. Supportive care and treatment to improve quality of life and comfort are typically provided to diagnosed patients. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. There is currently no treatment for West Nile Virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Common examples of sources of standing water include buckets, flowerpots, old tires, and pet bowls. Residents can reduce their risk of mosquito bites and West Nile Virus infection by following the three Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain. DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions. DRESS: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside. DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs. “Hays County is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our residents, and we’re staying proactive in monitoring mosquito activity across the county. With a second trap in Hays County testing positive for West Nile Virus, it’s important for all of us to take simple steps to stay safe — use insect repellent, wear long sleeves when outdoors and empty any standing water around your home,” said Hays County Judge and Director of Emergency Services Ruben Becerra. “I want to thank our Health Department and Development Services teams for their continued efforts to keep our community informed and protected, and we appreciate our residents for doing their part as well. Together, we can help reduce the risk and keep Hays County safe and healthy.” HCDS is providing mosquito surveillance within the county to monitor and track mosquito-borne illnesses. Some mosquitoes can transfer potentially deadly diseases — known as arboviral diseases — to humans. HCDS is collecting mosquitoes to determine which areas are harboring disease-carrying mosquitoes. HCDS will set up collection traps across the county on a rotating basis to capture samples of several species of mosquitoes that will be sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin for identification and determination of the type(s) of illness the mosquitoes could be spreading. Monitoring species, mosquito density and geographic breeding sites will provide critical early predictive data to HCDS to help monitor, prevent and combat mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illnesses. HCDS uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gravid-trapping method to collect mosquitoes. This trap is designed to attract female mosquitoes that are ready to lay eggs. The trap uses a fan to draw in mosquitoes that approach the liquid in the bottom of the bucket and keeps them in a collection bag until the trap is collected. HCDS also uses the BG-Sentinel trap. This trap targets other mosquito species that are vectors of other arboviruses. Collection is typically carried out from May until November throughout Texas. Hays County Development Services and the Hays County Health Department will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of our residents. For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact Hays County Development Services at 512-393-2150. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org. ###
SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 51-year-old Javier Ortega Gonzalez of San Marcos was sentenced to life in prison on October 31, 2025. On October 30, 2025, a jury found Gonzalez guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The evidence in the trial showed that Gonzalez sexually abused a child over the course of several years, starting when the child was around 5 years old. After the jury found the defendant guilty, the State presented additional evidence that Gonzalez had also been physically abusive to multiple children and adults throughout the years. The jury sentenced him to life in prison. Due to the charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, he will not be eligible for parole. This case was investigated by the San Marcos Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Miranda Ebersole and Rebecca Lopez. The ADAs in this case were assisted by Jose Torres, Kendall Evans, Maureen Herrera, Stacy Miles-Thorpe and John Paul Garza. “It took extraordinary courage for the victim to come forward and testify about the abuse,” Ebersole said. “We thank the jury for their verdict and for ensuring that this defendant can never sexually abuse a child again. We also want to thank Detective Benavides from the San Marcos Police Department for her extensive work on this case.” # # #
HAYS COUNTY, Texas — The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on October 31, 2025, that a mosquito trap sample collected in the 78737 ZIP code tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive sample was collected from a site in the unincorporated area of Austin/Dripping Springs on October 28, 2025. This is the first reported West Nile Virus-positive mosquito trap of the 2025 season in Hays County. There were nine positive West Nile Virus mosquito traps during the 2024 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito traps during the 2024 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1,182 positive mosquito traps for West Nile Virus. “Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Eric Vangaasbeek, Chief Environmental Health Specialist at Hays County Development Services (HCDS). "We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites by reducing areas of standing water around their homes and properties.” While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, only 20%of people may experience some symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention. Supportive care and treatment to improve quality of life and comfort are typically provided to diagnosed patients. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days, but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. There is currently no treatment for West Nile Virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “The detection of West Nile virus in our mosquito surveillance program is a reminder that public health is a shared responsibility,” said County Judge and Emergency Services Director Ruben Becerra. “While this finding is not a cause for alarm, it is a call to action. We urge residents to take simple precautions— like using insect repellent and eliminating standing water — to protect themselves and their families. Our staff at Development Services and the Health Department are actively monitoring the situation and working to reduce the risk to our community.” “The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority. While the detection of West Nile Virus in our precinct is concerning, it’s also a reminder of the importance of our ongoing mosquito surveillance and control efforts,” said Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “We are working closely with public health officials to ensure proactive measures are in place, and we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families.” The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Common examples of sources of standing water include buckets, flowerpots, old tires, and pet bowls. “While we continue to monitor the situation, please try to avoid mosquito bites by following the three Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain,” said Ian Harris, HCHD Disease Surveillance and Preparedness Manager. DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions. DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside. DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Hays County Development Services (HCDS) is providing mosquito surveillance within the county to monitor and track mosquito-borne illnesses. Some mosquitoes can transfer potentially deadly diseases — known as arboviral diseases — to humans. HCDS is collecting mosquitoes to determine which areas are harboring disease-carrying mosquitoes. HCDS will set up collection traps across the county on a rotating basis to capture samples of several species of mosquitoes that will be sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin for identification and determination of the type(s) of illness the mosquitoes could be spreading. Monitoring species, mosquito density and geographic breeding sites will provide critical early predictive data to HCDS to help monitor, prevent and combat mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illnesses. HCDS uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gravid-trapping method to collect mosquitoes. This trap is designed to attract female mosquitoes that are ready to lay eggs. The trap uses a fan to draw in mosquitoes that approach the liquid in the bottom of the bucket and keeps them in a collection bag until the trap is collected. HCDS also uses the BG-Sentinel trap. This trap targets other mosquito species that are vectors of other arboviruses. Collection is typically carried out from May until November throughout Texas. Hays County Development Services and the Hays County Health Department will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of our residents. For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact Hays County Development Services at 512-393-2150. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org. ###
