Texas state health officials reported this year’s first case of West Nile virus (WNV) illness in a resident of Harris County. Health officials confirmed the resident was diagnosed with West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease. In 2025, Texas saw 127 total cases and nine deaths.
Image/CDC
“West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are a fact of life in Texas in the warmer months, and all Texans should take precautions against mosquito bites to stay safe and healthy,” said Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “By removing standing water around the home, people can eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and reduce insect populations in their area.”
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, but roughly 80% of people infected with West Nile never experience symptoms. Roughly 20% will develop West Nile fever, experiencing symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue. Less than 1% will contract West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a more serious neurological illness that causes tremors, convulsions, neck stiffness, disorientation, paralysis, and even death.
Preventing West Nile illness begins by eliminating the breeding grounds of mosquitoes. Water should be removed from items like flowerpots, buckets, kiddie pools, dog bowls, toys, and clogged rain gutters, which can offer mosquitoes a place to lay eggs and reproduce. Texans should also strive to keep mosquitoes from entering a home by using air conditioning and making sure window and door screens are in good repair.
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In addition, you should wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting shirts and pants, and socks and during the times of the day when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquito repellents with DEET or picaridin are also effective at preventing bites. These precautions will also protect against other mosquito-borne viruses, like dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
There is no vaccine against West Nile virus.
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