First West Nile virus case in Texas in 2026 confirmed
Health officials said the patient has West Nile neuroinvasive disease, and Texas recorded 10 human cases in Harris County last year.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Texas for 2026 in Harris County, diagnosing the resident with West Nile neuroinvasive disease.
- Harris County Public Health notes mosquitoes are present throughout the year, though activity typically increases during warmer summer months; ABC13 reported the first positive mosquito sample in January.
- Health officials explain that roughly 80% of infected people never experience symptoms, while roughly 20% develop West Nile fever, and less than 1% contract the serious neuroinvasive disease.
- DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH, urges all Texans to take precautions against mosquito bites, including removing standing water to eliminate breeding grounds.
- State officials report 976 total West Nile cases over the last five years, including 106 deaths, emphasizing that Texans should continue prevention measures after traveling to endemic regions.
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Texas confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus of 2026 in Harris County. Symptoms, risks and how to prevent bites
Texas reports state's 1st human case of West Nile virus this year
Female Aedes mosquitoes, including the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), are observed feeding on human blood in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on May 01, 2026. These mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. Rising temperatures are contributing to their survival. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (TEXAS) — T…
First West Nile virus case in Texas in 2026 confirmed
(KVIA) -- The Texas Department of State Health Services reported the state's first West Nile virus case in 2026 Tuesday. DSHS said health officials confirmed someone received a West Nile diagnosis in Harris County, which is where Houston is. Infected mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus when they bite. DSHS said about 80% of people with West Nile never experience symptoms. About 20% will feel West Nile fever, which includes symptoms like fevers, …
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