The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first case of West Nile illness in 2025. The case was identified on June 24 in a resident of Brazos County, who was diagnosed with West Nile fever.
“Texans should be aware that mosquitoes transmit disease, and some of these illnesses, like West Nile and dengue, can be severe,” said Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “But taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding areas around homes are proactive measures that can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.”
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people exposed to the virus do not develop symptoms, but about 20% may experience fever, nausea, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain. Less than one percent develop neuroinvasive disease that affects the nervous system and can result in serious complications such as disorientation, neck stiffness, tremors, paralysis, convulsions or death.
The health department advises anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile infection to contact their healthcare provider and mention any exposure to mosquitoes.
To reduce the risk of infection from West Nile or other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Texans are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors for protection against bites; use insect repellents containing DEET or other recommended ingredients; keep doors and windows closed or ensure window screens are intact; and remove standing water from items like toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, rain gutters and plant pots where mosquitoes might breed.
Additional recommendations include changing water in pet dishes daily; rinsing vases weekly; refreshing water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week; using larvicide dunks for standing water that cannot be emptied; maintaining proper chlorination in pools and hot tubs; treating door areas with residual insecticides if needed; and considering pesticide applications for vegetation if problems persist.
In 2024 there were 455 reported cases of West Nile disease in Texas resulting in 56 deaths. Over the five-year period from 2020-2024 there have been 929 cases statewide with 122 deaths. Dengue also remains a concern with 241 cases reported last year including two locally acquired infections.
Mosquito activity typically continues into November and December across much of Texas.
