The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed the year's first human case of West Nile virus, and it’s in Harris County.
The department confirmed the case on Tuesday and is asking the public to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, which can transmit the virus.
So far, Harris County is the only county in Texas to have a reported human case of West Nile in 2026. However, six other counties in Texas — Bexar, Brazoria, Dallas, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Tarrant — have reported mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile. Brazoria, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Harris County, whichalso has reported a positive mosquito pool, are all located in the Houston area.
"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," DSHS Commissioner Dr. Jennifer A. Shuford said in a statement. "By removing standing water around the home, people can eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and reduce insect populations in their area."
What is the West Nile virus?
Approximately 2,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed annually with West Nile, but the majority do not experience any symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Mild symptoms include fever, head or body aches, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. More severe symptoms include coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss and even paralysis, according to the CDC.
In Texas, approximately 80% of people infected experience no symptoms, while about 30% develop mild symptoms and less than 1% experience severe symptoms, according to DSHS.
In the past five years, there have been 976 West Nile cases reported in Texas, resulting in 106 deaths, according to DSHS. The most recorded deaths occurred in 2024, when 57 people died. Last year saw the lowest number of deaths in five years, with nine reported fatalities.
According to DSHS, the best way to reduce transmissions is by preventing mosquitoes from breeding in standing water, such as in flowerpots, buckets, kiddie pools, dog bowls and clogged rain gutters.
Residents can also reduce their personal risk by applying mosquito repellents with DEET and by wearing long-sleeved, loose-fitting shirts, pants and socks while outside, according to DSHS.
More information about West Nile can be found on theCDCandDSHSwebsites.
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