A resident of Williamson County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. It is the county's first human case detected in 2026, according to representatives from the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD).
WCCHD said the resident tested positive on Aug. 13. They are in their 80s and live in the southern part of Williamson County.
"Human cases of West Nile virus are unfortunate reminders of the public health risk posed by mosquitoes," said Jason Fritz, a public health entomologist for WCCHD, in a news release.
Local health authorities in the Austin area have noted an active mosquito season in 2026, with mosquito pools testing positive for West Nile in Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties. Hays County also announced its first human case of the virus last week. There have been 31 cases across Texas so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
"The weather we've seen this year has been a perfect storm for mosquito breeding," Austin Public Health program manager Todd Mers said in July.
Central Texas commonly sees a handful of West Nile Virus cases during the summer months. The disease, which commonly causes symptoms including headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting and diarrhea, is usually not life-threatening. But it can pose greater risks to older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions. Serious cases can affect the central nervous system.
WCCHD encouraged local residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellant and wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Additionally, the health district said it's a good idea to drain standing water where mosquitoes might breed.
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