Austin Public Health (APH) has reported a suspected case of West Nile virus in a Travis County resident, with confirmation pending from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The suspicion arose after the patient showed symptoms consistent with the virus during a visit to their healthcare provider. As of August 4, nine mosquito pools in Travis County have tested positive for West Nile virus this season.
“As we’re spending time outside enjoying the water and the weather, we must take precautions for mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Diseases like West Nile virus can cause serious health issues – take a few minutes out of your day to protect yourself and others.”
West Nile virus is currently recognized as the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes and does not spread through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with people or animals, according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About one in five people who contract West Nile virus will experience symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In some cases, more severe complications affecting the central nervous system—such as seizures or coma—can develop. Individuals over 60 years old and those with underlying medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or those who have received organ transplants are at higher risk for severe illness.
In 2024 alone, local surveillance identified 101 mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile virus. Preliminary data indicates there were 33 reported human cases in Austin-Travis County that year—including two deaths—pending final review by state health officials.
“All the rain we’ve seen so far this year has created plenty of breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Environmental Health Services Division Chief Marcel Elizondo. “Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water – be sure to check your property and clear out any standing water you see.”
APH recommends residents follow these four preventive measures: avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; wear long pants and sleeves; use insect repellent containing DEET; and eliminate standing water around homes where mosquitoes may breed.
More information on prevention is available at https://www.austintexas.gov/mosquito along with educational materials found in APH’s Mosquito Toolkit.
