First West Nile Virus Case Reported in Travis County 

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health is reporting Travis County’s first West Nile virus case of 2026. The patient, a Travis County resident, tested positive for the virus after visiting their healthcare provider with symptoms. Ten mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus this year.

“While we are moving into the fall, it’s important to remember we still have several months of mosquito season left to go here in Austin,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “As you find yourself spending time outside, remember how to protect yourself. Dress appropriately, use insect repellent with DEET and drain any standing water around your home.”

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It is typically spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is not spread through coughing, sneezing or touching other people or live animals.       

Approximately 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Of those infected, some develop further serious symptoms such as seizures or coma due to this illness affecting the central nervous system. 

People over 60 years of age are at greater risk of developing serious disease, as are those with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease. Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of developing severe illness such as neuroinvasive infection. Organ transplant recipients are also at risk for more severe forms of disease.

In 2025, 41 mosquito pools in Travis County tested positive for West Nile virus, and five West Nile virus cases were reported in Austin-Travis County residents. 

Fight the Bite Day and Night with the Four Ds: 

• Dusk and dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of day, the species that spread West Nile virus are most active between dusk and dawn.  
• Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito-repellent clothing is also available.
• DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Find the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of repellents here.  
• Drain: Remove standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes. Austin and Travis County residents can make an appointment to drop off tires at the Recycle and Reuse Center for a fee.

You can learn more about keeping you and your loved ones safe from mosquitoes at austintexas.gov/mosquito.