AUSTIN, Texas – As Central Texas experiences historic rainfall, Austin Public Health (APH) is encouraging the public to protect themselves from mosquitoes. This surge in weather could lead to a significant increase in the mosquito population, heightening the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika.

“We’re in the midst of mosquito season this year, and this massive rainfall will raise the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in our community,” said Environmental Health Services Division Chief Marcel Elizondo. “We urge everyone to follow the 4 Ds to protect yourself, family members and neighbors.” 

The Texas Department of State Health Services recently announced the state’s first West Nile virus case of 2025 in Brazos County. While their bites are itchy and annoying, mosquitoes pose a much greater threat to people by spreading disease. Mosquitoes may carry diseases that contribute to infections such as Zika, West Nile, dengue fever, encephalitis and canine heartworm.  
 
In 2024, 101 local mosquito pools tested positive for the virus. Preliminary results, pending finalization by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), show 33 West Nile virus cases, including two deaths, were reported in Austin-Travis County. 
 
“This has been a wetter and cooler summer so far, a combination which mosquitoes thrive in,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Let’s do what we know works to stay safe. Dress appropriately, use repellent and clear out standing water to keep mosquitoes away.”   
 
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.  

You can learn more about keeping you and your loved ones safe from mosquitoes at austintexas.gov/mosquito.  
 
Materials with information on prevention can be found in APH’s Mosquito Toolkit.