08/23/2026
🦟 A Reminder to Take Mosquitoes Seriously
Montgomery County health officials have confirmed the first West Nile virus-related death in the county in 2026. The resident, a woman in her 90s, was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease.
We’re sharing this not to alarm anyone, but to remind our community that mosquito bites aren't always just an annoyance.
The good news? Most people who are infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. In fact, about 80% of infected people have no symptoms at all.
For those who do become sick, symptoms can include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches or joint pain
• Fatigue or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Skin rash
In less than 1% of infections, the virus can develop into a serious neurological illness. Warning signs can include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. In severe cases, West Nile can be fatal.
The takeaway?
There's no reason to panic—but there is reason to take reasonable precautions.
✅ Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent
✅ Wear long sleeves and pants when spending extended time outdoors
✅ Dump standing water around your property
✅ Keep gutters, flowerpots, toys, and other containers from collecting water
✅ Take steps to reduce mosquitoes around areas where your family spends time
A mosquito bite may be nothing more than an itch. But because we can't know which mosquito may be carrying a disease, prevention is always the better approach.
Stay safe, enjoy your yard, and don't let mosquitoes ruin the rest of summer. 🦟
https://www.kbtx.com/2026/08/21/first-west-nile-virus-death-2026-confirmed-montgomery-county/