On July 30, 2025, the Hays County Health Department officially confirmed its first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this season, marking a notable development in Central Texas’s public health outlook. Although specific details about the patient—including their age, condition, and location—have not been made public, county officials emphasized the need for heightened awareness and individual precaution as mosquito activity increases during the summer months.
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is endemic in Texas and typically becomes more prevalent in late summer. Health experts say that while approximately 80 percent of people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, about 20 percent may experience flu-like illnesses. These symptoms can include fever, headache, body and joint aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. In rare cases—especially among individuals over 50 or those with compromised immune systems—the virus can result in serious neuroinvasive diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis.
This case in Hays County follows a similar report earlier this summer from neighboring Williamson County, making it the second confirmed human infection in Central Texas for the 2025 season. According to state data, Texas has so far identified 272 positive mosquito pools for WNV, but none have previously been detected within Hays County, making this human case particularly significant. It underscores the importance of continued surveillance and preemptive health measures even in areas where mosquito testing had not yet indicated viral presence.
In light of the case, Hays County public health officials have ramped up their educational outreach and vector control efforts. Residents are being strongly encouraged to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Health authorities recommend applying insect repellent that contains DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients before going outdoors, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in wooded or grassy areas, also provides added protection. Additionally, residents should regularly inspect their homes and yards for standing water—found in flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths, and other containers—that can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
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County Development Services teams are also stepping up mosquito surveillance by deploying traps in strategic locations and monitoring mosquito populations. These efforts aim to detect virus presence early and reduce the risk of additional infections.
Public health experts caution that while West Nile Virus cannot be spread from person to person, everyone plays a role in prevention. Community participation in mosquito control—such as clearing stagnant water, repairing window screens, and staying informed about mosquito activity—can collectively reduce transmission risk.
Healthcare providers are also on alert to identify and test for potential cases, especially when patients report symptoms consistent with West Nile Virus and have been exposed to outdoor environments where mosquitoes are common. Although there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, early diagnosis allows for supportive care and monitoring to prevent severe complications.
As climate patterns and rainfall contribute to surging mosquito populations in Central Texas, health officials warn that the risk of mosquito-borne illness could rise in the coming weeks. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adopt protective habits throughout the peak summer season.
The confirmation of this first human case serves as a reminder that while the risk may often feel distant, the threat of West Nile Virus is very real—and it warrants attention from both individuals and the broader community.
