As of Monday, health officials have identified 17 West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pools in Tarrant County.
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) reported Monday the first human case of West Nile Virus, marking the first reported case in the county this year.
City officials have not identified the individual but said they are taking immediate action to prevent additional cases from occurring.
As of Monday, health officials have identified 17 West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pools in Tarrant County.
In response to the positive case, TCPH is reminding people to protect themselves and their families from mosquito-borne illnesses. These include using insect repellent containing DEET, eliminating standing water in yards, and changing water in birdbaths and pet bowls regularly. Residents should also wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors and limit outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only about 20% of those infected with West Nile Virus (WNV) will develop symptoms, and serious cases remain rare.
WNV is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological complications.
TCPH said mosquito surveillance and testing will continue throughout the season, which runs from April through mid-November. In 2024, TCPH reported 71 human cases of West Nile disease.
For more information about WNV, visit the Be Mosquito Free webpage.