West Nile in Texas: Positive mosquito trap found in Hays County

KYLE, Texas - Another Hays County mosquito trap has tested positive for West Nile virus.

This is the ninth trap to test positive in the county so far this year. 

What we know:

The positive sample was collected in the 78640 zip code in Kyle on Aug. 13. 

That same day, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the first human case of the virus in Hays County.

So far, the virus has been detected in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle.

In 2026, the Texas Department of State Health Services has reported hundreds of positive mosquito pools, with most of them being reported in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Houston-Beaumont area, along the I-35 corridor and the Corpus Christi area.

What we don't know:

The 78640 zip code covers a wide area, from Old Kyle Road out towards Niederwald and SH 130 and down towards SH 21 and Uhland. 

Officials did not disclose or pinpoint exactly where the trap is located in Kyle.

More about West Nile

Dig deeper:

While mosquitoes are present year-round, they are most active from May through November.

Infected mosquitoes can transmit West Nile through bites.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the infection can include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body, and swollen lymph nodes.

About 80% of infected people usually show no symptoms.

While the risk is low for severe symptoms, people over the age of 50 and those with compromised immune systems can be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death.

Patients can expect to have symptoms for three to six days, but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months.

There is currently no treatment for West Nile virus.

Preventing mosquito breeding

Everyone is encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent mosquito breeding.

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

Remember the 3 Ds:

• Defend: Whenever outside, use EPA-approved insect repellents, and always follow label instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.

KyleHealth