TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas - Travis County has its first human case of West Nile virus of 2026.
What we know:
Austin Public Health says Travis County now has its first West Nile virus case of 2026.
The patient, a Travis County resident, tested positive for the virus after visiting their healthcare provider with symptoms.
What we don't know:
APH did not disclose any patient information nor where in the county the case was reported.
By the numbers:
So far, ten mosquito pools in Travis County have tested positive for West Nile across six zip codes:
- 78701
- 78703
- 78726
- 78733
- 78741
- 78757
In 2025, 41 mosquito pools in Travis County tested positive for West Nile virus, and five West Nile virus cases were reported in Austin-Travis County residents, says APH.
For more information on APH's efforts to combat West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses, click here.
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.
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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.
The Source: Information in this report comes from Austin Public Health and previous reporting by FOX 7 Austin.