For Travis County residents settling into late summer routines, a newly confirmed case of West Nile virus is a reminder that mosquitoes remain more than an outdoor nuisance.

Austin Public Health announced August 20, 2026 that a Travis County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the county’s first reported human case of 2026. The patient sought care from a healthcare provider after experiencing symptoms and subsequently tested positive for the mosquito-borne illness.

The human case comes as local mosquito surveillance has also detected the virus across the area. Ten mosquito pools in Travis County have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this year, according to Austin Public Health.

For families spending evenings outdoors, children returning to sports and activities, people working in their yards and residents enjoying Central Texas parks and trails, health officials say the message is straightforward: mosquito precautions still matter, even as fall approaches.

Mosquito Season Is Not Over in Austin and Travis County

Central Texas’ warm climate means mosquito activity can continue well beyond the traditional end of summer.

“While we are moving into the fall, it’s important to remember we still have several months of mosquito season left to go here in Austin,” Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said. “As you find yourself spending time outside, remember how to protect yourself. Dress appropriately, use insect repellent with DEET and drain any standing water around your home.”

That reminder carries added weight after last year’s West Nile activity. In 2025, 41 mosquito pools in Travis County tested positive for West Nile virus, while five human cases were reported among Austin-Travis County residents.

A positive mosquito pool does not mean every mosquito in an area is infected, but surveillance results help health officials track where the virus is circulating and reinforce the importance of mosquito bite prevention.

What Is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States and is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The virus is not spread through ordinary contact such as touching another person, coughing or sneezing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. About 20% of infected people develop an illnessthat can include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Current CDC guidance similarly says roughly 20% to 30% of infections result in West Nile fever, while fewer than 1% progress to neuroinvasive disease affecting the nervous system. 

Severe cases can involve the brain or spinal cord and may lead to symptoms such as seizures, disorientation, muscle weakness or coma.

Who Is Most at Risk From West Nile Virus?

While anyone can become infected, certain Travis County residents face a greater likelihood of serious complications.

Adults over age 60 are at increased risk, as are people with cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease. People who are immunocompromised and organ transplant recipients may also be more vulnerable to severe illness.

CDC information shows that the risk of neuroinvasive West Nile disease rises substantially with age and is also greater among people with several underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

For families with older relatives or medically vulnerable household members, mosquito prevention around the home can therefore have importance beyond individual comfort.

Travis County Residents Can “Fight the Bite” With the Four Ds

Austin Public Health is encouraging residents to remember the Four Ds of mosquito prevention: Dusk and dawn, Dress, DEET and Drain.

Dusk and dawn: Mosquito species responsible for spreading West Nile virus are particularly active between dusk and dawn. Residents spending time outdoors during those hours should take additional precautions.

Dress: Long pants, long sleeves and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can provide another layer of protection from mosquito bites. Mosquito-repellent clothing is also available.

DEET: Health officials recommend applying an insect repellent containing DEET and following the product’s label directions. Repellent can be applied to exposed skin and clothing as directed.

Drain: Residents should regularly walk around their homes and remove standing water. Flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, children’s wading pools, clogged gutters, discarded tires and other containers can collect enough water to become mosquito breeding sites.

For homeowners, renters and neighborhood associations, that final step can be particularly useful because mosquito control is not limited to a single property. Water collecting in shared spaces, alleys, common areas and neighboring yards can contribute to mosquito populations across a community.

Austin and Travis County residents who need to dispose of old tires can make an appointment to take them to the City of Austin Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center, where fees may apply.

Why the First 2026 Case Matters for Travis County

One confirmed West Nile virus case does not mean widespread illness is occurring across Travis County. It does, however, confirm that the virus is circulating locally at a time when residents are still likely to encounter mosquitoes.

The combination of a human case and 10 West Nile-positive mosquito pools in 2026 gives residents a practical reason to check their own surroundings — particularly after rainfall or irrigation leaves water sitting around patios, yards and outdoor containers.

It also makes mosquito protection relevant to everyday activities that continue well into the fall in Central Texas, from Friday night football and youth sports to evening walks, backyard gatherings and outdoor work.

The goal is not to keep people indoors. Rather, health officials are encouraging residents to make a handful of mosquito prevention habits part of their routine.

What Travis County Residents Should Do Next

Residents can start with a simple check around the home: empty standing water, inspect gutters and outdoor containers, refresh birdbaths regularly and look for places where water may collect unnoticed.

When spending time outside — particularly between dusk and dawn — wearing protective clothing and using an EPA-registered insect repellent as directed can further reduce mosquito bites.

Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms should contact a healthcare provider, particularly if symptoms become severe or involve the nervous system.

Austin Public Health provides additional mosquito surveillance, prevention and West Nile virus information through the City of Austin’s mosquito-control resources.

With several months of potential mosquito activity still ahead, the first reported Travis County West Nile virus case of 2026 serves as a timely reminder that a few small habits at home can help protect not only individual households, but the wider community.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional Travis County public health alerts, mosquito surveillance updates and other information affecting local families and neighborhoods.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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