Residents across Williamsburg Settlement and the broader Harris County area are being asked to take mosquito prevention seriously after local health officials confirmed the first reported human cases of West Nile virus in their jurisdictions for 2026.

The Houston Health Department has confirmed three human cases, while Harris County Public Health reported that an older adult man in northern Harris County tested positive for the virus. The announcements arrive during the summer months, historically the period of greatest West Nile virus transmission risk in Harris County.

For families in Williamsburg Settlement, the cases serve as a reminder that something as ordinary as water sitting in a flowerpot, children’s toy or clogged container can create a place for mosquitoes to reproduce close to home.

Health officials urge residents to remain vigilant

“The recent confirmation of human cases of WNV in our community highlights the need to be vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases, which can have serious long-term health effects. Our Mosquito and Vector Control program effectively identifies mosquitoes that test positive for WNV and conducts spraying in affected areas to reduce the risk of disease transmission. However, it is essential for community members to collaborate with us to Tip, Toss, and Take Action to protect themselves and their loved ones,” stated Dr. Ericka Brown, local health authority for Harris County and director of the Community Health and Wellness Division.

Harris County Public Health operates a year-round mosquito surveillance program through its Mosquito and Vector Control Division. The program collects and tests mosquito samples, identifies areas where disease activity has been detected and helps guide mosquito-control measures. When a human infection is confirmed, county and Houston epidemiology teams coordinate their response, and spraying may be conducted in affected and surrounding areas. 

“Our partners at HCPH do a fantastic job of mosquito control, but we all need to be proactive about protecting ourselves and our loved ones from mosquito bites, especially when there is a known risk of vector-borne disease from mosquitoes. The cases of WNV serve as a serious reminder that mosquito bites can be dangerous, particularly for individuals who are at high risk, such as older adults and those with chronic health conditions,” stated Dr. Theresa Tran, local health authority for the City of Houston and director of the Houston Health Department.

How the 2026 Cases Compare with Last Year

In 2025, Harris County reported 10 human cases outside the Houston city limits, with no West Nile-related deaths. The City of Houston reported one human case and no deaths that year.

West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, and cases typically occur during mosquito season, which begins in summer and continues into fall. There is currently no licensed human vaccine or medication that specifically prevents or treats West Nile virus, making mosquito-bite prevention the primary defense.

What Are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five may experience a fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Mild illness can last from several weeks to several months.

In rare cases, the infection can cause severe illness involving the central nervous system. Warning signs may include a high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness or an unusual level of drowsiness or unresponsiveness. Severe cases can require hospitalization and may result in lasting health problems or death.

Anyone can become seriously ill, but the risk increases with age, particularly among adults 65 and older. People with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or a weakened immune system may also face a greater risk of severe disease.

Residents who believe they may have West Nile virus should contact a health care provider, who can determine whether testing or additional medical care is appropriate.

How Williamsburg Settlement families can prevent mosquito bites

Harris County Public Health recommends following the “3 Ts” of mosquito prevention: Tip, Toss and Take Action.

• Tip standing water out of flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, tires, toys, pet dishes and other outdoor containers. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of still water.

• Toss unused objects and debris that can collect rainwater around yards, patios, garages and outdoor storage areas.

• Take Action by wearing long sleeves and pants when practical, using an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and checking that window and door screens do not have holes. The CDC also recommends long, loose-fitting clothing to make it more difficult for mosquitoes to reach the skin.

After summer rain, residents may want to walk around their property and look closely for water trapped in less obvious places, including overturned lids, gardening equipment, tarps, gutters and recycling containers. Taking a few minutes to empty those areas can help reduce mosquito breeding around individual homes and throughout the neighborhood.

What Happens Next

Local mosquito-control teams will continue collecting and testing mosquito samples and conducting targeted control measures where West Nile virus activity is detected. Public health epidemiologists will also continue investigating reported human infections and coordinating across Houston and Harris County.

Residents can find additional West Nile virus information and mosquito prevention guidance through Harris County Public Health at hcphtx.org/MC.

As mosquito activity continues through the warmer months, small precautions taken across many homes can make a meaningful difference.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional health and safety updates affecting Williamsburg Settlement and Harris County.

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.