Health officials report first human case of West Nile virus in Tarrant County and warn residents about mosquito exposure
Fort Worth, Texas – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has confirmed the county’s first human case of West Nile virus for the 2026 mosquito season, prompting officials to remind residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and reduce breeding areas around their homes.
Health officials said the confirmed patient developed the neuroinvasive form of West Nile virus, which is the most serious type of the disease. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information about the patient has been released.
According to TCPH, neuroinvasive West Nile virus can cause severe illness and may lead to symptoms including fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, or paralysis. Officials warned that this form of the disease can be life-threatening.
The more common and less severe illness, known as West Nile fever, usually causes symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, and fatigue. Most people recover without medical treatment, although some may continue experiencing symptoms for several weeks.
Mosquito surveillance continues across the county
Health officials noted that serious illness from West Nile virus remains uncommon. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only about 20 percent of people infected with the virus develop symptoms, while the majority never become sick.
As mosquito season continues, Tarrant County Public Health has already identified 86 mosquito pools that have tested positive for West Nile virus. Officials said mosquito monitoring and laboratory testing will continue throughout the season, which runs from April through the middle of November.
The latest report follows last year’s West Nile virus activity in the county. During the 2025 season, the first human case was identified on June 25, and officials recorded 17 human cases by the end of the season.
With mosquitoes continuing to test positive for the virus, public health officials are encouraging residents to reduce their chances of infection by taking simple preventive measures.
Residents are advised to regularly empty standing water from items around their property where mosquitoes can breed, including buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, and other containers that collect water. Officials also recommend using EPA-approved insect repellents whenever spending time outdoors.
In addition, people are encouraged to wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Health officials said these preventive steps remain the best way to lower the risk of West Nile virus infection as mosquito activity continues across Tarrant County during the remainder of the season.
