West Nile virus has officially arrived in Montgomery County for the season. Health officials on Friday confirmed the first human case this year, a woman in her 50s who lives in the 77355 ZIP code and was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease. Mosquito season in the region kicked off in May and typically runs through the end of October.
County confirmation and case details
According to FOX 26 Houston, the Montgomery County Public Health Department said it received laboratory confirmation of the infection from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Click2Houston reported that officials released few personal details about the patient other than her age and ZIP code.
What West Nile typically looks like
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that about 80% of people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. For those who do, illness usually appears two to 14 days after a mosquito bite. Severe neuroinvasive disease is uncommon but can bring high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures or paralysis, and often requires hospital-level supportive care.
Local mosquito activity and testing
Texas arbovirus surveillance data shows Montgomery County has already logged dozens of West Nile-positive mosquito pools this season. The state’s June arbovirus report listed 33 positive mosquito pools in the county as of its Week 22 snapshot. County mosquito-control teams trap and test mosquito samples and carry out targeted treatments in areas where positive results turn up, according to state data and local program descriptions.
How residents can protect themselves
Health agencies recommend using insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk, and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Residents with mosquito concerns can contact Montgomery County Mosquito Control at 281-364-4203 for property surveys and treatment information, according to local program notices and coverage.
Anyone who develops fever, severe headache, stiff neck, new weakness or confusion after possible mosquito exposure is urged to seek medical care and tell their provider about recent mosquito bites so appropriate testing can be considered. County officials say they will continue to monitor mosquito and human activity and will alert the public if there are further developments.
