MONTGOMERY COUNTY — The Montgomery County Public Health Department received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services of the first case of West Nile Virus in a county resident for 2026 on June 26. The diagnosed resident is a woman in her 50s who lives in the 77355 zip code.

Symptoms of the virus can show up two to six days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Up to 20% of those infected could experience fever, body aches, a headache, or nausea. Most cases can resolve within days to weeks, though more serious instances can lead to neurological effects, hospitalization, or death.

Mosquito season started in May and typically lasts until the end of October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the most effective way to avoid the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Recommendations include using insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, and removing standing water outside of homes, which creates breeding grounds where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and reproduce.