HOUSTON — Fernando Silva, a Tejano singer and guitar player from Cleveland, Texas, became paralyzed from the neck down in 2024 after contracting West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. The infection triggered Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the body's nerves, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.

Silva was hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit. "I went into the hospital and quickly went into the ICU after being able to walk previously. By that midnight, I became paralyzed from the neck down and the doctors had no idea what it was," Silva said. He currently uses a wheelchair but retains some movement. "I have movement in both my legs and my arms, just not my extremities, not my hands and my feet," he said.

Dr. Olivia Tomasco, a primary care physician and internist at Houston Methodist West Hospital, emphasized preventative measures against mosquito bites. "It's very important that people are looking out for any areas of standing water around their homes. Clear those out because that's where mosquitoes breed. Always put on something that has DEET if you're going to be going outside," Tomasco said. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Texas. Mosquitoes breed in standing water found in planters, toys, gutters, and outdoor furniture. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus offer protection against mosquitoes.