Overview

• A suspected West Nile virus infection in a Travis County resident is under investigation and awaits confirmation by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Proactive mosquito surveillance began in spring and heavy July rainfall has created abundant breeding grounds for West Nile–carrying mosquitoes.
• Approximately one in five infected individuals develop symptoms ranging from fever and rash to vomiting and joint pain, with a smaller fraction experiencing severe neurologic complications.
• Older adults and people with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer or kidney disease, along with organ transplant recipients, face increased risk of serious illness.
• Austin Public Health advises residents to avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, wear protective clothing, apply DEET-based repellent and drain standing water under its Four Ds framework.