Vector-borne diseases remain a serious public health concern in Texas. The state consistently ranks among the top five nationwide for West Nile virus cases, with DSHS reporting hundreds of human cases in peak years. Kissing bugs (Triatoma species) capable of transmitting Chagas disease are found in at least 28 Texas counties. Meanwhile, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — vectors for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya — maintain year-round populations along the Gulf Coast. We monitor DSHS surveillance data, CDC MMWR reports, and county-level mosquito testing results to deliver timely alerts.
Texas reported 410 West Nile virus cases in 2023 alone, more than any other state. Chagas disease, once considered rare in the U.S., now has an estimated 300,000+ cases nationwide with significant concentration in southern border states. Pesticide misapplication incidents — including off-label use and contaminated products — lead to EPA emergency advisories that directly affect Texas consumers. The lag between a disease outbreak and public awareness can be weeks, during which preventable exposures occur. Our coverage bridges the gap between agency surveillance data and actionable information for Texas residents, drawing from DSHS weekly reports, EPA recall notices, and published epidemiological studies.
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CDC research reveals distinct circulation patterns of St. Louis encephalitis virus genotypes across Texas, with West Texas showing co-circulation alongside West Nile virus.