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.
29 articles in this category
Tarrant County health officials confirm West Nile virus in Arlington mosquito traps, prompting immediate two-night ground spraying operation near Douglas Court and North Cooper Street.
Austin-area county takes unprecedented proactive step, signing disaster declaration to streamline response resources as New World screwworm spreads through South Texas.
Health officials identify West Nile virus in mosquito traps near Pearland and Angleton, prompting immediate vector control response in coastal Texas county.
North Texas city confirms season's first West Nile virus mosquito sample, triggering enhanced surveillance and public health precautions across Denton County.
City of Dallas schedules overnight mosquito control spraying in District 13 after surveillance traps test positive for West Nile virus, marking early-season vector activity.
DSHS reports the state's first human West Nile virus case of 2026 in Harris County, with neuroinvasive symptoms signaling an early, potentially severe mosquito season ahead.
With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, Texas health officials urge residents to take mosquito prevention seriously as West Nile season intensifies.
DSHS confirms the first human case of West Nile virus in Texas this year, a neuroinvasive illness in Harris County. Health officials urge mosquito precautions as warmer months begin.
Four county judges from the Rio Grande Valley held an unprecedented joint press conference to address the growing New World screwworm threat approaching the Texas-Mexico border.