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.
54 articles in this category
CDC reports earliest West Nile season in 20 years with 80% of cases neuroinvasive. Texas sees human cases in Fort Bend, Travis, and Williamson counties as health officials urge vigilance.
Fort Bend County confirms first human West Nile virus case in 77478 zip code as mosquito season intensifies across Greater Houston area.
Montgomery County reports its first human case of West Nile virus in 2026, joining an earlier Harris County diagnosis, as health officials urge vigilance during peak mosquito season.
Texas DSHS confirms West Nile Virus in Wichita Falls mosquito pool, marking the northernmost detection of the 2026 season and prompting public health warnings across North Texas.
A woman in her 50s becomes Montgomery County's first West Nile Virus case this year as mosquito season intensifies across Southeast Texas.
Health officials confirm first West Nile virus-positive mosquito trap in Williamson County near Georgetown's Geneva Park, urging residents to follow the '3 Ds' of prevention.
City of Dallas announces targeted ground spraying in District 10 after mosquito samples test positive for West Nile virus. Learn which neighborhoods are affected and how to prepare.
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.