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First West Nile Virus Case Reported in Tarrant county for 2025
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Tarrant County officials urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
FORT WORTH, TX – 2025/07/04 11:19:30 – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has announced the first confirmed case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Tarrant County for the 2025 season. The infection is the non-neuroinvasive form, also known as West Nile fever. To maintain patient confidentiality,further details are not being disclosed.
West Nile fever is generally considered a milder presentation of the virus. Typical symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and fatigue. While most people recover without needing medical intervention,symptoms can persist for several weeks.
the neuroinvasive form of West Nile Virus is more serious,perhaps causing fever,neck stiffness,stupor,disorientation,coma,tremors,convulsions,muscle weakness,or paralysis. This severe form of the illness can be life-threatening.
According to the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 20 percent of individuals infected with WNV will exhibit symptoms, and severe cases are uncommon.
As of today, TCPH has identified 17 WNV-positive mosquito pools within Tarrant County. Mosquito surveillance and testing will continue through the season, which spans from April to mid-November. In 2024, TCPH reported 71 human cases of West Nile disease.
Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus
TCPH is encouraging all residents to adopt preventative measures to minimize their risk of infection:
- Regularly empty or treat standing water on your property using mosquito larvicide dunks.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents, such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.
- Wear lose-fitting long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are in abundance nearby.
“TCPH urges all residents to take the following precautions to reduce their risk of infection.”
Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus
What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop any symptoms. About 20% of infected people will develop West Nile fever, with symptoms like headache, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Less than 1% will develop a severe illness affecting the nervous system.
How is West Nile Virus spread?
West Nile Virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The virus is not spread from person to person.
How can I protect myself from West Nile Virus?
You can protect yourself by using insect repellent,wearing long sleeves and pants,especially during dawn and dusk,and by emptying standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.
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