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Montgomery County woman dies from West Nile virus, health officials confirm
Click2Houston • • health
Key Points:
- A woman in her 90s from Montgomery County, Texas, has died from West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease, marking the county's first confirmed death from the illness in 2026.
- West Nile virus is transmitted through infected mosquito bites, with symptoms appearing 2 to 14 days after exposure; about 80% of infected people show no symptoms, but severe neurological illness occurs in less than 1% of cases.
- Symptoms range from mild flu-like signs such as fever and headache to severe neurological issues including seizures and paralysis, with no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.
- Health officials advise preventive measures like using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- Montgomery County Mosquito Control and The Woodlands Township monitor and treat mosquito populations, and residents experiencing symptoms or mosquito problems are encouraged to seek medical attention or contact local mosquito control services.
