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Dallas – Dallas County Health and Human Services reported the first West Nile Virus (WNV) human case for the 2025 season. The individual involved is a resident of Dallas in his early 40s and diagnosed with West Nile Non-Neuroinvasive Disease (WNNND). Additional details are not being released to protect the identity of the patient.
For the 2024 season, DCHHS reported 37 human cases of West Nile disease with three deaths.
To date, DCHHS has found a total of 98 WNV-positive mosquito pools within Dallas County, not including the Aug. 4 update that included seven additional pools that tested positive. Those pools include three pools in Farmers Branch, two in Carrollton and two in Dallas. The first positive mosquito pool this year was reported in May 2025.
“With the first West Nile virus human case, it’s an important reminder that prevention is key,” says Dr. Philip Huang, Director of DCHHS. “With a few simple precautions—like using insect repellent, removing standing water around your home, and wearing proper clothing—you can greatly reduce your risk.”
The policy of the City of Farmers Branch is not to spray for mosquitoes until two people from two different households within city limits test positive for the virus. Carrollton and Addison have been spraying for mosquitoes as pools in those cities test positive for the virus.
Health officials urge the public to take protective measures by utilizing the ‘4Ds’ to reduce the risk of West Nile virus:
• DEET: Use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents.
• DRESS: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside.
• DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
• DUSK to DAWN: Limit your time outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
WNV is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis.
Milder symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.
For more information, visit our Arbovirus Dashboard.
