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Dallas–West Nile Virus claimed its first death in Dallas County for the 2025 season. A man in his 70s with underlying medical conditions and diagnosed with the more serious neuroinvasive form of the disease known as, West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, according to Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS). Additional information will not be released to protect the identity of the resident.
“We are very saddened to report our first confirmed WNV death this season,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Director of DCHHS. “Cooler temperatures are coming, but mosquitoes are still a threat. We urge everyone to continue to do everything they can to avoid mosquito bites and keep safe from WNV.”
West Nile Virus does not cause health issues for most people. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 2,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with West Nile Virus, but that number is an underestimate because most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms.
According to Texas Health and Human Services, less than 1% of those exposed suffer from West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which affects the nervous system and can cause disorientation, neck stiffness, tremors, paralysis and convulsions. Mild symptoms of West Nile include fever, nausea, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.
According to the CDC, anyone can develop mild or severe illness if infected with West Nile Virus, but some people are at higher risk at developing severe illness. Risk factors for severe illness increase with age, certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease or a weakened immune system.
This year, DCHHS has reported six human cases of neuroinvasive and two cases of non-neuroinvasive West Nile Virus in Dallas County.
West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through mosquito bites. DCHHS monitors mosquito traps in Dallas County. Out of 90 traps set in Farmers Branch this season, 18 have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Out of 80 traps set in Addison, 5 have tested positive, and Carrollton has had 11 traps of 133 set test positive in 2025. The City of Dallas has had 751 traps set this year, and 81 have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Monitoring for the virus runs from April through mid-November.
To prevent illness from West Nile Virus and other mosquito-born viruses, DCHHS, recommends practicing the four Ds:
• DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents and always follow label instructions.
• 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.
For more information visit the DCHHS website: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/data-reports/arbovirus-surveillance.php
