2026 West Nile Virus: What Austin Area Residents Should Know

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

August 24, 2026

2026 West Nile Virus: What Austin Area Residents Should Know

Newswires are hot with information about an increase in West Nile Virus activity across Texas. How might this affect local Austin residents?

Central Texas is included in those reports of increased WNV activity here in 2026. While it certainly deserves our attention, we stress that Austin area residents should remain informed, not alarmed.

Let’s discuss the state of WNV in Texas, as well as practical steps that we can all take to reduce our likelihood of mosquito bites.

Has Anything Changed Since the Original Report?

On July 4, 2026, we received a report about three WNV-infected mosquito sample pools in Hays County. The findings at the time were solely about infected mosquitoes circulating among the local mosquito population – not an indication of a West Nile virus outbreak, nor were human illnesses confirmed.

Additional activity has been reported in Hays County since that time. Health Department officials reported the first lab-confirmed case of human West Nile virus on August 12, 2026. And by that date, eight WNV-positive mosquito sample pools had been documented by mosquito surveillance programs in Hays County and the City of San Marcos.

At the time of this writing, five Austin zip codes are reported to have WNV-positive mosquito pools.

These include: 78701, 78703, 78726, 78733, and 78757.

This latest report clearly indicates that West Nile virus is circulating on both sides of the Travis-Hays County line.

The Latest WNV Numbers for Texas

Also, as the date of this writing, preliminary CDC surveillance data list 31 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Texas residents so far for 2026. Stats and figures are fluid as cases are duly investigated and reported. It should be noted that numbers are based on the patient’s county and state of residence, not necessarily where the actual exposure to the infected mosquito occurred.

It’s especially important to remain vigilant in August and September, as according to the CDC, WNV diagnoses historically peak during this time of the year.

How Austin Area Residents Can Reduce Their Mosquito-Bite Risk

We admit it – we’ve probably said this before, and probably more than once. The best method of effective mosquito protection isn’t actually a method at all – it’s a combination of methods.

In addition to calling Mosquito Squad Plus of Austin for our highly-effective EPA-registered mosquito control services for homes and businesses, practice these mosquito-bite prevention tips. Because we know that the fewer chances of encountering a mosquito equates to lower chances of getting a mosquito bite, infected or not.

Remove standing water from your property, which quietly gathers in toys, plant saucers, tarps, downspouts, and other containers
Refresh/change out pet bowl and birdbath water frequently – at least every three days
Make sure gutters are clear and water is able to move through freely
Away from home, use an EPA-registered insect repellent or insect-repellent clothing
Wear long sleeves, long pants whenever practical
Check storm door and window screens to ensure that there are no tears or possible points of entry for mosquitoes
Be extra cautious during dusk and dawn, which is the time of day that mosquitoes that could transmit WNV are most active

Where Do We Offer Mosquito Control?

Mosquito Squad Plus of Austin is pleased to offer mosquito control and comprehensive outdoor pest control services throughout the Greater Austin Area, including these neighborhoods and towns and beyond:

Search for Austin mosquito control and call Mosquito Squad Plus.

Mosquito Squad Plus of Austin is a trusted mosquito control provider serving the Greater Austin area. Our goal is your complete satisfaction. That’s why we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!

Call Mosquito Squad of Austin at (512) 488-5331 or submit our online form to schedule your pest control assessment and quote.