A woman in her 90s has died from West Nile Virus neuroinvasive disease, the Montgomery County Public Health Department confirmed Friday, Aug. 21, marking the county's first West Nile-related death of 2026.
The woman lived in the 77304 ZIP code, which covers the Conroe area adjacent to The Woodlands. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the diagnosis to county health officials.
No vaccine or medicine exists to treat West Nile Virus.
West Nile neuroinvasive disease is the most severe form of the illness, attacking the nervous system and causing symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Neurological effects can be permanent. The CDC says fewer than 1% of those infected develop these serious complications, but the risk rises with age, chronic medical conditions and a weakened immune system. People with severe illness often require hospitalization for IV fluids, pain medication and nursing care.
Surveillance in The Woodlands
The Woodlands Township and Montgomery County Mosquito Control jointly trap and test mosquitoes for West Nile and other diseases throughout the area, according to the county health department. When a sample tests positive, Mosquito Control surveys the surrounding area for breeding sites on public property and conducts treatment.
Virus prevention operations have been running all season. Mosquito season in Montgomery County stretches from May through the end of October.
The 2026 season got off to an earlier and more severe start than any in over two decades, KBTX reported, citing health officials. National CDC data backs that up: by the end of June, the agency had counted 48 cases nationwide, nearly five times the 22-year average of about 10 by that date. As of early August, 143 cases had been reported across 23 states, with Texas accounting for 18.
Other Southeast Texas counties, including Harris, Brazoria, Galveston and Fort Bend, have also reported West Nile cases this year.
@BillBishopKHOU: "West Nile death confirmed. The Montgomery County Public Health Department has received confirmation from the Texas DSHS of the first death related to West Nile Virus in Montgomery County for 2026. The resident, a woman in her 90s, resided in the 77304 zip code."
How residents can protect themselves
The county health department recommends the "four Ds" to reduce risk:
- Dusk and Dawn: Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain: Empty standing water from flower pots, gutters, pet bowls and other containers where mosquitoes breed.
- Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors.
- Defend: Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or another CDC-approved ingredient.
About 80% of people infected with West Nile show no symptoms at all, the county health department noted. Milder cases can produce fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, with fatigue and weakness sometimes lingering for weeks or months.
Residents who notice mosquito problems can call Montgomery County Mosquito Control at 281-364-4203 to report breeding sites, including on private property. Mosquito season continues through October.
