TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) - Bell County health officials say a mosquito trap collected in West Temple has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first positive sample of the 2026 season in the county.

The mosquito pool was collected as part of the Bell County Public Health District's vector program, with confirmation coming from the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin on July 9. "The detection of West Nile virus in our mosquito traps is a reminder that the risk remains present in our community," Robert Kirkpatrick Jr., executive director of the Bell County Public Health District, said in a statement.

"Simple steps like draining standing water and using insect repellent can make a big difference in protecting yourself and your family."Health officials urge residents to reduce standing water around homes and workplaces, use EPA-registered insect repellents and take other precautions to avoid mosquito bites.