Montgomery County woman dies from West Nile virus, health officials confirm

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - A Montgomery County woman in her 90s has died from West Nile virus, marking the county's first confirmed death from the mosquito-borne illness in 2026, health officials said. [Click2Houston]

A Montgomery County resident in her 90s has become the first person to die from West Nile virus in the county during 2026, according to public health authorities. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the fatality, which was announced by the Montgomery County Public Health Department. The woman lived in the 77304 ZIP code area and had been diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of the illness.

The death underscores the ongoing presence of West Nile virus across Southeast Texas. Health officials in Brazoria County, Harris County, Galveston County and Fort Bend County have all documented cases this year, with Harris County reporting the state's first confirmed case in early 2026.

West Nile virus spreads primarily through bites from infected mosquitoes, with peak transmission occurring between May and October. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not become ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who do develop symptoms typically experience onset between two and 14 days after infection. About four out of five infected individuals never show signs of illness, yet there is no way to predict which patients will face severe consequences.

Mild cases produce symptoms including fever, headache and body aches, with most people recovering fully, though weakness and fatigue may persist for extended periods. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop serious neurological complications characterized by high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, seizures or paralysis. In severe cases, the virus can prove fatal, and some neurological damage may be permanent.

No specific treatments or vaccines exist for West Nile virus. Patients with serious illness require hospitalization for supportive medical care. Health officials recommend preventing mosquito bites through protective clothing, insect repellent and eliminating standing water around residences.

Montgomery County Mosquito Control and The Woodlands Township conduct ongoing mosquito surveillance and trapping throughout the region, testing collected specimens for diseases including West Nile virus. When positive samples are identified, county officials investigate the surrounding area for breeding grounds on public land and implement treatment measures. Residents concerned about mosquito activity can contact Montgomery County Mosquito Control at 281-364-4203 for assistance identifying and addressing breeding sites on their property.

People experiencing symptoms potentially linked to West Nile virus should seek medical evaluation promptly.