06/18/2025
Lubbock Public Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquito samples collected within Lubbock County. As part of the area’s annual mosquito surveillance program, mosquito traps are placed across the community by local vector control teams and research partners. The mosquitoes are then tested for viruses at the Biological Threat Research Laboratory at Texas Tech University. The laboratory recently notified the health department that a mosquito sample has tested positive for WNV.
In response, vector control teams will increase mosquito spraying. The public is strongly encouraged to take precautions to reduce mosquito bites and help prevent the spread of the virus.
West Nile Virus is primarily a disease of birds, but humans can become infected when bitten by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. The virus is not spread from person to person.
Most people infected with WNV will not experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue. While most individuals recover without medical treatment, in rare cases, WNV can cause serious central nervous system complications such as neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, or paralysis. People over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe illness.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile Virus. Individuals experiencing symptoms and who suspect a WNV infection should contact their healthcare provider.
To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, Lubbock Public Health recommends the following precautions:
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Use air conditioning or ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk).
• Eliminate standing water around your home, including in flower pots, buckets, birdbaths, and other containers where mosquitoes can breed.
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.
The community can support our surveillance efforts by reporting mosquito problems. Accurate reports help us target mosquito surveillance and control activities more effectively. To submit a service request, please use one of the links below:
To report biting adult mosquitoes - visit https://arcg.is/09z0aP.
To report a suspected mosquito breeding site (source) - visit https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/f5573e4c59f449aea591b0b169a3e1bf
