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Lubbock Public Health confirms West Nile, St. Louis Encephalitis Virus in area mosquitos

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Lubbock Detects West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis Viruses in Mosquito Populations – Public Health Alert Issued

Lubbock, TX – August 26, 2025 – In a new development that has drawn the attention of health officials and residents alike, the Lubbock County Health Department confirmed that West Nile virus (WNV) and Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) were found in mosquito traps set across the county. The laboratory tests, conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), revealed that of the 1,200 mosquitoes sampled this week, 3 were positive for WNV and 5 for SLEV. While no human cases have been reported in the region to date, the findings underscore the importance of continued vigilance, mosquito control efforts, and public education on preventive measures.

What Are West Nile and Saint Louis Encephalitis Viruses?

West Nile virus, first identified in the United States in 1999, is primarily spread by infected Culex species mosquitoes that feed on birds. Humans and other mammals become accidental hosts when bitten. Most people infected with WNV are asymptomatic, but about 20 % of those infected develop flu‑like illness, and 1–2 % may develop severe neurological disease such as meningitis or encephalitis, which can be fatal.

Saint Louis encephalitis virus, another member of the flavivirus family, is less common but similarly transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. The CDC estimates that the incidence of SLEV in the United States is roughly one‑third that of WNV. As with WNV, most infections are mild or asymptomatic, but SLEV can also cause serious neurological complications.

Both viruses are endemic to Texas and other parts of the United States. According to the Texas DSHS, WNV has been detected in Lubbock County’s mosquito populations in 2004, 2006, and 2014, while SLEV was first reported in the area in 2010.

How Was the Virus Detected?

The Lubbock County Health Department has been conducting routine mosquito surveillance since 2015. Traps were set in residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and near open water bodies such as the Lubbock Reservoir and the banks of the Permian Basin waterway. Mosquitoes captured in the traps were identified by species and sorted for laboratory testing.

The DSHS laboratory uses reverse‑transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) to detect viral RNA. When a mosquito pool tests positive, the specimen is sent to the CDC’s National Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance Program for confirmatory testing and to evaluate the risk of local transmission.

“This is a routine part of our surveillance, and it’s reassuring that we have the capacity to detect these viruses early,” said Dr. Linda Martinez, a senior epidemiologist with the Texas DSHS. “The data help us to target control measures more efficiently.”

Public Health Response and Mosquito Control Measures

The Lubbock County Health Department is coordinating with the Lubbock City Council and the Texas Department of Agriculture to intensify mosquito control operations. Measures being deployed include:

  • Adulticiding: Targeted fogging and low‑volume spraying in high‑risk areas, especially around residential neighborhoods where humans are most likely to be exposed.
  • Larviciding: Application of larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in standing water bodies to interrupt the mosquito life cycle.
  • Source Reduction: Community outreach encouraging residents to eliminate standing water in buckets, planters, birdbaths, and clogged gutters.
  • Public Education: Distribution of flyers, social media posts, and a dedicated webpage on the county’s website (www.lubbockcountyhealth.org) with guidelines on how to protect yourself and your pets from mosquito bites.

The county has also increased the frequency of trap monitoring from biweekly to weekly, allowing for more rapid detection of any uptick in virus activity.

Recommendations for Residents

Health officials urge residents to take immediate steps to reduce mosquito exposure, especially between dusk and dawn when the primary vectors are most active. The CDC’s “Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention” page (https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/) recommends:

  1. Use EPA‑registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
  2. Wear protective clothing: Long‑sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed‑toe shoes. Consider treating clothing with permethrin for added protection.
  3. Avoid peak biting times: Late afternoon to early evening and nighttime.
  4. Maintain screens and door/window seals to keep mosquitoes out of homes and workplaces.
  5. Check pets: Pets can also contract these viruses, so use vet‑recommended repellents and keep them indoors during high‑risk periods.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, or confusion, especially if you live in or have visited areas where WNV or SLEV are present, seek medical care promptly. Early diagnosis can improve outcomes.

Monitoring and Future Outlook

The presence of both WNV and SLEV in Lubbock’s mosquito population is a clear signal that conditions are favorable for virus transmission. Climate variables such as higher temperatures and increased rainfall can elevate mosquito populations, while the migratory patterns of birds can influence the introduction of viruses into local ecosystems.

“We are monitoring the situation closely,” said Dr. Martinez. “Our goal is to prevent any human cases by staying ahead of the virus cycle.”

Residents can stay informed by visiting the Lubbock County Health Department’s official website, subscribing to email alerts, or following the county’s official social media channels.

Links for Further Information

  • Texas Department of State Health Services: https://www.dshs.texas.gov
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Mosquito‑borne diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes
  • Lubbock County Health Department: https://www.lubbockcountyhealth.org
  • CDC’s West Nile Virus Information Page: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile

As Lubbock grapples with the dual presence of West Nile and Saint Louis encephalitis viruses, the combined efforts of public health authorities, local government, and the community will be crucial in preventing the viruses from spilling over into human populations. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, practice preventive measures, and cooperate with mosquito control initiatives to safeguard public health.


Read the Full Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Article at:
[ https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/healthcare/2025/08/26/lubbock-confirms-west-nile-st-louis-encephalitis-virus-in-mosquitos/85839123007/ ]