CA, US & World
West Nile Virus Cases Rise as Summer Insect Risks Increase
As temperatures rise during the summer months, so does insect activity — and health officials are warning people to take precautions against illnesses spread by mosquitoes and other pests.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is monitoring several cases of West Nile virus across the state. The first human case of the year was reported in Harris County in May.
Dr. Joydip Roy, market chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, said West Nile virus is one of the most common summer illnesses carried by insects and explained that prevention starts at home.
"You want to reduce the standing water around your home environment," Roy said. "That's where mosquitoes breed, and eliminating that is important."
Health experts recommend removing standing water from areas such as buckets, flowerpots, and other containers where mosquitoes can reproduce. They also encourage repairing window screens and sealing openings where insects can enter homes.
Symptoms of West Nile virus can include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. There is currently no vaccine available for the illness.
Texas experienced its largest West Nile outbreak in 2012, when nearly 1,900 people became sick and 89 people died.
People spending time outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk, are encouraged to use mosquito repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves, and check their bodies for ticks after outdoor activities.
Other insects, including ticks, bees, wasps, and scorpions, can also pose health risks. Tick bites can lead to illnesses such as Lyme disease, while stings from certain insects may trigger severe allergic reactions.
Roy said many insect-related symptoms improve on their own, but some warning signs require medical attention.
"If you start having headaches, visual changes, confusion, rashes that develop, or if redness is spreading, definitely want to seek medical care," Roy said.
Health officials also remind people who experience swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness after a sting to seek emergency medical help, as these may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
A simple body check after spending time outdoors can help detect ticks or other insects before they cause problems.
Explore more health and safety stories on NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Public News Service
August 2, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Cael Woody with the dot under pressure, 2) Tatum Webster with the pass breakup, 3) Ivan Garza with the rushing TD, 4) Sean Meza with the toe tap, or 5) Jesus. Valenzuela with the strong hands #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
Me On A Plate is back! We head over to @tacquila_ps to talk to chef David Arreguin about his love of spice, being the seventh of nine children, and his drive to always follow his passion. Check it out now on our website nbcpalmsprings.com
Nearly a year after wildfires tore through Mountain Center, the scars are still visible along the Palms to Pines Highway. Now, fire crews are working to repair those burn areas and reduce the risk of flooding, erosion and mudslides when heavy rain arrives. The work includes fire-line suppression repairs, water bars and other measures designed to slow rainwater and keep burned soil from washing away. CAL FIRE Riverside County Battalion Chief Ryan Lubin says the steep terrain, dry brush and limited access continue to create challenges for mountain communities. With El Niño conditions expected to bring periods of heavy rain, officials say preparing now could help protect homes and communities from the aftermath of wildfire. The message from firefighters: preparation can save lives. Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #MountainCenter #Highway74 #PalmsToPines #CALFIRE #Wildfire WildfireRecovery FireSafety CoachellaValley SanJacintoMountains
Gas prices in Riverside County are climbing toward $6 a gallon — and that’s more than $1 higher than this time last year. A 15-gallon fill-up now costs about $86, leaving many drivers wondering how much longer they can absorb the rising cost. On this week’s Roggin Report, Fred Roggin and the panel debate how expensive gas is changing the way people travel, work and live — and why prices are so much higher here. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #RogginReport #FredRoggin #GasPrices #RiversideCounty #CoachellaValley
As the Lindsay Clancy trial begins to close, discussions regarding postpartum mental health and postpartum care have began to draw attention to the level of care needed after childbirth. Maria Noble Valdez looked at this discussion locally with a mental health expert and mom here in Coachella Valley. #lindsayclancytrial #pospartum #mentalhealth #760 #nationalnews
EVEN PARKING HAS A VIP SECTION? A mall in Bakersfield is charging shoppers up to $10 a day for preferred parking spots closer to the entrance. So we had to ask: Would you pay for a better parking spot? And could paid parking eventually come to Valley malls? Fred Roggin and the panel weigh in on this week’s Roggin Report. Would you pay $10 for a prime parking spot? #RogginReport #FredRoggin #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Parking
📞 Call 760.466.0800 or visit DAPHealth.org to schedule your appointment today! Flu viruses change every year, and getting vaccinated is the best way to strengthen your immune system, lower the risk of severe illness or hospitalization, and protect your loved ones. Sponsored by: DAP Health
A wedding day they’ll never forget. 💍🌊 A couple in the Philippines refused to let monsoon flooding wash away their special day — exchanging vows while standing waist-deep in floodwaters. Talk about making a splash on your wedding day! #WeddingDay #Philippines #Flooding #Monsoon #Wedding #Love #NBCPalmSprings