Health officials warn of higher mosquito risk due to rain, warm weather

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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Public Health (APH) is warning residents to prepare for a potentially intense mosquito season, as rising temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal breeding conditions for disease-carrying insects, according to its press release.

Running from May through November, mosquito season is expected to be more severe this year, with public health officials already conducting surveillance and testing for mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile and Zika, according to APH.

“We’ve seen the weather changing over the years here in Austin, and as a result, we’ve seen mosquito seasons running longer than before,” Environmental Health Services Division Chief Marcel Elizondo wrote in the press release. “We’re also continuing to see West Nile in the pool samples we test — it’s crucial that we take this seriously and protect ourselves whenever we’re spending time outdoors.” 

According to the press release, APH found 101 mosquito pools in Austin that tested positive for West Nile virus in 2024. Pending final confirmation by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin-Travis County reported 33 human cases and two deaths from the disease last year.

The APH emphasizes that mosquito bites can transmit other serious illnesses too, including Zika, dengue fever, encephalitis and canine heartworm.

As spring and summer activities ramp up, APH urges the public to take precautions using the “Four Ds”:

• Dusk and Dawn: Avoid outdoor activities during these peak mosquito hours.
• Dress: Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• DEET: Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET and follow label instructions.
• Drain: Eliminate standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.

“While everyone is excited to get back to their favorite spring and summer activities, let’s make sure that we’re taking quick steps to protect ourselves and fully enjoy this time of year,” Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes wrote in the press release. “Wearing long sleeves and pants, putting on repellent and clearing out standing water will protect yourself and others from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.”

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