safety
Tejano singer warns of West Nile dangers after mosquito bite leaves him in wheelchair
By Corley Peel at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 3 min read
A single mosquito bite two years ago changed Fernando Silva’s life forever and health officials are now warning that this summer’s record mosquito surge across southeast Texas could put thousands of others at risk.Fort Bend County has declared a public health emergency after confirming 32 West Ni...
Key takeaway Fort Bend County has declared a public health emergency after confirming 32 West Nile-positive mosquito samples across the county.
Why this matters in Tomball News
The recent surge in West Nile-positive mosquito samples in Fort Bend County and the first reported case of West Nile Virus in Montgomery County this year serves as a stark reminder for Tomball residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses. With the city's proximity to these affected areas, the risk of transmission is a pressing concern. Residents should be vigilant in eliminating standing water around their homes and using repellent when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours. The story of Fernando Silva, a Tejano singer who contracted West Nile virus after a single mosquito bite, is a harrowing example of the devastating consequences of neglecting mosquito-borne disease prevention. As the summer months approach, Tomball residents must remain proactive in protecting themselves and their communities from the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses, and local health officials must continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent similar cases in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A single mosquito bite two years ago changed Fernando Silva’s life forever and health officials are now warning that this summer’s record mosquito surge across southeast Texas could put thousands of others at risk.Fort Bend County has declared a public health emergency after confirming 32 West Ni...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corley Peel at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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