Elderly Conroe woman dies from West Nile Virus

CONROE, Texas - A Conroe woman's death is said to be Montgomery County's first West Nile Virus-related death this year.

Montgomery County: First 2026 West Nile Virus-related death

What we know:

The Montgomery County Public Health Department says it received confirmation of the virus-related death from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The person who passed away is only described as a woman in her 90s who lived within a Conroe zip code and was diagnosed with the West Nile Virus.

What we don't know:

Officials have not identified the woman. 

There is no information regarding how she contracted the virus or when she was diagnosed.

What is West Nile Virus?

Dig deeper:

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says West Nile Virus tends to come from the bite of an infected mosquito during mosquito season, typically between June and October.

Symptoms can vary from body aches and vomiting to disorientation and muscle weakness. The symptoms tend to be noticeable 2–6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Local perspective:

Virus prevention operations have been ongoing in Montgomery County, according to the County Public Health Department.

The Montgomery County Mosquito Control and The Woodlands Township reportedly trap and test mosquitoes for diseases. When a mosquito tests positive for a disease, Mosquito Control reportedly looks for and treats any mosquito breeding sites in the area where the infected mosquito was found.

What you can do:

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by following the 4 "Ds" of mosquito safety: 

• Avoid Dusk and Dawn when mosquitoes are most active. 
• Drain standing water around your property. 
• Dress in long sleeves and long pants when feasible. 
• Defend yourself by using repellent containing DEET or other CDC-approved mosquito repellents.

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