Community warning after case reports of West Nile in Lubbock

West Nile spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, and late summer into early fall is historically when case numbers climb across the South Plains. Cooler nights have not yet pushed mosquito populations down enough to drop the risk, and standing water in yards, alleys, and drainage areas across town keeps breeding grounds active well into September.

For people here, this investigation means the usual precautions still apply. Wear long sleeves and use repellent when you are outside around dawn or dusk, drain any standing water on your property, and make sure window screens do not have gaps. Most people who contract West Nile never show symptoms, but older adults and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.

Where or how this case originated has not been confirmed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Most years, the first hard freeze is what finally knocks mosquito numbers down across Lubbock, and that is still weeks away.