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West Nile virus detected in Bell County trap for first time this season
By Billy Banks at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
The first West Nile virus case of 2026 has been confirmed in Bell County after mosquito samples tested positive, health officials announced Thursday.The Bell County Public Health District received lab results Wednesday confirming the virus in mosquito traps collected in West Temple as part of rou...
Key takeaway "The detection of West Nile virus in our mosquito traps is a reminder that the risk remains present in our community," said Robert Kirkpatrick Jr.
Why this matters in The Waco
The detection of West Nile virus in Bell County has implications for neighboring McLennan County, where Waco residents may also be at risk. Given the proximity of the two counties, it's likely that similar mosquito-borne virus activity could be present in the Waco area. Residents should be vigilant in eliminating standing water around their homes and taking precautions when outdoors, such as using EPA-registered repellents and wearing protective clothing. The Bell County Public Health District's confirmation of the virus serves as a prompt for local health officials in McLennan County to review their own mosquito surveillance and control measures, ensuring they are adequately prepared to respond to potential cases in the Waco area. By taking proactive steps, Waco residents can reduce their risk of exposure to the virus and help prevent its spread.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The first West Nile virus case of 2026 has been confirmed in Bell County after mosquito samples tested positive, health officials announced Thursday.The Bell County Public Health District received lab results Wednesday confirming the virus in mosquito traps collected in West Temple as part of rou...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Billy Banks at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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