Posted July 17th 2026 | Source: Bell County Public Health District
Bell County Public Health District (BCPHD) has confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito populations across the county, with a positive result now identified right here in Little River-Academy, TX. Here’s what’s been found so far, and what Little River-Academy residents can do to protect themselves and their families.
First Positive Trap of the Season
On July 10, 2026, BCPHD announced that a mosquito trap collected in West Temple tested positive for West Nile virus — marking the first positive trap of the 2026 season in Bell County. The result was confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin on July 9.
“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., BCPHD Executive Director. “Simple steps like draining standing water and using insect repellent can make a big difference in protecting yourself and your family.”
Update: Little River-Academy Among 7 of 17 Pools Testing Positive
Mosquito traps collected on July 14, 2026 showed a significant jump in activity: 7 of 17 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus across Bell County. Positive pools were identified at the following locations:
Harker Heights
- Carl Levin Park (76548)
- Harker Heights Community Park (76548)
Temple
- Lion’s Junction Family Water Park (76502)
- Lion’s Park (76502)
- West Temple Community Park (76502) — also tested positive during the previous week’s collection on July 7
Little River-Academy
- Little River-Academy (76554)
Troy
- Trojan Park (76579)
What Residents Can Do
Health officials encourage everyone in the community to stay vigilant and take simple precautions against mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water, so eliminating breeding sites around your home and property is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.
BCPHD recommends following the 3 D’s of mosquito safety as part of its Fight the Bite campaign:
- Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes, or clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed, and treat water that can’t be drained.
- Defend by using an EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Additional precautions include avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours and checking window screens for gaps.
Symptoms to Watch For
Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t experience symptoms, but some may develop fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. Those age 50 and older, or with compromised immune systems, are at higher risk for severe symptoms — including stiffness, disorientation, tremors, vision loss, paralysis, and in rare cases, death.
Full symptom information is available from the CDC.
Learn More
For more information on mosquito control and prevention, visit:
- Bell County Public Health District — Vector Program
- Texas Department of State Health Services — West Nile
Questions about mosquito control in your area? Contact Bell County Public Health at 254-532-9800.