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 The Piney Point
The surge in West Nile-positive mosquito samples in Fort Bend County is a stark reminder of the risks that come with living in southeast Texas, particularly during the summer months. As health officials work to combat the issue through aerial spraying and ground-based treatments, residents in neighboring communities like Piney Point Village should be vigilant about taking precautions to protect themselves. The story of Fernando Silva, a Tejano singer who contracted West Nile virus after a single mosquito bite, is a devastating example of the potential consequences of not taking mosquito-borne illnesses seriously. With Montgomery County also reporting its first case of West Nile Virus this year, it's crucial for local residents to stay informed and take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as using repellent and eliminating standing water around their homes. By being aware of the risks and taking preventive measures, residents can help mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in their community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corley Peel at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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