safety
Tejano singer warns of West Nile dangers after mosquito bite leaves him in wheelchair
By Corley Peel at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
The surge in West Nile-positive mosquito samples in Fort Bend County is a stark reminder of the risks that come with living in a region prone to mosquito-borne illnesses. With 32 confirmed cases, the county's declaration of a public health emergency is a necessary step to mitigate the spread of the disease. For residents, the story of Fernando Silva, a Tejano singer left paralyzed after a mosquito bite, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of taking preventative measures. As the county continues its aerial spraying and ground-based treatments, residents must also do their part by using repellent and eliminating standing water around their homes. The fact that West Nile virus is the primary mosquito-borne illness of concern in Fort Bend County underscores the need for vigilance, particularly during the summer months when mosquito populations are at their peak. Residents can stay informed about mosquito control efforts through the county's Mosquito Control Treatment Map.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land News 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 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more Sugar Land News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corley Peel at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter