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 Pearland
The surge in West Nile-positive mosquito samples in Fort Bend County is a stark reminder that Pearland residents are not immune to the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses. With the city's proximity to Fort Bend County, it's crucial for residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The story of Fernando Silva, a Tejano singer who contracted West Nile virus from a single mosquito bite, serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of not taking mosquito-borne illnesses seriously. As the summer months approach, Pearland residents should be vigilant about using repellent and eliminating standing water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding. The city's public health officials should also consider increasing mosquito surveillance and treatment efforts to prevent a similar outbreak in Pearland. By taking proactive measures, residents can reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corley Peel at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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