Texas sees first cases of West Nile virus this year; one in Dallas Co.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas health officials say they’ve confirmed the state’s first cases this year of people falling ill with West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.

The Texas Department State Health Services said Tuesday that it’s confirming three cases that were reported last week by health departments in Austin, Dallas and Galveston. No deaths have been reported.

State health department spokesman Chris Van Deusen says Texas often sees its first West Nile cases in May. He says it’s not known exactly why the first cases came later this year but says a colder winter could have reduced the mosquito population.

Last year, there were 135 cases of West Nile in Texas that resulted in six deaths.