safety
Tejano singer warns of West Nile dangers after mosquito bite leaves him in wheelchair
By Corley Peel at KPRC 2 Houston / 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 Magnolia News
As Montgomery County reports its first case of West Nile Virus in 2026, the story of Fernando Silva serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of mosquito-borne illnesses. Silva's experience highlights the importance of taking preventive measures, such as using repellent, to avoid the risks associated with mosquito bites. With Fort Bend County declaring a public health emergency due to a record surge in West Nile-positive mosquito samples, residents in neighboring Montgomery County should be vigilant about protecting themselves. The fact that Silva, a Tejano singer from Cleveland, was left paralyzed from the neck down after a single mosquito bite underscores the need for awareness and action. As the summer months continue, it is crucial for local residents to take precautions and stay informed about mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus and Zika virus, to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in Magnolia and surrounding areas.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / 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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corley Peel at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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