The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services' epidemiology team has investigated 12 cases of West Nile Virus in 2024 and nine of those cases suggest the possibility of local transmission, according to the department's liaison, Peter Salinas.

Salinas said the individuals from those nine cases said they have not recently travelled outside the county or state. Official confirmation of locally acquired cases can only come from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

RELATED STORY: Cameron County reports locally acquired cases of West Nile virus and dengue

"While we await final classification from Texas DSHS, the detection of positive West Nile Virus mosquito pools in nearby counties, including Cameron, Nueces, Webb, Kleberg, and Jim Wells, adds to the likelihood of local transmission in Hidalgo County," Salinas said.

The epidemiology team is collaborating with local municipalities in collecting and submitting mosquito samples for testing to the state health department, according to Salinas.

He said the results have been negative.