By Dr. Joel Wayne Walker, WellMed Medical Management

Hard to believe, but true: tiny little mosquitoes carry serious, sometimes deadly disease. After all of the torrential rain and resulting standing water in Texas, mosquitoes are out in force.

According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services there have been 976 total West Nile cases reported in Texas during the last five years with 106 deaths in the state attributed to West Nile. 

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Each year, more than 1,300 people develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system, and more than 130 people die.

Mosquitoes are more than just an itchy nuisance; they can carry and transmit diseases that pose serious health risks. Knowing precautions to take is crucial, especially for those living in mosquito-prone areas like Texas. 

Understanding the threat of mosquitoes

The most prevalent mosquito-borne illnesses include West Nile virus, Dengue fever and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). While West Nile virus is the most reported domestic threat in the United States, Dengue remains the world's most widespread mosquito-borne virus, with rising case numbers in both tropical regions and parts of Texas.

West Nile Virus

Tracked by the CDC West Nile virus index, this illness peaks in late summer. It is transmitted primarily by Culex mosquitoes and remains a widespread concern.

West Nile virus can sometimes cause severe neurological diseases. Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in severe cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). These are life-threatening illnesses. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications.

Dengue Fever

Prevalent globally, Dengue is increasingly reported in the southern United States, including Texas. Detailed local case tracking and travel warnings are available via the CDC Dengue Background. Dengue fever is a viral infection that can cause severe flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash and mild bleeding (nose or gum bleeding). In extreme cases, dengue fever can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially life-threatening condition that causes bleeding, blood plasma leakage and low platelet count.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

A rarer but potentially severe neurological disease that is currently active, particularly in coastal and humid regions. EEE is a rare but severe mosquito-borne viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito that has fed on infected birds. Most cases in the United States occur in the eastern or Gulf Coast states. Symptoms typically appear 3 to 10 days after an infected mosquito bite. The disease progresses in stages, sometimes leading to severe neurological issues. There is no cure or specific medication for EEE, nor is there a human vaccine. Treatment primarily consists of supportive hospital care, including intravenous fluids and respiratory support. Prevention relies entirely on avoiding mosquito bites.

How to prevent mosquito bites

Preventing mosquito bites is your first line of defense against mosquito-borne illnesses. Here are some effective strategies:

• Use insect repellents – Applying EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Para-menthane-diol, or lemon eucalyptus oil can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Ensure you follow the product instructions and reapply as directed, especially if you spend extended periods outdoors.
• Wear protective clothing – Wear loose-fitting long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure. Look for clothes and gear treated with permethrin. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and can further reduce the likelihood of bites.
• Install screens and use mosquito nets – Keeping windows and doors closed or installing fine mesh screens can prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. If you're in a high-risk area, consider using mosquito nets around your bed for added protection.
• Avoid peak mosquito hours – Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay indoors during these times or take extra precautions if you need to be outside.

Treating mosquito bites

Despite your best efforts, you might still get bitten. Here’s how to treat mosquito bites effectively:

• Clean the bite area: Wash the bite area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply anti-itch creams: Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or lotions containing hydrocortisone can help alleviate itching and reduce swelling.
• Use cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the bite can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and discomfort.
• Avoid scratching: Scratching can worsen the itching and increase the risk of infection. Try to keep your hands off the bite to let it heal properly.
• Baking soda and water paste: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply it to the bite and wait 10 minutes to rinse it off.

Eliminating mosquitoes in your yard and home

Creating a less attractive environment for mosquitoes is key to keeping them away from your living spaces. Here’s how you can achieve that:

• Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly check and eliminate standing water from bird baths, flowerpots, gutters and other containers around your yard.
• Maintain your yard: Keep your grass trimmed and your shrubs well-maintained. Mosquitoes like to rest in tall grass and bushes so a tidy yard can reduce their presence.
• Use mosquito traps: Mosquito traps can effectively reduce the mosquito population in your yard. These devices attract and capture mosquitoes, helping to lower their numbers.
• Install outdoor fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Installing outdoor fans on your porch or patio can help keep them away by creating a breeze they find difficult to navigate.

Indoor mosquito control

• Use indoor insecticides: Consider using indoor insecticides or mosquito foggers to eliminate mosquitoes inside your home. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective use.
• Maintain cleanliness: Ensure your home is clean and clutter-free where mosquitoes can hide. Regular cleaning can help keep these pests at bay.
• Seal entry points: Check and seal any gaps or cracks in windows, doors, and walls that mosquitoes might use to enter your home.

Stay safe from mosquito-borne illness

Mosquitoes are more than an annoyance; they are potential carriers of serious diseases. You can protect yourself and your family from these pests by taking proactive steps to prevent bites, treating any bites that occur, and maintaining a mosquito-free environment.

Resources:

• https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/dshs-confirms-first-west-nile-case-texas-2026
• https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/about/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/causes/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/prevention/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

There are two great ways to support Folds of Honor North Texas this fall, and both help provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.

First up, grab a paddle and join us for the Folds of Honor North Texas Patriot Pickleball Classic on Friday, Sept. 11, from 1-4 p.m. at Game On Indoor Sports Complex in Fort Worth. Come ready for an afternoon of pickleball, community, and a chance to support local scholarship families.

Then, mark your calendar for one of our biggest nights of the year. The 2026 North Texas Folds of Honor Gala will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at The Field at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The evening brings together military and first responder families, veterans, scholarship recipients, and supporters from across North Texas for a VIP reception, dinner, auction, live entertainment, and a special guest appearance.

Funds raised at the Gala will help Folds of Honor continue providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of those who have sacrificed in service to our country and communities.

Join us this fall as we honor their sacrifice and educate their legacy.

Learn more about upcoming events and ways to get involved at northtexas.foldsofhonor.org.

It was a fun change of pace for the Coppell Cowboys and Cowgirls as they traded an early morning 5K for a two-mile race under the lights at McInnish Park. The Friday Night Hawk Invite is one of the kids’ favorite meets of the year. It’s close to home, the atmosphere is different, and getting the chance to race at night makes the meet a little more special.

Even with the shorter distance, the race came with its own challenges. With little breeze, warm conditions and uneven ground to navigate in the darkness, the runners still had to stay focused and race hard from start to finish.

Coppell competed across six divisions, with several strong team and individual finishes throughout the night. The Elite Varsity Boys came especially close to taking home the team title, finishing 2nd out of 10 teams, while the JV Boys earned 3rd place in a large field of 29 teams. On the girls’ side, many of Coppell’s younger runners continued to gain valuable racing experience.

“This is one of the kids' favorite meets of the year,” Coach Wren said. “It's close to home and getting to run at night is a really cool experience.”

Individual and Team Highlights

Elite Varsity Boys — 2nd Place Overall

The Elite Varsity Boys came within reach of winning the meet, finishing 2nd overall out of 10 teams. Alesh Khowala and Tanish Neelapu led the way, finishing just one second apart in 5th and 6th place.

Top Performers:

• Alesh Khowala — 5th, 10:24

• Tanish Neelapu — 6th, 10:25

• Vihaan Sahni — 17th, 10:42

• Marco Noyola — 19th, 10:48

• Isaiah Assefa — 20th, 10:49

With 77 runners in the Elite Varsity Boys race, Coppell placed all five of its top runners in the Top 20.

Coach Wren was happy with the effort, even though the team came just short of the top spot.

“I was really pleased with how they ran overall,” he said. “We just missed out on 1st place. The kids were prepared and competed hard.”

Elite Varsity Girls — 7th Place Overall

For the Elite Varsity Girls, this part of the season is also about gaining experience. The team is currently made up entirely of freshmen and sophomores, giving the younger runners an opportunity to learn with each race.

The girls finished 7th overall out of 11 teams in a field of 79 runners.

Top Performers:

• Finleigh Sanders — 28th, 13:02

• Rachel Stumm — 33rd, 13:17

• Bishakha Sinha — 41st, 13:26

• Mirabelle Sagel — 43rd, 13:30

Coach Wren sees each meet as another opportunity for this young group to develop.

“We have a lot of youth running on our Elite Varsity Girls team right now with only sophomore and freshmen runners,” he said. “They continue to compete hard and learn more and more every time they race. They'll continue to grow as the year moves on.”

Varsity Boys — 13th Place Overall

The Varsity Boys competed in a much larger field, with 213 runners and 27 teams taking part in the race.

Coppell entered a team of only six runners, all upperclassmen, and finished 13th overall.

Top Performer:

• Abishek Suresh — 13th, 10:52

Suresh led the group with a Top 15 individual finish.

“It was only a team of 6 made up of upperclassmen,” Coach Wren said. “I was proud of their effort.”

Varsity Girls — 12th Place Overall

The Varsity Girls also faced a large field, competing against 179 runners and 24 teams. Like the Varsity Boys, this group was primarily made up of upperclassmen.

Top Performers:

• Shrriya Bedse — 35th, 14:11

• Avery Fishman — 66th, 14:45

The girls finished 12th overall as a team.

“This team was primarily made up of upperclassmen as well,” Coach Wren said. “These girls work extremely hard in practice, and it was fun to see them compete underneath the lights.”

JV Boys — 3rd Place Overall

One of the strongest team finishes of the night came from the JV Boys. With 366 runners and 29 teams in the race, it was the largest field of the night.

Coppell worked its way to an impressive 3rd-place team finish, with Ahan Kothalkar leading the group in 8th place.

Top Performers:

• Ahan Kothalkar — 8th, 11:50

• Colten Karstendiek — 17th, 12:02

• Jake Terry — 28th, 12:36

For Coach Wren, the result was encouraging not only because of the team placement, but also because of what he saw from the runners throughout the race.

“I loved what I saw from the JV boys last night,” he said. “Many of them ran really good races that will lead to more confidence in future races. Finishing 3rd out of 29 teams is a good accomplishment.”

JV Girls — 12th Place Overall

The JV Girls had an especially young group on the course Friday night—the entire team was made up of freshmen.

They competed in another large field, with 348 runners representing 28 teams, and finished 12th overall.

Top Performers:

• Adeline Mendola — 36th, 15:25

• Sehbin Lee — 38th, 15:32

• Mackenzie Fluornoy — 66th, 15:56

Coach Wren was encouraged by the progress he continues to see from this freshman group.

“This team was made up of all freshmen,” he said. “This class works extremely hard in practice, and it is beginning to show in the meets. They continue to get better each week.”

Looking Ahead

Next week, Coppell heads to Wylie for the DUBEast Invitational on Friday morning. The meet will primarily give the team’s younger and less experienced runners another opportunity to race, gain experience and continue building confidence.

“We run at the DUBEast Invitational in Wylie next Friday morning,” Coach Wren said. “This meet will primarily be for our younger and more inexperienced runners. The kids continue to show up every day and do the necessary things to get better. As a coach, it's fun to be a part of such a hardworking, coachable group. I'm excited to see us continue to grow as a team.”

With another race in the books, Coppell’s runners will keep working, learning and getting stronger as the season moves forward.

We’re proud of their efforts, and we’ll keep pushing forward until the next race!

Contact Information

For more details or to support the team, please contact:

Patricia Chi
Email: chi.patricia@gmail.com
Phone: (469) 831-3709

Grant Halliburton Foundation and Center for BrainHealth, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, are partnering to present Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton, an exhibition on view Sept. 8–25 at Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane in Dallas.

Presented during Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year and National Suicide Prevention Month, the exhibition connects Grant’s creative legacy with two decades of work in North Texas to strengthen youth mental health and prevent suicide. A series of public programs throughout September will extend the conversation through mental health education, brain science and community engagement.

“Twenty years of impact began with the Halliburton family’s decision to turn unimaginable loss into action,” said Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. “This exhibition gives our community the opportunity to know Grant not only as the name of our Foundation, but as a gifted artist whose life continues to inspire this mission and save lives. We’re grateful to partner again with Center for BrainHealth to share the Foundation’s story, reflect on how far we’ve come and invite more people into the work still ahead.”

The exhibition also invites visitors to consider the connections between creativity and proactive brain health, expanding the organizations’ partnership through art, public programming and community conversation.

“Our partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation reflects a shared commitment to helping people build stronger, healthier minds and lives,” said Laura Bloom Gordon, chief marketing officer of Center for BrainHealth. “Through this exhibition, we have an opportunity to connect art, mental wellness and brain health in a deeply meaningful way. With a variety of events all month, we hope to inspire conversations that strengthen resilience, connection and hope. This partnership builds on our collaboration through the Mental Wellness Collective and promotes community engagement in service of a common goal: helping more people understand and strengthen their brain health.”

The Mental Wellness Collective brings together North Texas mental health, brain health and youth-serving organizations to strengthen youth mental health and resilience.

Journey will feature more than 50 of Grant’s original paintings, charcoal works, drawings and sketches, along with selections from his personal writings and poetry and a Listening Lounge featuring music he wrote and recorded with his high school bandmates. The exhibition will span three floors of Center for BrainHealth’s Brain Performance Institute building. A preview on the first floor will welcome visitors and introduce the exhibition, with most of the collection and accompanying elements displayed on the second and third floors.

Together, the works and interpretive elements will trace the connection between Grant’s creative legacy and the mission that grew in his memory. Grant Halliburton Foundation partnered with Business Council for the Arts (BCA) to thoughtfully curate the exhibition and bring Grant’s art, story and legacy to life. Amy McCloskey, a Foundation co-founder and Grant’s sister, collaborated closely with BCA throughout the curation process, contributing a personal understanding of Grant and his work.

“Co-curating Journey with Amy was a profound honor,” said Jill VanGorden, chief operating officer and head of programs for Business Council for the Arts. “To help tell this story alongside Grant’s family is a privilege and reminds me exactly why the Foundation’s work matters. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from its origins. It holds space for grief while foregrounding what has been built from it, allowing visitors to find hope on their own terms. This project also gives tangible form to what BCA’s Arts and Health Committee has long championed and what research continues to affirm: that art meaningfully shapes individual well-being and the health of our workplaces.”

The Foundation’s earliest efforts were rooted in art and creativity. In May 2006, Grant’s work was presented at the ArtCentre of Plano in Journey: The Art, Music, and Words of Grant Halliburton. That same year, the Foundation awarded its first art scholarship to a graduating student at Plano West Senior High School, where Grant attended. The 2026 exhibition returns to that creative beginning while showing how the mission has grown.

“Twenty years ago, our family was searching for a way to help other families avoid the loss we experienced,” said McCloskey. “Grant’s artwork offers a glimpse of the creativity, humor and depth he brought to the world. Presenting Journey again during our 20th anniversary year brings us back to where the Foundation began and reminds us why this work remains so important.”

Since 2006, Grant Halliburton Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents and professionals through mental health education, suicide prevention training and community resources. Since launching in 2021, the Foundation’s Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line has helped more than 5,100 people find providers and resources, answered more than 4,600 calls and provided more than 12,800 follow-ups to individuals and families.

The September collaboration comes amid an urgent need for continued prevention and early intervention. The CDC’s most recent final mortality data, released in 2026, identify suicide as the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10–24 in the United States.

For personalized guidance finding mental health and substance use providers and resources, call the Foundation’s free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Navigation Line is not a crisis service.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Both services are free, confidential and available 24/7.

SEPTEMBER EXHIBITION EVENTS
All events at Center for BrainHealth, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

• September 8–25
Journey: The Art and Legacy of Grant Halliburton

The exhibition will be open to the public Sept. 8–25 on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments are available on other weekdays by calling Center for BrainHealth at 972-883-3400. The exhibition is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

• September 17 | Reception: 6–7 p.m. | Talk: 7–8:15 p.m.

The Resilience Gap: How to Strengthen the Teen Brain in a Tech-Obsessed World

Kicking off the 2026 season of the popular BrainHealth Presents speaker series, Eva Telzer, Ph.D., and Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D., will discuss how technology, social media and artificial intelligence are shaping the developing teen brain and share evidence-based strategies that support attention, emotional regulation and social connection. Attendees will also have an opportunity to experience Journey and explore Grant’s artwork during the evening. The event is for guests ages 21 and older. Learn more and purchase tickets at centerforbrainhealth.org.

• September 24 | 6–9 p.m.

The Art of Connection: Creativity, Mental Wellness and Brain Health
A Young Professionals Event presented by GHF YP and Think Tank

Grant Halliburton Foundation Young Professionals and Think Tank, Center for BrainHealth’s young professionals group, are partnering to present an evening for guests in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The event will feature networking, a private viewing of the Journey exhibition and a panel including artists and mental health and brain health experts exploring the connections among creativity, mental wellness and brain health.
Learn more at granthalliburton.org/journey.

OTHER SEPTEMBER EVENTS

• September 1–30 | Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas Mural

Created for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary and National Suicide Prevention Month, this public mural explores how hope grows when a community shows up. Featuring a preview of Grant’s artwork, suicide prevention steps, mental health resources and September events, the installation invites visitors to learn more about the Foundation, discover how to support someone in crisis, find help and explore Journey. The mural is located on Level 1 at the south end of Galleria Dallas near Sephora and ALO.

• September 10 | 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Plano Event Center
When Life Hands You Teenagers

The Foundation’s annual conference equipping parents, educators and mental health professionals with tools for supporting youth mental health. Learn more and register at granthalliburton.org/wlhyt.

• September 17 | 6 a.m.–midnight
North Texas Giving Day
Supporters can help build on 20 years of lifesaving mental health education, resources and suicide prevention programs. Early giving begins Aug. 28. Learn more and give at granthalliburton.org/ntgd.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation: Grant Halliburton Foundation is a Dallas-based nonprofit established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, who lived with depression and bipolar disorder and died by suicide at age 19. The Foundation works to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and prevent suicide. Through education, resources and support, it equips students, educators, parents and professionals to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately and connect young people with help. Since its founding, the Foundation has reached more than 375,000 people across North Texas. Its Here For Texas program offers two free resources: HereForTexas.com, a searchable database of mental health providers and resources, and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, which provides personalized assistance finding care. Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

About Center for BrainHealth: Center for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, is a nonprofit translational research institute committed to enhancing, preserving, and restoring brain health across the lifespan. Major research areas include the use of functional and structural neuroimaging techniques to better understand the neurobiology supporting the continual growth of cognition, well-being and social connections in health and disease. This leading-edge scientific exploration is translated quickly into practical innovations to improve how people think, work and live, empowering people of all ages to thrive and unlock their brain potential. Translational innovations leverage 1) the BrainHealth Index, a proprietary measure that uniquely charts one's upward (or downward) brain health trajectory whatever their starting level; and 2) Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART™) brain health training, a strategy-based toolkit developed and tested by BrainHealth researchers and other teams over three decades. The center's landmark longitudinal study, The BrainHealth Project, launched in 2020 with the goal of identifying actionable strategies for optimizing brain health throughout life, uncovering the dynamic relationship between lifestyle factors, biological markers, brain training and cognitive performance. It is co-led by Dr. Sandi Chapman, Dr. Mark D'Esposito, Dr. Geoff Ling, Dr. Ian Robertson, Dr. Vince Calhoun and Tom Leppert, with Georgeann and Adm. William McRaven (ret.) serving as national spokespersons.

About Business Council for the Arts: Since its founding in 1988 by Raymond Nasher as a Dallas Citizens Council initiative, the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) has championed the integration of arts and business across North Texas. Today, under the leadership of Founder’s Chair Nancy Nasher, Board Chair Joel Austin, and CEO Stacie Adams, BCA serves a network of more than 150 organizations committed to strengthening workplaces, classrooms, and communities through the arts. BCA’s programming spans creative workforce development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation. Signature initiatives include On My Own Time™, Art at Work, and the Leadership Arts Institute, alongside committee-driven efforts focused on Arts & Health, Arts & Real Estate, and Arts & Technology. To learn more, visit www.ntbca.org.