Risk Factors for Patients on Immunosuppressive Medications

August 13, 2026 (Tarrant County) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) advises residents taking certain immunosuppressive medications to take extra precaution against viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks.

Those on medications for autoimmune conditions, transplant rejection, or blood cancer are at a higher risk of developing severe illness from these viruses due to their weakened immune system.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health advisory identifies those medications as: rituximab and biosimilars, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab, obinutuzumab, and ibritumomab tiuxetan. TCPH urges residents taking immunosuppressants to contact their healthcare provider if they have questions about those medications.

Tarrant County residents may lower their risk by following these best practices:

• Use EPA-approved insect repellant.
• Wear loose fitting long sleeves and pants outdoors.
• Drain or treat standing water around your home or property with larvicides like mosquito dunks.
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity hours, like dawn and dusk.
• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Check clothing, body, gear, and pets for ticks.

West Nile Virus spread by mosquitoes is the most common arbovirus in North Texas and the United States. Ticks found in the southern United States may carry Heartland Virus.

Mosquito and tick activity is highest throughout the spring and fall. As of August 11, TCPH reports 117 positive West Nile Virus samples throughout the County so far in the 2026 season.

Residents are advised to seek medical care if they notice any adverse changes in their health. Visit Be Mosquito Free for more information about West Nile Virus and Tarrant’s countywide mosquito monitoring programs.

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