July 2025 Director's Blog

Healthy Summers in Tarrant County: Your Guide to Staying Safe in the Heat

As summer unfolds across Tarrant County, we find ourselves embracing the warmth, our waterways, and the long, golden evenings. But this season also calls on us — as neighbors, family members, and public health leaders — to act against seasonal summer health risks like heat-related illness water safety hazards, and mosquito-borne diseases, especially West Nile virus. They can quietly escalate if you don’t know the signs.

The Heat Is Real—and So Are the Risks

Each summer, we see the thermometer flirt with triple digits for weeks on end. In 2023 alone, Tarrant County recorded 14 heat-related deaths, a sobering reminder that extreme temperatures are more than just uncomfortable—they’re potentially deadly.

Our role in public health includes raising awareness about the signs of heat stress and making resources accessible. That’s why cooling centers like Como and Northside Community Centers continue to be critical assets. Whether you're checking in on a senior neighbor or advocating for better workplace protections, hydration, shade, and awareness can save lives.

Quick tips:

• Drink water regularly—even before you feel thirsty.
• Avoid outdoor work during peak sun hours (1–5 PM).
• Help spread the word about cooling centers and hydration stations.

Lakes, Rivers, and the Hidden Hazards

We’re lucky to have access to beloved bodies of water like Eagle Mountain Lake, Benbrook Lake, and Lake Arlington—managed by TRWD and cherished by families. But swimming in natural water requires care.

Post-storm runoff can elevate bacteria levels. It's worth checking water quality reports and steering clear of stagnant or muddy areas. And while rare, we must keep educating about Naegleria fowleri—an amoeba found in warm freshwater that can be deadly if inhaled. Prevention means reducing risk, not panic.

Water safety essentials:

• Supervise young swimmers and use life jackets.
• Avoid diving or stirring up sediment in warm, shallow areas.
• Take personal responsibility for alcohol use around water—boating and swimming require a clear head.

Mosquitoes & West Nile: Our Annual Battle

Tarrant County is no stranger to West Nile virus. Our hot, humid climate coupled with summer rains makes it a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. In 2024, we saw 28 confirmed human cases—most severe enough to require hospitalization.

Our Vector Control team works hard to monitor and spray in affected zones, but community engagement is key. Draining standing water and using EPA-approved repellents can drastically reduce risk. The Culex mosquito is most active at dawn and dusk—so dressing smart and covering exposed skin really does make a difference.

Actionable steps:

• Dump standing water weekly—flower pots, toys, and gutters included.
• Wear long sleeves, especially near wooded or marshy areas.
• Stay informed about local spraying schedules and hot zones.

A Climate That Requires Preparation, Not Panic

We love our Texas summers. But our heat waves, humidity, and heavy rain events demand proactive health habits. Public health isn’t just a department—it’s a community responsibility.

Let’s commit to a safe, healthy summer across all of Tarrant County. Whether you’re on the front lines of public health, parenting young kids, caring for aging relatives, or just enjoying the outdoors, your actions matter.

Stay safe. Stay hydrated. Stay informed.

Brian Byrd,

Director, Tarrant County Public Health