I work for the State Health Dept. and I can assure you that West Nile shouldn't be a reason to avoid Texas as your winter destination. West Nile has been around for many years and has been prevalent in the Houston area for quite some time. Cooler weather is settling in here and the mosquito populations will be diminishing over the next few months. In the mean time remember the four "d's."
1. Drain any standing water.
2. Use insect repellent that contains DEET.
3. Limit outdoor activities at Dawn and Dusk when Mosquitos are prevalent.
4. Dress in long sleeves and pants to minimize exposed skin.
For more information please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website at:
www.dshs.state.tx.us and click on the "West Nile" link.
Hope this helps