Health Alerts/Advisories

Congenital Syphilis Health Advisory - 10/3/19
New state legislation was enacted on September 1, 2019 to increase syphilis testing in pregnant women. Testing is now mandated: Learn more...


HEALTH ALERT: Severe Pulmonary Illness Among Persons Who Report Vaping Learn more...
Get the facts about electronic cigarettes, their health effects and the risks of using e-cigarettes: Learn more...


Cyclospora Health Advisory - 08/12/19
Recommendation to Test Patients with Symptoms Consistent with Cyclospora Infection https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/2019/HealthAdvisory-08122019.aspx


July 2019 - HEALTH ALERT:

Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/17-07-2019-ebola-outbreak-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-declared-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern

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February 8, 2019 - HEALTH ALERT:

Measles
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is currently investigating multiple cases of reported measles across the state. As of February 7, 2019, there are seven confirmed cases of measles reported from five different counties, including Montgomery, Harris, Galveston, Bell, and Denton.
Additional cases may occur. Due to the highly communicable nature of this disease, we advise clinicians to follow these recommendations.

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January 25, 2019 - HEALTH ADVISORY: 

Mumps
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), along with local and regional health departments, is investigating multiple cases and outbreaks of mumps in immigration centers located throughout Texas. While 97% of mumps cases were in the immigrant population, 3% of mumps cases were in employees who worked at the immigration center. There has been no documented transmission to the community as of January 24, 2019.

Due to the highly communicable nature of this disease, please consider mumps as a diagnosis for patients presenting with the following symptoms, particularly those who have traveled out of the state or have come into contact with known mumps cases:
-Unilateral or bilateral swelling of the parotid or salivary glands, preceded by low-grade fever, myalgia, malaise, or headache

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ZIKA:

Texas DSHS Zika Information: www.texaszika.orgwww.texaszika.org 
CDC Zika Information: www.cdc.gov/zika

To report a public health emergency:

Call 9-1-1 for all medical or life-threatening emergencies. The public may report public health emergencies to WCCHD Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am - 5pm at 512-943-3660. To report public health emergencies on weekends, after-hours, or holidays call 512-864-8345. The Department of State Health Services mayalso be contacted after-hours at 1-800-252-8239.