DSHS Press Release

DSHS Encourages People to Get the Flu Shot During National Influenza Vaccination Week

December 5, 2018 - In conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people it’s not too late to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications. People can find out where flu shots are available at texasflu.org or by contacting their health care provider.

DSHS Promotes Awareness of Harmful Bacteria in Coastal Waters

August 2, 2018 - Warm weather in Texas brings a higher risk of marine water-related infections, including those caused by the Vibrio bacteria which are naturally found in coastal water. Most infections occur between May and October, when the warmer water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico promote the growth of these bacteria. Texas has averaged 90 Vibrio infections per year for the last 10 years.

More Than 160 Texas Hospitals Join Effort to Reduce Maternal Mortality

May 31, 2018 - The Texas Department of State Health Services’ new TexasAIM program has enrolled 166 hospitals in the effort to decrease maternal mortality and other severe pregnancy complications. That means approximately two-thirds of the Texas hospitals that provide labor and delivery services have committed to adopting clinical practices proven to reduce complications that threaten the lives of mothers and babies.

DSHS Commissioner Urges People to Take Precautions to Avoid Getting the Flu

January 22, 2018 - With influenza continuing to be widespread throughout Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people to take precautions to avoid getting and spreading the disease. The state health commissioner, Dr. John Hellerstedt, filmed two short messages encouraging everyone 6 months old and older to get vaccinated and stressing the importance of good hygiene.

DSHS Reminds People It’s Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

December 16, 2017 - The Texas Department of State Health Services encourages people to protect themselves and their loved ones this holiday season by getting a flu shot now. With flu-like illness on the rise, it’s not too late for everyone 6 months old and older to get vaccinated. People can find out where flu shots are available at texasflu.org or by contacting their health care provider.

DSHS Issues Alert as Flea-borne Typhus Activity in Texas Increases

December 1, 2017 - An increase this year in the number of cases of flea-borne typhus across multiple areas of the state is prompting the Texas Department of State Health Services to remind people to take precautions to prevent contracting the disease. A health alert issued today asks providers to consider a diagnosis of flea-borne typhus for people with fever and at least one other symptom of the disease. Typhus cases normally peak in Texas between May and July and again in December and January.

Texas to Conduct Aerial Mosquito Control in Wake of Hurricane Harvey

September 6, 2017 - The rain left behind by Hurricane Harvey has created large areas where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. To address increasing numbers of mosquitoes and the risk they pose to the recovery effort and public health, the Texas Department of State Health Services has activated its contract for aerial mosquito control and requested additional mosquito control assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Aerial spraying targeting mosquitoes will begin around dusk Thursday over Refugio and Bee counties, weather permitting.

Texas Health Officials Find Probable Zika Infection

July 26, 2017 Texas - The Texas Department of State Health Services and Hidalgo County Health and Human Services have determined a Hidalgo County resident who previously had a Zika infection was most likely infected in Texas. Because the individual has not recently traveled outside the area or had any other risk factors, the infection was probably transmitted by a mosquito bite in South Texas sometime in the last few months. Laboratory testing shows the individual is no longer at risk of spreading the virus to mosquitoes.

First West Nile Case Highlights Precautions for Mosquito-borne Diseases

Everyone Can Help Prevent West Nile and Zika

May 16, 2017 - Texas’ first West Nile illness of the year has been reported to the Department of State Health Services, an adult woman from Montgomery County who developed the neurologic form of the disease in late April. As mosquito counts climb, the state of Texas is appealing to the public to help with the effort to stop mosquito-borne diseases by preventing mosquito bites and eliminating areas where mosquitoes can reproduce.

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