DSHS Press Release

Texas Announces Additional Local Zika Cases in Cameron County

December 10, 2016 - The Texas Department of State Health Services and Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services have identified four additional cases of suspected locally transmitted Zika virus disease in Cameron County. The cases were identified as part of the follow up to the state’s first case of Zika likely transmitted by a mosquito in Texas, announced Nov. 28.

Texas Announces Local Zika Virus Case in Rio Grande Valley

Response Underway; Will Include Increased Surveillance

December 2, 2016 - The Texas Department of State Health Services and Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first case of Zika virus disease likely transmitted by a mosquito in Texas. DSHS is supporting Cameron County’s response to the case and to the ongoing risk of Zika in the community.

DSHS Reminds Pregnant Women who Travel to Mexico About Zika Testing

October 17, 2016 - The Texas Department of State Health Services is reminding pregnant women who cross the border with Mexico that Zika testing is available to them and encourages them to discuss testing with their health care providers. Under current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Zika testing is recommended for any pregnant woman who has traveled to a country with ongoing Zika transmission, including those who regularly cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

Texas Zika Illness Linked to Miami Travel

August 16, 2016 - A Texas resident who recently traveled to an area of Miami with local Zika transmission has tested positive for the virus. The traveler, an El Paso County resident, recently returned from the area and sought testing after becoming ill.

This is the first Texas case to be linked to travel within the continental United States. The case will be classified as “travel-associated” and is being investigated for more details.

Infant Death in Texas Linked to Zika

August 10, 2016 - Texas has confirmed that an infant who recently died in Harris County had microcephaly linked to the Zika virus. The baby passed away shortly after birth and is the first Zika-related death reported in Texas.

During her pregnancy, the mother was in Latin America, where she was infected, and the baby acquired the infection in the womb. Recent test results confirmed the baby’s condition and link to Zika. The mother and baby are classified as travel-related cases, and there is no additional associated risk in Texas.

Texas on Alert for Local Zika, Urges Precautions

August 3, 2016 - With local Zika cases detected in Florida and increased travel to Brazil for the Summer Olympics, Texas is on high alert for local Zika transmission by mosquito bites and is urging everyone to strictly follow precautions.

“It’s the perfect mix – local transmission in Florida, travel to Brazil, and we’re at the height of mosquito season in Texas,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner. “Local transmission here is likely at some point. The good news is that Texas is ready.”

Texas Finalizes Penalty Agreement With Blue Bell

July 29, 2016 - Texas health officials today finalized with Blue Bell Creameries a penalty and agreement that the company will continue to test and monitor its ice cream following last year’s outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to Blue Bell products made in Brenham.

DSHS Announces First Texas-Acquired Chikungunya Case

June 1, 2016 - The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya, a mosquito borne illness. A Cameron County resident got sick with the illness in November 2015 and was diagnosed with a lab test in January 2016. The case, however, was not reported to the local health department until last month.

DSHS Reports First Locally Acquired Zika Case

February 2, 2016 - The Texas Department of State Health Services today reported the first case of Zika virus disease contracted in Texas, involving a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case details are being evaluated, but the possibility of sexual transmission from an infected person to a non-infected person is likely in this case.

Vaccine Airdrops Target Rabies in Texas

January 11, 2016 - The Texas Department of State Health Services’ successful Oral Rabies Vaccination Program again takes flight this week to prevent two strains of rabies from making a comeback in the state and to resume a study of whether the same approach can effectively fight rabies in skunks.

Shelby County Today

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