News & Alerts
Stay up to date on news and health issues that impact Texas. Our news releases, news updates, health alerts, and health advisories keep you in the know about public health in Texas.
Stay up to date on news and health issues that impact Texas. Our news releases, news updates, health alerts, and health advisories keep you in the know about public health in Texas.
Stay up to date on news and health issues that impact Texas. Our news releases, news updates, health alerts, and health advisories keep you in the know about public health in Texas.
Health Alert: Increase in Pertussis Cases
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is reporting an increase in pertussis cases in 2024 with about triple the number of cases reported so far this year compared with the same period in 2023. This follows a national trend, which has...
Early vaccination a defense against serious illness as new flu season begins this month
Texas Influenza Awareness Day is today, and DSHS recommends Texans get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families from illness. Because the body takes about two weeks to make flu antibodies after getting a flu...
DSHS rallies support for the fight against congenital syphilis
The Texas Department of State Health Services is putting a statewide focus on congenital syphilis, a disease that has profound effects on hundreds of babies in Texas each year. Congenital syphilis cases rose from 166 in 2017 to 922 in 2022, the most...
Health Alert: Wound Botulism Cases Associated with Injection Drug Use
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting two confirmed and one suspected case of botulism associated with injection drug use since July 30, 2024.
Due to the nature of this illness, additional cases may occur. Clinicians should...
Health department alerts public about recall of Diamond Shruumz products
Recalled products may be associated with severe illness
The Texas Department of State Health Services is alerting the public about the recall of Diamond Shruumz brand products after reports of severe illness in people who consumed them. Two people in...
Health Advisory: Ongoing Transmission of Mpox in Texas and Recommendations for Preparedness
Texas continues to report ongoing transmission of mpox caused by clade II monkeypox virus (MPXV). This is consistent with mpox cases reported nationally. Preliminary surveillance data indicate potential recent periods of increase in mpox cases in...
Operation Border Health Preparedness offers no-cost healthcare at five RGV Locations
The Texas Department of State Health Services celebrates the 25th anniversary this month of the Operation Border Health Preparedness exercise, with no-cost health clinics planned at five different locations for South Texas residents to utilize...
Public health officials urge Texans to be vigilant in protecting against mosquito bites after confirming the first Texas case of West Nile virus and 10 travel-associated dengue cases for 2024. Precautions should be taken in Texas and while traveling...
DSHS Reminds Residents in Hurricane-Impacted Areas of Safety Precautions
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends using extra caution for coastal residents experiencing flooded homes and electrical outages following Hurricane Beryl’s landfall. Those who evacuated hurricane-impacted communities should wait...
Health Advisory: Skin Creams Containing Dangerous Levels of Mercury
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently received a report of one case of mercury poisoning related to use of a tainted skin lightening cream. People should only buy cosmetics in sealed containers from reputable retailers and...