Current news topics:
COVID-19 (new coronavirus) – March 24, 2020
The Texas Department of State Health Services is tracking cases of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. DSHS will update the state case count each day by noon Central Time. Numbers are current as of 8 p.m. the day before reporting.
Case counts can now be found on the COVID-19 case dashboard.
Accessible version (Excel)
All data are provisional and subject to change.
How can Texans slow the spread of COVID-19?
On March 19, 2020, Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, declared a public health disaster in Texas, because COVID-19 “has created an immediate threat, poses a high risk of death to a large number of people, and creates a substantial risk of public exposure because of the disease’s method of transmission and evidence that there is community spread in Texas.”
Read the full text of the declaration.
The next two weeks are critical in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Texans must act now.
- Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are sick, older, and/or have a medical condition.
- If you are sick, stay home except to access medical care. If you are able to take care of yourself, stay home. If you need to see your doctor, call ahead.
- Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and non-essential trips into public.
- Cancel events of more than 10 people.
- Limit close contact (at least six feet) with other people. Employers should allow alternative work options as much as possible.
What else can people do to protect themselves and others?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Who is at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19?
Minimizing exposure is especially important for people who are 65 or older or who have an underlying health condition like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer. People in those groups have a higher risk of developing severe disease if they do get COVID-19, and the safest thing for them during an outbreak will be to stay home as much as possible and minimize close contact with other people. To get ready, they should talk to their doctor about getting additional prescription medications and have enough household items and groceries on hand to stay home as needed.
DSHS has additional information on the COVID-19 for the public, health care professionals, health departments and labs at
dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.
News releases on COVID-19
▲ Top
Influenza – March 13, 2020
The 2019–2020 flu season has begun, and DSHS encourages everyone to get vaccinated now. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by one of a number of related viruses. The flu vaccine is made up of strains similar to ones likely to be circulating in North America, and early vaccination provides the best protection against contracting the flu. Vaccination is especially important for people with chronic health conditions and weaker immune systems and their caregivers. Additional information about influenza and ways to stop the spread of the flu virus can be found at
www.texasflu.org.
DSHS monitors influenza activity across the state all year. The most recent
flu surveillance report shows widespread flu activity in Texas and high levels of influenza-like illness. There have been 15 pediatric flu-related deaths reported this season.
Additional information:
DSHS news release
Flu surveillance background
Pediatric Flu Deaths
▲ Top
Lung Injury Associated with Vaping – Feb. 25, 2020
DSHS has identified 250 Texas cases of severe lung disease in people who report vaping before developing symptoms, including four deaths. Patients range in age from 13 to 75 years old, with a median age of 22 years. About one-quarter of the people affected in Texas are minors. Three-quarters are male, and nine in ten report vaping THC or marijuana, possibly in conjunction with other substances. Almost all were hospitalized with many requiring intensive care.
Respiratory symptoms include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and coughing. Some people have also experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Clinicians should ask patients with these symptoms about a history of vaping, gather as much information as possible about suspected cases, and report them to DSHS.
Nationally, 2,807 cases have been reported in all 50 states, and DSHS is working with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and other states to gather evidence about what the cases have in common and determine a cause.
Until we know more about the cause, people should consider not using e-cigarettes. If you do vape and experience symptoms like those reported, seek medical care promptly.
Regardless of the ongoing situation:
- Youth and young adults should not vape.
- Women who are pregnant should not vape.
- Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start vaping.
News Release
Updated Health Alert
Latest Information from CDC
Lung Injury Associated
with Vaping, Texas
Cases of Lung Injury Associated with Vaping, Texas
|
Public Health Region |
Number of Cases |
| 1 (Panhandle) |
4 |
| 2/3 (North Texas) |
136 |
| 4/5N (East Texas) |
6 |
| 6/5S (Southeast Texas) |
43 |
| 7 (Central Texas) |
31 |
| 8 (South Texas) |
14 |
| 9/10 (West Texas) |
3 |
| 11 (Rio Grande Valley) |
13 |
| Not yet determined |
0 |
| Total |
250 |
Figure 1: Cases of Lung Injury Associated with Vaping, Texas, as of 2/11/2020
▲ Top