Public Health

Congenital Syphilis Health Advisory - 10/03/19

HEALTH ADVISORY:
Congenital Syphilis
October 3, 2019

Summary

Reported syphilis cases are increasing nationally and in Texas.

  • Reported congenital syphilis (CS) cases are also increasing.
  • In Texas, 367 cases of CS were reported in 2018, which includes confirmed and probable (suspected) cases, as well as syphilitic stillbirths.

New state legislation was enacted on September 1, 2019 to increase syphilis testing in pregnant women. Testing is now mandated:

  • At first prenatal care examination
  • During third trimester (no earlier than 28 weeks gestation)
  • At delivery

Texas healthcare providers are urged to:

  • Screen all pregnant women for syphilis according to new testing requirements.
  • Look for clinical signs/symptoms of syphilis in all patients.
  • Treat patients with evidence of syphilis or recent exposure to syphilis on-site when possible. Document stage of syphilis and treatment administered.
  • Report syphilis cases to your local or regional health department at the time of diagnosis. Include pregnancy status and treatment in the report.
  • Test and evaluate newborns potentially exposed to syphilis in utero.
  • Update electronic health record/electronic medical record systems to reflect new testing requirements.

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/releases/2019/HealthAdvisory-10032019.aspx

E-Cigarettes

photo of various e-cigarette and vaping devices

Vaping Epidemic

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and local health departments are investigating cases of severe lung illness in people with a recent history of vaping.

Vaping is defined as the use of an electronic device (electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, vaporizer, vape[s], vape pen, dab pen, or other device) or dabbing to inhale substances (nicotine, marijuana, THC, THC concentrations, CBD, synthetic cannabinoids, flavorings, or other substances).

Download:

Get up-to-date information about cases of severe lung illness caused by vaping in Texas.  

Learn more about vaping and how to talk to your kids about vaping by visiting:

If you would like to report a case with similar clinical presentation and history of vaping, please report it to DSHS by calling 512-422-0925 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).





NOTICE:  Fundraisers & Temporary Events

Any and all food vendors within City of Brownsville, must obtain a temporary health permit; this includes beverages/food gifted to the public.  Fundraisers are reviewed, and approved based on their intended purpose.  For more information on how to obtain a temporary health permit, please contact our office at (956)542-3437, and we'll be more than glad to assist you.  

The City of Brownsville Public Health Department's mission is to improve the quality of life, safety and well-being of our community through education and enforcement. 

The Public Health Department has over 34 full and part time staffed assigned to five divisions.

The divisions are as follows:

  • Animal Regulation & Care Center
    • Dedicated to improving the quality of life for the extended pet population.
  • Inspections & Foods
    • Dedicated to ensure food sold and served within the city is safe and produced under sanitary conditions.
  • Ordinance Enforcement
    • Dedicated to improving the quality of life, protect the health, safety and welfare of the community through enforcement.
  • Vector Control
    • Dedicated to monitoring and controlling mosquitos that are capable of transmitting disease.
  • Wellness
    • Dedicated to improving the City of Brownsville employees health and wellness.