African Black Slug (PDF)

View and download questions and answers about the African black slug.

Measles Alert

Citing 4 confirmed measles cases in the last month and nine cases for the year, the Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a health alert and is urging immunization against this highly contagious illness.

West Nile Virus

The City of Brownsville Public Health Department received confirmation that one local mosquito trap sample has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

As of August 27, 2013 Texas has reported 1,935 pertussis cases to the CDC. If cases continue to be diagnosed and reported at the current rate, Texas will report the highest number of pertussis cases it has had in over 50 years.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa. The virus is transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in U.S. travelers. Illness ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe liver disease with bleeding. Yellow fever disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings, laboratory testing, and travel history, including the possibility of exposure to infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever; care is based on symptoms. Steps to prevent yellow fever virus infection include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and getting vaccinated.

Vibrio Infection in Texas