Latest news with #DallasCountyHealthandHumanServices
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
First Measles Case Recorded In Dallas County
The first known case of measles has been confirmed in Dallas County, according to health officials. Dallas County Health and Human Services says a woman in her mid-20s was contagious between May 30 and June 7. The fully vaccinated women who contracted the disease visited Lemma Coffee in Plano between 9 a.m. and noon on May 31 and First Baptist Plano between 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on June 1. The highly contagious respiratory illness is transmitted via direct contact with infected droplets or through airborne spread. The virus can remain infectious in the air for upwards of two hours after an infected individual has left an area. One to two weeks after exposure, measles symptoms often include a cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash often develops on the face a few days after the initial symptoms, spreading down the rest of the body. 'We have already prayed for her and continue to do so,' said Larry Wright, executive pastor at Forrest Community Church, a partner congregation that gathers at First Baptist Plano, per Fox News. 'I would emphasize that this did not happen during one of our worship services when our congregation was present. It was a partner congregation on a Sunday afternoon. A relatively small group.' Dallas County officials say they continue to work to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease. So far, the source of the woman's exposure remains unknown, though it does not appear to be connected to a recent West Texas outbreak. 'Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of all Dallas County residents. We are actively investigating this case and working to identify any individuals who may have been exposed,' said Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Philip Huang. 'The best way to protect yourself from measles is to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to receive full protection.'
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Measles in Dallas: First case confirmed in young woman who was fully vaccinated
Dallas has confirmed the first case of measles. The resident is a woman in her mid-20s who was fully vaccinated, CBS News reported citing the Dallas County Health and Human Services. "The woman was contagious from May 30 through June 7. DCHHS said she has received care and officials are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed," the media reported. Possible measle exposure locations are said to be Lemma Coffee Plano, 1023 E 15th St, Plano, TX, 75074; and First Baptist Plano, 3665 W President George Bush Hwy, Plano, TX, 75075. Measles has made a comeback Measles might sound like one of those 'old-timey' diseases that only existed in history books, but trust me, it's still very much around—and it's not something to take lightly. Caused by a highly contagious virus, measles spreads quickly. One sneeze or cough from an infected person can hang in the air or land on surfaces, ready to infect the next unsuspecting soul who walks by. So, what are the symptoms of measles ? At first, it might seem like you just have a regular flu—fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. But then comes the telltale sign: a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and then travels down the body. Before that rash shows up, you might even notice tiny white spots inside your mouth (called Koplik spots). Once the rash appears, it usually sticks around for about a week, making you look and feel like you've had the roughest week ever. Measles isn't just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Especially for babies, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. Complications can range from ear infections and diarrhea to pneumonia and even brain swelling (encephalitis). In severe cases, it can be fatal. The real kicker? Measles is totally preventable. One or two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) can give lifelong protection. Yet, outbreaks still happen, especially when vaccination rates drop. Some people skip vaccines due to misinformation or fear, but the science is pretty clear: the vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect not just yourself, but everyone around you. Once someone catches measles, there's no specific cure. Doctors usually just treat the symptoms—fluids, rest, and fever-reducing meds. But prevention really is the best medicine here. Why do vaccinated individuals get measles? Sometimes people still get measles even after getting vaccinated, and it usually boils down to one of two things: either their body didn't build full immunity from the vaccine, or they didn't get both doses. The first dose gives about 93% protection, but the second bumps it up to around 97%. So if someone skipped the second shot, they're more at risk. Also, a tiny percent of people just don't respond to the vaccine for whatever reason—immune systems can be quirky like that. But here's the good news: even if vaccinated folks do catch it, the symptoms are usually way milder. So, while measles might seem like a thing of the past, it's not something to ignore. It's a fast-spreading, potentially dangerous virus that can mess up your week—or worse. Getting vaccinated, staying alert for symptoms, and acting fast if someone in your circle falls sick can make all the difference. Because nobody wants a virus that enters like a ninja, messes up your system, and leaves a rashy trail behind. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
West Nile Virus Detected In Three Dallas County Locations
Dallas County Health and Human Services confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito pools across three locations this week, marking the first positive tests in the county for 2025. Mosquito samples collected in Irving's 75061 ZIP code, Richardson's 75080 ZIP code, and Rowlett's 75088 ZIP code tested positive for the virus, which is primarily spread by infected mosquitoes. However, other bloodsucking arthropods, such as fleas and ticks, can also transmit the virus. The findings follow Tarrant County Public Health's report of a positive mosquito sample on May 8, signaling the start of the West Nile virus season in North Texas, which typically spans May through October. Summer heat fuels mosquito activity, increasing the risk of virus transmission. Most cases occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through the fall. While most infected individuals show no symptoms, about 1 in 5 may develop fever, headache, body aches, or joint pain. In rare cases, about 1 in 150 infected persons may develop a serious, or even fatal, illness affecting the brain or nervous system. The virus can rarely be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding, or from mother to baby during pregnancy, but not through person-to-person contact like touch or saliva. To curb the spread, Dallas Health and Human Services recommends using DEET or EPA-approved repellents daily, wearing long, loose, light-colored clothing outdoors, draining standing water around homes, and limiting outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. The cities of Irving, Richardson, and Rowlett have begun spraying high-risk areas to prevent further spread. No human cases have been reported in Dallas County this year, and officials urge residents to remain vigilant as the season progresses.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dallas County Health loses $70M in federal funding
The Brief Dallas County Health and Human Services has lost two federal grants totaling $70 million. It could mean layoffs for as many as 80 employees, including nurses, lab scientists, educators, and administrative support staff. It may also mean a reduction in services related to immunizations and immunization research. DALLAS - Dallas County's health department is scrambling to save jobs after losing two federal grants totaling $70 million. The funding cuts could result in as many as 80 county employees losing their jobs. Public health services in Dallas County may also be impacted. What we know The federal grants that have been frozen or rescinded are part of the Trump administration's effort to reduce government spending. Last week, Dallas County Health and Human Services got word from the Texas Department of Health Services that it would immediately lose funding from two federal COVID-19 grants. The county was getting about $70 million from those two grants for immunizations and immunization research. While the grants may have originated during the pandemic, the funding was being used for more than just the county's COVID-19 response. The cuts are expected to impact flu vaccinations, childhood immunizations, and efforts to prevent HIV and STDs. About 80 jobs will also be affected, including nurses, lab scientists, educators, and administrative support staff. What they're saying "This is a really big hit and we're one of the ones that's being impacted," said Dallas County Health Director Dr. Philip Huang. "There was no preparation, no way to scale down, no way to plan for this. It's really very shortsighted in the way this is being handled." Commissioner John Wiley Price had been sounding the alarm for more than a month. However, no one was sure when or if the cuts would actually occur or what they might look like until last week. "The anvil has been dropped, and we've got to make some very drastic kind of decisions," he said. "There are definitely going to be local cuts. We're assessing the exact magnitude of it and looking at how we're going to be able to try to move forward. But definitely there are significant cuts that we're facing," Dr. Huang said. What's next Dallas County sent out notices on Friday about potential layoffs. The county is exploring other grants that may be available to help save some, if not all, of the jobs. Some vaccinations may also go unfilled so vital staff can stay in place. The loss of the grants also means planned purchases are on hold right now. The Source FOX 4 reporter Shaun Rabb talked to Commissioner John Wiley Price and Dr. Philip Huang to gather information for this story. Some details also come from a notice the county received from the state health department.
The Hill
28-03-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Texas measles outbreak surges
Nearly all the cases are in unvaccinated individuals or in individuals whose vaccination status is unknown, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. At least 41 people have been hospitalized so far. An unvaccinated, but otherwise healthy child, died of measles in February, becoming the first measles fatality in the U.S. in a decade. Just two cases have occurred in people fully vaccinated, according to the data. Friday's updates come after the Trump administration abruptly canceled more than $11 billion in COVID-era public health grants, a move that state and local health departments said could harm Texas's measles response. Departments are already operating on thin margins and need to balance sometimes competing public health priorities. Due to the loss, some health departments are already starting to cancel contracts and lay off workers. Grants were used for information modernization, as well as to hire people to help with vaccinations, testing and disease tracking. But that work had to stop immediately. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, said grant money was going to be used to help equip a new lab that is being built. The new equipment would have expanded the lab's testing capacity for COVID-19, as well as other pathogens, like measles. 'This is going to stop work in its tracks that was really important for their communities,' said Adriane Casalotti, chief of government and public affairs at the National Association of County and City Health Officials. 'Work to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in nursing homes, for example, or to be able to track measles cases … the work has to stop, and yet the needs in the community remain,' Casalotti said.
