Latest news with #HCHD
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kyle resident tests positive for measles, county officials to provide update in news conference
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Kyle resident tested positive for measles, and Hays County officials are expected to provide more details in a news conference Tuesday, according to a news release from Hays County. The news conference will be held at 3 p.m. in San Marcos at the Hays County Government Center, according to the county. As of Friday, May 16, more than 1,000 cases of measles were confirmed across the U.S., which is an increase of 23 in a week. Texas still accounts for a majority of cases, according to The Associated Press. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) notified the Hays County Health Department (HCHD) of the positive measles test, the release said. Officials expected to be at the news conference include HCHD Director Matthew Gonzales and Epidemiologist Gabriel Guel, the release said. Additionally, the Local Health Authority of Hays County, as well as the department's medical director, Dr. John Turner, M.D., Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne, and it spreads quickly when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs, according to the AP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rabies case confirmed in Houston County
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — A dead bat has tested positive for rabies in Houston County. Representatives with the Houston County Health Department tell WDHN the bat was found on the back porch of a home on Elm Street, north of Cottonwood. According to Environmental Supervisor Keith Hicks, the HCHD received a call from the homeowner on Tuesday, reporting that her cats had come in contact with the dead bat and asked that the animal be tested. The rabies test came back positive on Wednesday. The cats have been vaccinated, and the HCHD advised the owner that the cats should get a booster shot for the rabies vaccine. Alabama State Law requires all dogs and cats three months or older to be vaccinated against rabies. This is the first case of rabies in Houston County this year. However, a dog tested positive for the disease in Troy earlier this month. Dog found with rabies in Troy Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hays County alerts residents of potential measles exposure in San Marcos
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Hays County Health Department alerted residents about possible exposure to a person who tested positive for measles. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. It can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left. According to the department, a Gaines County resident with measles visited San Marcos on Feb. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. The adult was part of a tour group at Texas State University. About 60 people were part of the tour. Possible exposure sites included: Texas State University from approximately 3 to 7 p.m. Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 to 10 p.m. (1207 Purple Heart Trail, San Marcos) Individuals who may have been exposed are expected to be notified by their local health authority. The health department plans to do thorough contact tracing, prioritizing high-risk contacts. HCHD said the infected adult had one dose of the MMR vaccine, which makes it less likely that measles spread to others. 'Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of measles in decades,' said Hays County Local Health Authority John Turner, MD. HCHD said people at the above locations during the specified times should: Review immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection Contact health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant, or have a weakened immune system regardless of vaccination history Monitor illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from four days to 21 days after exposure If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a health care facility before calling and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms. 'The Hays County Health Department is acting with haste to ensure the readiness and preparedness of partner agencies in response to this notification,' said Hays County Judge Ruben Beccera. 'The county has taken great strides to improve our response to public health emergencies. I am confident that the department will be capable of minimizing the impact of a potential measles outbreak in our county.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
