Disease information

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Garland Public Health is closely monitoring this dynamic situation and working closely with regional partners, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) preparing a response that protects the public.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed multiple cases of novel coronavirus 2019 in people under federal quarantine at JBSA-Lackland in San Antonio. The first was a traveler who returned on a U.S. State Department-chartered flight from Wuhan City, China. The others returned on a State Department flight for passengers from the Diamond Princess Cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama, Japan. The individuals will remain isolated at medical facilities until they test negative for the virus and are no longer at risk of spreading it. The CDC has the latest information on the number of people under quarantine who are infected and is updating its national numbers each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

There are no other cases in Texas, and these cases do not change the risk of infection for people in San Antonio or other parts of Texas, because the patients have been under federal quarantine since their return and have not interacted with the public in Texas communities. The risk for all Texans remains low.

Residents of Garland are at low risk of becoming infected with this novel coronavirus, unless they have recently traveled to China or have come in close contact with someone who was ill who recently traveled in that area. The 2019 novel coronavirus is a new virus and shouldn’t be confused with other coronaviruses that have been around for many years causing upper respiratory symptoms, like the common cold. If a routine test ordered by your health care provider and done at a local hospital or lab, is positive for coronavirus that means that you have one of the common “seasonal” coronaviruses. The only way to test for 2019 novel coronavirus is through specialized testing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are unsure which kind of virus you are being tested for or what the result means, be sure to ask your health care provider. This is a rapidly changing situation.

There is no recommendation to wear masks or cancel your activities at this time. The best way to protect your health is by practicing preventive measures such has consistent handwashing and getting a flu shot to help prevent illness and symptoms similar to the novel coronavirus.

Stay up to date with the novel coronavirus by visiting:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

and https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/


Contact Information
PublicHealth@GarlandTX.gov

pUBLIC health notice

From Jan. 1 to Feb. 21, 2019, 159* people from 10 states (CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, NJ, NY, OR, TX, and WA) have been reported as having measles. Five outbreaks (defined as three or more linked cases) have been reported, in Rockland County, New York; Monroe County, New York; New York City; Washington; Texas; and Illinois. Of these outbreaks, two outbreaks are ongoing from 2018. CDC urges everyone to ensure that they are up to date on MMR vaccine, including before international travel.

Am I protected against measles? 
CDC considers you protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:
You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—

  • School-aged child (grades K-12)    
  • adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.

You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—

  • preschool-aged child    
  • adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission.
  • A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
  • A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
  • You were born before 1957.

How effective is the measles vaccines?The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. Two doses are about 97% effective.
I think I have measles. What should I do?Immediately call your doctor and let him or her know about your symptoms you are having. Your doctor can

  • determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record or if you had measles in the past, and
  • make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.

 For any questions or information,  contact Garland Public Health Clinic 972-205-3370.


Flu-Related Death

April 9, 2019 - The Garland Public Health Department is reporting a second flu-related death for the 2018-19 season. The patient was a 59-year-old Garland resident with underlying health conditions. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, the Garland Health Department does not provide additional identifying information.

Flu vaccines are still available at the Garland Public Health Clinic, 206 Carver St. in Garland. Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 972-205-3370.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all persons aged six months and older, with rare exceptions. Individuals should discuss flu vaccine concerns with a health care provider.

Several simple things can help prevent the spread of seasonal influenza:

  • Consider protecting yourself with a flu vaccination
  • Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your sleeve
  • Wash your hands and keep your hands away from your face
  • Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or appear ill
  • Stay home if you are sick or keep family members home if they are sick