About

Harris County Public Health (HCPH)

Throughout the years, HCPH has responded to public health issues such as rabies, mosquito-borne illnesses, air and water pollution, disease outbreaks, water and food-borne illnesses, natural disasters, tuberculosis, polio, and other communicable diseases. 
Public health is now battling new challenges. Each year brings new diseases, new chronic disease risks, and more natural and man-made disasters.

Latest from

Public Health

IN THE NEWS

Chemical spill reported at Baytown plant following fire, officials say

14 Dec, 24

A fire that happened at the Bluebonnet Petrochemical Solutions plant, near Main and Hunt Roads, has led to the discovery of two chemicals leaking into a drainage area, the city said in a statement on Saturday.

Harris County Public Health and other supporting agencies were called in to investigate and test private water wells in the area, the statement said.

Payments under revamped Harris County guaranteed income program halted pending Paxton’s appeal

13 Dec, 24

The modified program would provide nearly 2,000 families living below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, who were already selected for the program, with $500 monthly payments through preloaded debit cards. Payments under the revised program were set to start going out in January.

PRESS RELEASES

Key Findings of Harris County Public Health’s Report on Impacts of Excessive Heat in Harris County

17 Dec, 24

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) announces the publication of its 2024 Health Impacts of Excessive Heat in Harris County report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the growing risks posed by extreme heat events. The report reveals Harris County's average temperature has increased by 0.70 to 0.75°F per decade since 1975, while heat-related illnesses have surged by a staggering 329% between 2019 and 2023.

'Tis the Season to be a Flu Fighter

HOUSTON – Current trends in Texas and Harris County show that flu cases and other respiratory
viruses remain low compared to previous seasons. However, Harris County Public Health urges you to
keep up the fight and schedule your vaccination to protect your family this holiday season. Flu viruses
change regularly, so we must get an annual flu vaccine to keep the threat low as we go into the new year
with cheer!