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

1st West Nile virus human case of 2025 reported in Harris County, health officials say

20 Jun, 25

On Friday, Harris County Public Health officials announced a man in east Harris County tested positive for the virus and has made a full recovery.

HCPH reported 57 human cases of West Nile virus illness in the county last year.

New Wastewater Testing Dashboard in Harris County

13 Jun, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) launched a new online dashboard as part of a program to expand wastewater testing for the COVID-19 virus in Harris County outside the City of Houston. HCPH’s new dashboard will give community members in Harris County the opportunity to identify COVID-19 viral presence in their communities and make informed decisions to protect themselves from the virus. Community members can view the COVID-19 wastewater monitoring dashboard at hcphtx.org/Wastewater.

PRESS RELEASES

Harris County Public Health Reports First West Nile Virus Human Case This Year

20 Jun, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) human case in 2025 in unincorporated Harris County (excluding the City of Houston). An adult male in eastern Harris County tested positive for West Nile virus and has made a full recovery.

Buzz Off, Mosquitoes! It’s National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

16 Jun, 25

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is June 15–21, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is joining health departments across the country to remind everyone how important mosquito control is for protecting public health.

HCPH Launches New Wastewater Dashboard to Track COVID-19

12 Jun, 25

HCPH’s new dashboard will give community members in Harris County the opportunity to identify COVID-19 viral presence in their communities and make informed decisions to protect themselves from the virus.

Celebrate Dad with the Gift of Health this June

06 Jun, 25

HOUSTON—Men die an average of five years earlier than women, and often from preventable causes. This significant disparity highlights the importance of proactive health measures for men. This June, in recognition of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) encourages men to prioritize their health and well-being. From chronic disease screenings to preventive care, HCPH offers vital resources to help dads—and all men—lead longer, healthier lives.

Gun Violence Demands a Public Health Approach

04 Jun, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is joining communities nationwide in observing Gun Violence Awareness Month this June. The initiative draws critical attention to the growing public health crisis of gun violence and reaffirms HCPH’s commitment to community-based prevention and healing.