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

Texas measles outbreak grows to 541 cases, mostly in unvaccinated children

11 Apr, 25

The measles outbreak centered in the South Plains region of Texas grew to 541 cases across the state on Friday, according to health officials. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that 56 have been hospitalized for treatment since the outbreak began in late January. Two children, an 8-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl, have died after contracting the virus.

Harris County opens several measles vaccine clinics in Houston area

10 Apr, 25

Harris County officials are offering free measles vaccines for children and adults after another Texas child died from the disease over the weekend.
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones and Harris County Public Health will hold pop-up vaccine clinics at three different locations this month. The clinics are to help those fight the highly contagious disease as the outbreak reached over 500 cases in Texas last week.

PRESS RELEASES

Harris County Public Health Releases HIV and STIs Report

14 Apr, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has released a new report on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Harris County between 2015 and 2022. The report reveals that HIV and STI rates have been increasing, with Harris County having higher infection rates than the Texas average.

STIs remain a major public health concern, with more than two million cases reported nationally between 2018 and 2022 and over 30,000 new HIV diagnoses reported each year. Rising infection rates can lead to increased transmission, poor health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life.

Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Advocacy and Care

11 Apr, 25

Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually from April 11-17, brings attention to the urgent need to improve health outcomes for Black mothers and families. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) joins communities across the country in recognizing this important week and calls for urgent action to eliminate health disparities that continue to harm Black families.

Protect Your Future: STI Awareness Month Advocates for Safer Health Practices

01 Apr, 25

April is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is taking action to promote safer health practices and reduce the impact of STIs in our community. STIs continue to be a significant public health concern, particularly among young people.

Harris County Public Health’s Tuberculosis Elimination Program Receives National Recognition by the CDC Before World TB Day

19 Mar, 25

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is proud to announce that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized its Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program as a 2025 U.S. TB Elimination Champion.

Food Connects Us: Fueling the Future with Healthy Habits in Harris County

11 Mar, 25

March is National Nutrition Month®, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is highlighting the importance of making healthy food choices and developing physical activity habits to support overall well-being and prevent chronic diseases.