TARRANT COUNTY, TX
Public Health
September 11, 2023
Summer's fading, schools in session and we're preparing for what's next
As I write this, we are just about out of what may have been one of the most brutally hot summers to hit north Texas since I've lived here.
A recent heat-related illness and deaths report showed that heat exhaustion accounted for almost half of the heat-related illness cases we've seen this summer, mostly among men and adults ages 25-44. Sadly, there have been 12 heat-related deaths in the county so far, 10 of which were in the 65+ years age group. These HRID reports include more detail, as well as ways people can prevent heat-related illness, and I encourage all to review them.
For those who missed out on back-to-school shots, our clinics can help you. Visit our Immunizations webpage for information or call the Tarrant County Public Health Call Center at 817-248-6299 for appointments.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is still a concern, and we continue with our surveillance efforts. You can check this interactive map to see where the WNV-positive mosquito pools have been found so far. We maintain our surveillance for positive pools of mosquitoes up to the first good freeze, when mosquitoes become dormant for the winter.
COVID-19 activity has been on the rise including other respiratory diseases now that schools and colleges are back in session. We now have a new data dashboard to monitor respiratory diseases in Tarrant County, including COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
As we move into fall, it is a good practice for anyone, especially those most susceptible to respiratory diseases, to keep a mask handy to wear in crowded indoor settings. This is also a good time to get up-to-date on your vaccines. And of course, the flu season is just around the corner too.
In other news, a new law has gone into effect to make the permitting process for mobile food units operating in Tarrant County easier and more convenient. Mobile food units, once properly permitted, can operate any place in Tarrant County where they're allowed. However, they will need to check with any city zoning and ordinances. Check out this web page for the details.
As always, we will keep you informed of any developments that may affect your health, your family's health, and the health of our community.
Let's all enjoy the cooler weather!
Best regards,
Veerinder "Vinny" Taneja
Director, Tarrant County Public Health