Zika Response

Texas has made significant progress in its efforts to minimize the impact of Zika on the state. While local transmission has occurred in Texas, public health officials do not expect widespread transmission across large geographic areas. Small pockets of cases in limited clusters continue to be possible. This assessment is based on the patterns with Zika and dengue, a similar virus spread by the same mosquitoes.

Texas Zika Response Plan

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is the lead state agency preparing for, coordinating, and responding to public health and medical incidents involving Zika virus. For emergency preparedness and response, DSHS operates within the overall context of emergency management in Texas, and in concert with local, state and federal partners. Local health departments throughout Texas also play a key role in preparing for and responding to the impacts of Zika virus in their communities, including addressing local mosquito surveillance and control measures.

The Zika Virus Preparedness and Response Plan describes what actions DSHS will take to successfully respond to Zika. It follows a phased approach and includes specific response activities for local transmission. The plan will continue to be improved as new information becomes available.

Additional response guidance:

• DSHS Prevention Guidelines for Schools, Child Care, and Summer Camps
• Guidance to Local Jurisdictions in High-risk Zika Areas on the Development of a Zika Vector Management Plan