DSHS Guidance on Meningococcal Meningitis in MSM
DSHS is aware of the clusters of meningococcal meningitis in MSM in both New York and Los Angeles as reported by the CDC. We have not detected any clusters of meningococcal infections in Texas. We routinely look for cases clustered by time/location. Our lab also performs testing (PFGE) on meningococcal isolates to look for related cases. The basic prevention recommendations are:
- Routine hand washing and practicing respiratory etiquette (e.g. covering mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing) is essential to prevent spread of bacteria.
- Limit sharing food, eating utensils, and other personal belongings.
- There is a vaccine that offers protection against 4 out of the 5 most common serogroups of N. meningitidis. The meningococcal conjugate (Menactra® and Menveo®) and polysaccharide (Menomune®) vaccines are available in the USA. For more information about vaccine call the Immunization Division at 1-512-776-7284.
- Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningococcal infection (e.g. severe headache with fever or stiff neck with fever or rash with fever) should consult with their healthcare provider.
Posted 4/25/2013
Texas HIV Medication Advisory Board Meeting
The next Texas HIV Medication Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 14 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. The location and agenda will be posted as the meeting approaches. Posted 4/17/2013
Flu Information for Persons with HIV/AIDS
With reports of flu widespread across Texas, state health officials are urging people to get a flu shot now and take other steps to protect themselves from the flu and its possible complications. “Texas, like much of the country, saw an early start to the flu season and continues to experience a high level of flu and flu-like illness,” said DSHS Commissioner Dr. David Lakey. “The best thing people can do to protect themselves is to get a dose of flu vaccine now. There is plenty of vaccine available.” Learn more. Posted 1/11/2013
 HIV in Texas
Nearly 70,000 people in Texas are known to have HIV. It is estimated that an additional 17,000 people in Texas are living with HIV, but are currently unaware of their status. The number of people known to have HIV increased by 34% from 2005 to 2011. Learn more about HIV in Texas (PDF : 199 kb). Posted 1/10/2013
DSHS Releases Dallas National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System Reports
The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System is an ongoing effort to collect cross-sectional data among populations at high risk for acquiring HIV. DSHS released reports on three of those high risk populations in Dallas: high-risk heterosexuals residing in areas with high rates of heterosexually acquired HIV and poverty (2007), men who have sex with men (2008), and active injection drug users (2009). To view or download the reports, visit the HIV/STD Program reports page. Posted 9/12/2012
DSHS Releases 2011 Texas STD Surveillance Report
The Texas STD Surveillance Report is an annual report generated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, TB/HIV/STD Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch. The 2011 STD Surveillance Report describes cases reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services Surveillance Program from January 1 to December 31, 2011, as well as historical data. View the report (PDF : 913 kb). Posted 8/3/2012
Information for Ryan White and Texas HIV Medication Program Clients who have Texas Medicaid Coverage
DSHS is working together with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to make sure you know about changes that are coming to the Medicaid program in Texas. It’s important for your continuity of care that you know about these changes. Learn more. Posted 1/17/2012
The State of HIV in Texas
In Texas over the past few years about 4,200 persons have been diagnosed with HIV each year. However, a little more than 1 in 3 persons diagnosed with HIV in Texas between 2003- 2009 had a late diagnosis – meaning they were diagnosed with AIDS within one year of their first HIV diagnosis, and they had been living with HIV for quite some time without diagnosis or treatment. DSHS also estimates that in Texas, about 1 in 3 persons with a known HIV infection were not receiving HIV-related care. To learn more about the state of HIV in Texas, visit the HIV/AIDS Dashboard. Posted 12/1/2011
DSHS Releases Epi Profile
 The DSHS TB/HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Unit has released the Texas Integrated Epidemiologic Profile for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services Planning (Epi Profile) (PDF : 3,348 kb), a summary of information on known HIV/AIDS cases in Texas. This Epi Profile will be the most comprehensive released by Texas to date. Due to the amount of data and the complexity of the document, DSHS will release several updates of the profile with new chapters added for each release. The final version will be released by the end of February 2012. Please check the DSHS HIV/STD Program Reports page periodically for new updates of this document. Posted 12/1/2011
DSHS Announces Estimated Available Ryan White Part B Services Allocations
DSHS is pleased to announce the release of the estimated available Ryan White Part B services allocations for April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013. View the available funding for each area (PDF : 12 kb). Posted 9/16/2011
Pre-Existing Insurance Plan Guidance from DSHS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the establishment of a new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that will offer coverage to uninsured Americans who have been unable to obtain health coverage because of a pre-existing health condition including HIV/AIDS. To learn more see the DSHS PCIP guidance sheet (PDF : 48 kb). Updated 8/8/2011
Funding Opportunities
HIV Administrative Agency, State Services and Ryan White Service Delivery 2013-2014 Renewal Application State HIV Prevention Renewal Guidance FY 2014
See funding information page to learn more
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