HIV-STD Program - News and Events

The DSHS HIV/STD Program will host the 2014 Texas HIV/STD Conference on August 19-21, 2014 in Austin

DSHS Releases 2012 Epi Profile

The DSHS TB/HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Unit has released the 2012 Texas STD and HIV Integrated Epidemiologic Profile (Epi Profile) (PDF : 2,659 kb), a summary of information on known STD and HIV/AIDS cases in Texas. The Epi Profile was created to assist planners, public health professionals, policy makers and other stakeholders at the local and state level. It is a snapshot of STD and HIV infection as of the end of 2012. You can read the Epi Profile and other reports from the TB/HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Unit on the Reports page. Posted 2/27/2014

DSHS Releases 2012 Texas HIV and STD Surveillance Reports

The Texas HIV and STD Surveillance Reports are annual reports generated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, TB/HIV/STD Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch. The 2012 reports describe cases reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services Surveillance Program from January 1 to December 31, 2012, as well as historical data. View the HIV report (PDF : 3,014 kb) and the STD report (PDF : 1,059). Updated 9/30/2013

HIV/AIDS Information for Persons Applying for a Marriage License

During the 83rd regular session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 984. This bill amends Texas Family Code Section 2.010 to allow county clerks to provide marriage license applicants with written notice of where to find required HIV/AIDS information on the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website rather than providing paper copies of this information. This bill took effect September 1, 2013. The required HIV/AIDS information for marriage license applicants can be found on the DSHS website in English and Spanish. Applicants without internet access can call the DSHS HIV/STD Program at 512-533-3000 to request a free print copy of this information. Posted 9/4/2013

New ARIES Case Management Service Categories – Intake and Recertification

The DSHS HIV/STD Care Services team has added 3 new case management service categories to ARIES for contractors to begin using immediately. These secondary service categories can be found under the following Primary Services: “Case Management (non-medical)” and “Medical Case Management.” The 3 new services are: 1) Intake – No CM; 2) Intake – CM; 3) Recertification. For more information about these service categories and how to utilize them, please review the below documents. If you have any questions, please contact your local Administrative Agency.

• ARIES Case Management Units of Service Sub-Categories: Intake and Recertification Frequently Asked Questions (PDF : 70 kb)
• AIRES Screen Examples Intake and Recertification (PDF : 1,312 kb)

Posted 8/29/2013

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

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

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

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Funding Opportunities

Reduce Hepatitis Infections by Treatment and Integrated Prevention Services (Hepatitis-TIPS) among Non-urban Young Persons Who Inject Drugs - Due April 14

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