Healthy Concepts

11/21/2025

👏 Thank You to the Texas City – La Marque Community Advisory Council! 👏

This week, Dr. Keiser, our CEO and Local Health Authority, and our Air Pollution Program Manager, had the honor of presenting “Who We Are and What We Do” to the Texas City – La Marque Community Advisory Council (CAC). We’re grateful for the opportunity to share how public health serves our community each day.

We appreciate the CAC’s commitment to community engagement and thank them for inviting GCHD to be part of the conversation.

11/21/2025

Prioritize your sexual health with Healthy Concepts Clinic! 💙 Affordable, confidential testing & treatment for HIV, STIs, and more—because your health matters. Get tested, get treated, stay protected.

11/21/2025

📢 Public Health Update

The Galveston County Health District is sharing information about a confirmed infant botulism case in our county, along with a multistate outbreak linked to infant formula. Federal and state health officials are actively investigating.

Infant botulism is rare but serious. Early symptoms can include constipation, difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry, and loss of head control.

We encourage parents and caregivers to stay informed. Read the full press release for details and safety information.

Keeping our community safe and informed is our priority.

https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/index.html

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) Advisory

The Galveston County Health District is urging horse owners to be aware of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), a neurologic disease caused by the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). The virus can lead to respiratory illness and severe neurologic symptoms in horses. There are currently no confirmed cases in Galveston County.

Common signs include: fever, nasal discharge, lack of coordination, hindquarter weakness, lethargy, and urine dribbling. Owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear.

EHV-1 spreads through horse-to-horse contact, contaminated equipment, and handlers. Infected horses may shed the virus for up to 10 days; a 21-day isolation period is recommended. Diagnosis requires nasal swabs and blood testing. Suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission within 24 hours.

Individuals without contact with horses have no risk. Those who work with horses should wear protective clothing and wash hands or change gloves when moving between animals.

For more information about EHV-1, contact:
Texas Department of Agriculture: (800) 835-5832
Texas Animal Health Commission: (979) 212-5440
See also: https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Article/10631/Commissioner-Miller-Alerts-Texas-Equine-Industry-of-EHV-1-Outbreak

11/20/2025

🚨 Mass Casualty Training Exercise 🚨

GCHD recently assisted with a mock Mass Casualty Incident alongside UTMB, Galveston College, and College of the Mainland students.

The exercise provided students with the opportunity to practice interprofessional teamwork and communication while gaining hands-on experience in managing a mass casualty event. It also provided an excellent opportunity for collaborative interagency response.

Preparing today helps keep our community safe tomorrow!

11/19/2025

🐦 Avian Influenza Tabletop Exercise

Avian Bird Flu (H5N1) has been rising in animals over the past year. While human cases remain rare, only 70 nationwide and 1 in Texas, preparing is key.

The Houston Health Department hosted a tabletop exercise, and GCHD participated, working together to plan an effective response in the event of human-to-human transmission by studying how animals spread the virus.

Staying informed and prepared keeps our community safe!

11/17/2025

🐦 Found a Dead Bird or Animal in Galveston County? 🦝

Help protect our community’s health and environment!
If you spot a dead bird or wild animal (like a raccoon):

📞 Call the Galveston County Animal Resource Center Hotline:
(409) 948-2485

Please report:
📍 The location of the animal
🦉 The type of animal (bird, raccoon, etc.)
⚠️ Do not touch or move the animal.

Your report helps us monitor and prevent the spread of disease in our community.
Let’s all do our part to protect and promote the One Health of Galveston County! 💚🌎

For residents in the cities that Galveston County Animal Services serves.

11/17/2025

⚠️ Important Recall Alert - Infant Formula ⚠️

The FDA and CDC are investigating an infant botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition powdered formula. As a result, ByHeart has recalled all expired lots and sizes of this formula, including single-serve packs.

If you’ve used ByHeart Whole Nutrition formula for your baby, stop using it immediately and consult your pediatrician, especially if your infant shows any symptoms like weakness, difficulty feeding, or decreased movement.

For more information, please check:
FDA’s recall announcement
CDC’s investigation update

Stay safe and spread the word to other parents; your awareness could keep another baby safe.

11/17/2025

🔥 Update on Fire at Former Power Plant in Bayshore Area 🔥

Firefighters and first responders have been working throughout the day and night at the scene of the fire at the former power plant located east of SH 146 and south of FM 646. The fire has remained contained to the site.

Crews remained on scene overnight to monitor for any potential flare-ups.

Air monitoring in the surrounding areas has shown no significant findings.

There have been no reported injuries and no damage to resources.

A heartfelt thank you to all the first responders and agencies who responded to this incident. Your dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated.

11/16/2025

GCHD Air Monitoring Update at 12:30 PM

The GCHD Air Monitoring Department is currently monitoring conditions downwind of the incident. Teams are observing the visual plume and checking for any odors, with little to no odor detected at this time.

We are actively monitoring particulate levels and conducting gas monitoring using handheld sensors, which include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) detection. All readings have remained at or near baseline through 12:30 PM.

We will continue to monitor the area and provide updates as needed.

11/16/2025

💙 November is Diabetes Awareness Month! 💙

This month we raise awareness about diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, promote healthy living, and support research for a cure.

🩵 The blue circle is the global symbol of diabetes awareness.
📅 World Diabetes Day is November 14, honoring Dr. Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin.

Let’s stand together to educate, support, and inspire hope for those affected by diabetes. 💙

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