Newsroom

Monday, July 25, 2022

Judge Lina Hidalgo, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Dr. Vandana Shrikanth, experts from Legacy Community Health, and public health officials today held an update on Monkeypox to share the latest information regarding cases in Harris County and Houston. In addition, Hidalgo and Turner presented a response and preparedness plan.

“Today’s conversation was about working together to chart a different path. Together, we can get ahead of this virus.–It’s not the time for fear, it’s the time for action from both the government and the community.” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.

The spread of Monkeypox is alarming, but we are not helpless. For one, there is already a vaccine. Mayor Turner and I are asking that the federal government procure and allocate more vaccines to our region. With the right coordinated response and strategy, we can stop the spread and keep transmission under control. We’re grateful to the federal leaders who helped us secure the vaccines we have now. But we need to be prepared and get the resources we need in the event this outbreak grows.”

County and city officials presented educational awareness on Monkeypox, preparedness plans, and provided testing options available for the public. The Monkeypox virus is spreading rapidly across the world and many countries are now facing high case rates. Texas has the sixth highest case count in the US – 220 cases. Harris County has confirmed 57 cases. While cases remain low in the region, city and county officials remain vigilant and prepared.