Epidemiology

Epidemiology is a branch of science that studies the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases in a population. Our Epidemiology team works to protect and promote the health of the residents of McLennan County.

Our Epidemiologists:

• Handle reportable diseases and conditions.
• Maintain accurate morbidity data for the county.
• Actively investigate unusual occurrences of disease to promote the prevention of further disease outbreaks.
• Monitor and assess the county to create a profile of chronic disease issues within McLennan County.
• List of Notifiable Conditions(PDF, 222KB)

Health Alerts/Advisories/News Updates

Health Alert

September 2, 2025

Serious Illnesses Associated with 7-OH Use

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is warning people not to use products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), an opioid-like chemical found in the kratom plant that, at high concentrations, can cause significant health problems.

News Updates

August 18, 2025

Texas announces end of West Texas measles outbreak

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting the end of this year’s measles outbreak centered in West Texas. It has been more than 42 days since a new case was reported in any of the counties that previously showed evidence of ongoing...

July 15, 2025

After four hot car deaths in two weeks, Texas health officials urge adults never to leave children in parked cars

The Texas Department of State Health Services is urging vigilance after the state’s fourth case of a child dying in a parked car, all within a two-week period. The deaths in those two weeks have surpassed the three total hot car deaths recorded in...

July 2, 2025

Public health officials confirm first case of West Nile of 2025
The first Texas case of West Nile illness in 2025 was confirmed June 24 in a resident of Brazos County, according to public health officials. The Department of State Health Services confirmed the resident was diagnosed with West Nile fever.

Health Advisory

May 15, 2025

Cyclospora Health Advisory: Test and report patients with symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration are currently preparing for the annual Cyclospora outbreak season that typically runs from May to August.

Texas DSHS News and Health Alert Archive