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Infectious Disease

vaccine needle and vials

Challenges

Infectious diseases kill more people worldwide than any other cause. While the United States is much better off than most other nations, infectious diseases remain a concern in South Texas.

  • Texas has the second lowest vaccination rate in the country of children under 3 years old.
  • Between 177 and 488 Texans died each week from flu or pneumonia in 2015.
  • Texas has 85 known species of mosquitoes, including those that can transmit Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, West Nile and Zika.

Common Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
  • Coughing

Complications

If left untreated, infectious diseases can lead to:

  • Long-term illness
  • Hospitalization
  • Disability
  • Premature death

Solutions

To avoid complications:

  • Get vaccinated at one of our partner providers near you.
  • Learn about infectious diseases by talking with our health educators.
  • Beat mosquitoes and other disease-carrying creatures by learning how to control them.
  • Protect yourself by washing your hands, traveling with precautions and preparing food safely.

Results

By getting vaccinated and protecting ourselves, we can

  • Avoid long-term complications and death related to preventable diseases
  • Prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases
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