Health Topics /

Infectious Disease

A mother sits on a couch with her young child with whooping cough and pertussis symptoms

Whooping cough treatment and prevention: How to navigate a pertussis outbreak

Health Topics

Dec 8, 2025

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is making a comeback in many parts of the United States, including Texas. This highly contagious infection can cause a long-lasting cough in older kids and adults, and it can be especially dangerous for babies...

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Measles outbreak: What to know and how to keep your family safe

Health Topics

Mar 13, 2025

If you’ve been hearing about the measles outbreak in Texas lately, you probably have questions about the virus, as well as how you can keep your family safe. Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that...

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The importance of the measles vaccine: What to know for your child

Health Topics

Jan 9, 2024

Preventing diseases is just as crucial as treating them, and vaccinations play an important role in safeguarding our families and communities. But even with vaccinations and other preventative measures, there recently has been a rise in several conditions that had...

The ABCs of proper handwashing

Health Topics

Jul 15, 2021

“A, B, C, D, E, F, G….” Humming or singing aloud the ABC song in our collective heads helped most of us remember our alphabet as young children. But did you know that even as an adult, there’s a good...

A history of vaccines and why you need them

Health Topics

Jul 9, 2021

Vaccines. Just the sound of the word might bring up memories of dreaded doctor visits from your childhood. But the truth is that vaccines are a crucial part of primary care to keep you well. Here’s everything you need to...

7 things to know about sexually transmitted infections

Health Topics

Feb 3, 2020

What if I told you there are infections so prevalent that they affect nearly 1 million people every day worldwide? Not only that, but these particular infections continue to be on the rise each and every year. I’m talking about...

Groundbreaking research brings new hope in global TB crisis

Health Topics

Oct 16, 2017

Though tuberculosis (TB) is a centuries-old disease, researchers across the globe are still searching for new ways to treat what has become an urgent public health crisis.A groundbreaking discovery made by researchers at the Baylor Scott & White Health Research...

MRSA skin infections: How you get them and how to prevent them

Health Topics

Mar 6, 2017

Everyone has seen news stories involving athletes and skin infections. It seems that at least once a year there is some professional team that is having to go through an especially thorough cleaning protocol in their locker room and shower area. ...

Some Zika-related defects show up months after babies’ birth

Health Topics

Dec 14, 2016

Texas recently became the second state to confirm a local transmission of the Zika virus, and the news comes at the heels of a disturbing new study showing babies infected by the virus that appear healthy at birth may develop...

Researchers develop first-ever tuberculosis treatment for children

Health Topics

Oct 14, 2016

In response to a growing tuberculosis epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling health experts worldwide to make better strides towards saving lives affected by the deadly respiratory infection.Tuberculosis is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, according...

HPV vaccine: To give or not to give

Health Topics

Jun 8, 2016

As an OB/GYN, I have seen and dealt with the consequences of HPV-related disease and have been very vocal about aggressively promoting vaccination. I have vaccinated my own children against HPV and make it a habit to educate my patients who are mothers...

3 big questions you may have about the Zika virus

Health Topics

Feb 9, 2016

Over the past month, reports and rumors have been swirling about the Zika virus. Whenever there is fear of a disease, it is important to first know the facts. Here are a few questions you may have about the Zika...

Two doctors recall first-hand experience with Zika virus

Health Topics

Jan 25, 2016

The recent travel advisory issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning tourists of the heightened outbreak of the Zika virus.Although the Zika virus has never been contracted in the United States, one of the first...

Take caution to avoid mosquitoes, recent West Nile cases confirmed

Health Topics

Aug 7, 2015

After recent reports of West Nile mosquitoes, residents throughout Texas should take caution to avoid exposure to mosquitoes and reduce risk of infection.Although there are some misconceptions about West Nile, the August 4th release from the Texas Department of State...

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The truth about the measles outbreak and vaccinations

Health Topics

Feb 20, 2015

The recent measles outbreak is a stark reminder that diseases we once thought were conquered have the ability to reignite without proper precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention reported 141 cases in 17 states, including Texas, this year through...