The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting four additional travel-related cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, bringing the state total to five.
Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Department announced four cases on March 5 in residents of Harris County who recently traveled abroad. The first Texas case was announced by Fort Bend County Health and Human Services on March 4.
These cases are among a group that traveled overseas together and were being monitored by public health because of a possible exposure to COVID-19.
Public health departments are working to identify any close contacts of the patients while they were sick so they can be isolated and monitored for symptoms and quickly tested, if needed.
Travel-related cases in Texas don’t indicate spread within the state, but DSHS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other state agencies continue their ongoing preparations so that all of state government is working together to limit the spread of the virus and protect Texans. The immediate risk to most Texans remains low.
There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
DSHS has additional information on the COVID-19 for the public, health care professionals, health departments and labs located at the website: dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.