Public Health Preparedness

Responsibilities
  • Drafts emergency plans in relation to public health emergencies
  • Oversees epidemiological activities in Brown County
  • Recruits and trains community public health volunteers for service during public health emergencies
If you are interested in becoming a PHP volunteer or have additional questions regarding PHP activities in Brownwood/Brown County, please contact the PHP staff.
Mayor Stephen Haynes and Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Cliff Karnes

Zika Virus

Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. The virus can be spread from mother to child. Spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact has also been reported.

Approximately 80% of people infected with the virus do not become ill. For those who do develop symptoms, illness is generally mild and typically lasts a few days to a week. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and fatalities are rare. An increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome was noted during an outbreak of Zika virus in French Polynesia in 2014. An increase in microcephaly was noted during an outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil in 2015.

Protect yourself from mosquito borne diseases by practicing the 3 Ds: Drain, Dress, and DEET.

Drain - At least weekly empty or get rid of cans, buckets, old tires, pots, plant saucers and other containers that hold water.

Dress - Wear pants and long sleeved shirts when outside.

DEET - Wear insect repellent when outside.

Visit the following sites for more information on Zika:

-Texas Department of State Health Services

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention