The Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVCD) announced Wednesday that it has found its first West Nile Virus sample of 2022 in northeast Harris County.

Barbie Robinson is seen in this photo posted on social media by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on March 9, 2021. HOUSTON – A new director has been named to lead Harris County Public Health. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Tuesday night that Barbie Robinson will lead the county’s health department. NEW: We’re proud to announce Barbie Robinson as Harris County’s new Public Health Director. She was selected after an incredibly thorough search, and I'm confident she'll tackle the toughest public health challenges in our region with ambition, mastery and creativity.

HOUSTON – Harris County Public Health will conduct a survey to continue studies on the COVID-19 pandemic. “In an effort to better understand how many people in Harris County may have already been infected with COVID-19, officials with Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will be conducting a survey of randomly selected homes,” Harris County Public Health stated in a release. Once completed, the survey will assist policymakers and health experts understand how vulnerable the community remains to the virus, and how frequently asymptomatic or mild cases occur,” Harris County Public Health stated. - Identify the percentage of Harris County residents infected with COVID-19 with no symptoms, and- Improve public health messaging to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “This survey is a very important way that local residents can help public health workers fight this virus,” said Dr. Umair A. Shah, HCPH executive director and local health authority for Harris County.

HOUSTON – The top health official in Harris County is leaving to become the next Secretary of Health for Washington state. Dr. Umair Shah joined Harris County Public Health as a deputy director in 2004 and has become a familiar face to Houstonians since becoming the executive director of HCPH in 2013. Shah has been a vocal health advocate amid the coronavirus pandemic, insisting people stay home as case numbers started to rise in March. He also pushed forward plans for COVID-19 testing and contact-tracing. Shah’s resignation is effective Dec. 18.