Comrades, As your Department of Texas VFW State Surgeon, I want to provide an informational update regarding several infectious diseases currently being monitored by public health officials worldwide. While there is no cause for alarm, awareness and preparedness are essential to protecting our members, families, volunteers, and communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and other public health agencies continue to monitor emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including Ebola virus disease, Hantavirus infections, measles, avian influenza (bird flu), mpox, COVID-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other communicable diseases. Of particular note, the CDC and DSHS are actively monitoring the current Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. At this time, no cases associated with this outbreak have been confirmed in the United States, and the CDC assesses the risk to the American public as low. Enhanced screening and monitoring measures have been implemented as a precaution. Although Hantavirus infections remain rare, cases continue to occur periodically in the United States. Hantavirus is primarily associated with exposure to infected rodents and their droppings. Veterans involved in outdoor activities, hunting, camping, farming, property maintenance, or cleaning long-vacant buildings should take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure. I encourage all Texas VFW Posts to follow these best practices: • • • • • •
Stay informed through official sources such as the CDC and Texas DSHS. Encourage proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Maintain routine cleaning and sanitation of meeting spaces and common areas. Ensure adequate ventilation during meetings and events whenever possible. Encourage members experiencing symptoms of illness to stay home and seek medical advice. Be particularly mindful of elderly veterans and those with chronic health conditions who may be at greater risk of severe illness.
Members should seek medical attention if they experience significant symptoms such as: • • • • • • •
Fever Severe fatigue Persistent cough or difficulty breathing Unexplained rash Severe gastrointestinal illness Unusual bleeding or bruising Severe headache or neurological symptoms
VFW DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS 8503 N Interstate 35 Austin, Texas 78753-5722
PO Box 14468 Austin, Texas 78761-4468
512.834.8535 www.texasvfw.org