**Dallas County Sees COVID-19 Surge Amid New Variant and Shifting Vaccination Policies**

**DALLAS, TX** – Dallas County is grappling with a seasonal surge in COVID-19 cases in 2025, with health officials urging vigilance as a new variant circulates and vaccination policies shift on a national level. Between January 1 and August 6, Dallas County has recorded 3,688 confirmed COVID-19 cases and a single fatality, according to data from Dallas Health and Human Services.

The current numbers, while a fraction of the 147,413 confirmed cases and 837 deaths reported during the same period in 2022, are prompting a renewed call for caution from local health leaders. The surge is attributed to several factors, including the emergence of NB.1.8.1, a new subvariant of the Omicron strain identified in January 2025.

“It’s a concern,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Director of Dallas Health and Human Services. “It’s not as bad as it’s been in the past, but we definitely need to be vigilant about it, and especially patients that are at higher risk; older adults, immunocompromised people and infants.”

Dr. Huang emphasized that despite the new variants, existing tools remain effective. “The good news is the vaccine still is protective against serious illness,” he stated. He also reiterated basic public health guidance: “People need to stay home when they’re sick. Kids need to stay home when they’re sick. If they’re ill, wear masks and then isolate until you have no fever for 24 hours.”

The local increase in cases is occurring against a backdrop of significant changes in national public health policy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cut more than $11 billion in COVID-19-specific grant funding. Furthermore, new recommendations from the agency, under the leadership of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now limit COVID-19 booster shots to individuals over 65 or those at high risk.

This policy environment coincides with a growing debate over vaccinations. In July, requests for vaccination exemption forms in Texas totaled 17,197, a 36% increase from 2023.

“It’s very concerning that we’re having, and it has been since COVID, a lot of anti-vaccination, a lot of misinformation, disinformation out there, a lot of politicization of vaccinations,” Dr. Huang commented.

Medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are reaffirming their commitment to established scientific principles. “The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents,” said AAP President Susan J. Kressly in a statement.

As the situation develops, Dallas health officials continue to monitor the data and advise residents, particularly those most vulnerable, to take precautions to protect themselves against the virus.