Houston Health Department Confirms 2024 Data Security Incident

The City of Houston Health Department formally disclosed a security incident to the Texas Attorney General on February 25, 2026. This filing confirms that unauthorized access to the department's internal systems took place on or about November 1, 2024. The City of Houston Health Department operates as a government agency, responsible for public health services across Houston, Texas.

The official record does not specify the exact categories of personal information that were exposed during this incident. However, as a public health entity, the department handles a range of sensitive personal data necessary for providing clinical services, managing disease surveillance, and administering community health initiatives. Individuals who have engaged with the department's services should be aware that their information may have been affected.

The City of Houston Health Department has indicated that an investigation into the full scope and impact of this security event is presently underway. If you have received a formal data breach notification letter directly from the department, it serves as confirmation that your personal information was potentially compromised in connection with this unauthorized access.

It is recommended that anyone who receives a notification letter carefully review its contents. The letter should provide specific details relevant to your situation and outline any identity protection services or resources that the department may be offering. Such notifications are crucial for understanding the extent of any potential exposure.

As a general precaution, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their information. These include regularly monitoring financial accounts and credit reports for any unusual or unauthorized activity, remaining vigilant against unsolicited communications that appear to be phishing attempts, and considering the placement of a fraud alert or security freeze on their credit files with major credit bureaus.