The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to clinicians and laboratories due to sporadic human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses amid high levels of seasonal influenza activity. CDC is recommending a shortened timeline for subtyping all influenza A specimens among hospitalized patients and increasing efforts at clinical laboratories to identify non-seasonal influenza. Clinicians and laboratorians are reminded to test for influenza in patients with suspected influenza and, going forward, to now expedite the subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients, particularly those in an intensive care unit (ICU). This approach can help prevent delays in identifying human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses, supporting optimal patient care and timely infection control and case investigation. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA)– The OC Health Care Agency, Environmental Health Services, has closed the open coastal water area in Laguna Beach spanning from Treasure Island Beach to Table Rock at Aliso Beach due to a sewage spill. The sewage spill of approximately 465,000 gallons was caused by a force main sewer line break near the Laguna Niguel Regional Park that has since been repaired. The affected ocean water area will remain closed to swimming, surfing, and diving until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards. For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay, or harbor postings and closures, please call (714) 433-6400 or visit our Web site at www.OCBeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.
ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
(Santa Ana, CA)– The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed a case of measles in an infant returning from international travel to Orange County (OC). The person visited the following locations in OC while infectious:
November 30, 12 noon to 5 p.m., Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Emergency Department
December 2, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. CHOC Emergency Department
December 3, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. CHOC Emergency Department
The HCA has been working with Children’s Hospital of Orange County to contact anyone who may have been exposed to this case and who are at increased risk of severe outcomes, such as infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. People who were in the locations above around the same time(s) should:
Review whether they are immune to measles or not. People who are not fully immunized against measles or who don’t know if they are immune to measles already should talk with a health care provider about whether they should receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop); if symptoms develop, stay at home and call a health care provider immediately for guidance.
“Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe disease in some individuals. Common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “With recent and upcoming holiday travel there are potential areas of exposure. If you are planning to travel and have not been immunized, talk to a provider to consider getting a vaccine. It is important for those returning from travel to monitor for symptoms. If a rash develops, call your medical provider before arriving at the medical office, to avoid exposing others to the measles virus. Immunization provides the best protection.”
For those planning to travel to areas outside of the US, consider talking to a health care provider to discuss recommended vaccines.
Infants should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4 to 6 years of age before going to school.
Infants under 12 months old who are traveling internationally should receive an early MMR vaccine dose at 6 through 11 months.
Immunizing children, adolescents and adults is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
MMR vaccines are very safe. The benefits far outweigh any risks. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness where the shot was given.
Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Receiving an MMR vaccine before international travel is recommended for those who have not already received two doses.
ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
A case of measles has been confirmed in a child who returned at the end of November after international travel. Potential exposures may have occurred in the following situations:
Wednesday, 11/27/24 at Los Angeles International (LAX) airport, additional information available here
Saturday, 11/30/2024 from noon to 5:00 PM Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Emergency Department
Monday, 12/2/24 from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM CHOC Emergency Department
Wednesday, 12/3/24 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM CHOC Emergency Department
Measles is an acute viral illness typically presenting with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed 3-5 days later by a rash. The maculopapular rash typically begins on the face and spreads down the torso and out to the extremities. The incubation period for measles ranges from 7-21 days after exposure and individuals are infectious from 4 days prior to rash onset until 4 days after rash onset. Measles is highly contagious and spreads via airborne transmission.
Individuals can be presumed to be immune to measles if they were 1) born prior to 1957 OR 2) have received two doses of measles containing vaccine OR 3) have documented positive IgG titer OR 4) documentation of prior disease. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA)– The OC Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Division has closed the open coastal area from 1,500 feet upcoast of the Salt Creek to 1,500 feet downcoast of the Salt Creek in Dana Point. The spill of approximately 3,375 gallons was caused by a breakage in a main lift station sewer line, now repaired. Out of an abundance of caution, the affected ocean water area will remain closed to swimming, surfing, and diving until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.
For information regarding ocean, bay or harbor postings and closures in Orange County, please call (714) 433-6400 or visit ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.
(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) recognizes World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, which marks the 36th commemoration, as an opportunity to support the well-being of those living with HIV; to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illness; and to promote prevention, care, and treatment services to end the HIV epidemic.
The World AIDS Day 2024 campaign theme is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.” This year’s World AIDS Day theme is an opportunity to reflect on the journey, acknowledge and celebrate progress made, and recognize the challenges remaining to end the HIV epidemic on a global, national, and local level.
“At the end of 2023, there were an estimated 8,181 persons living with AIDS or HIV in Orange County (OC), based on methodology from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “Knowing your HIV status is important to preventing new infections and we encourage everyone to make HIV screening part of your routine medical care.” For more information on HIV/AIDS in OC visit www.ochealthinfo.com/hivpac.
The HCA encourages the local community to take action to reduce HIV transmission through the following steps:
Get tested and know your HIV status;
Use condoms for protection from HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs);
Know prevention options if HIV-negative, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may help protect you from getting HIV; and
Learn about new treatment options to get and stay virally suppressed, which means having an undetectable viral load if HIV-positive.
“There are treatments which allow individuals who live with HIV to stay healthy and prevent transmission to others,” said Dr. Christopher Ried, Medical Director, HIV/STD Services. “Through the HCA’s 17th Street Testing and Treatment Clinic, as well as community-based partnerships, residents can readily access confidential HIV testing and treatment.”
December 6, 2024, APAIT Health Center, in collaboration with The LGBTQ Center Orange County, will be hosting the “World AIDS Day: Riot & Remember, a LGBTQ celebration of riot grrrl culture – Open Mic Night” event from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Brad Brafford LGBTQ Center on 4th located at 305 E. 4th St., Suite 203, Santa Ana. Performances and open mic will start at 6:30 p.m., and activities will include Community Resources, HIV/STD Testing, Mocktail Bar, and World AIDS Day Community Zine featuring local artists. RSVP at the following link: https://forms.gle/sEfyVvPdEtDGuput7.
People at higher risk of HIV should get tested more often and people who have never been tested can get tested for free. Please ask your health care provider for an HIV test. Free, confidential HIV testing is available year-round at the agencies listed below. To make an appointment or for additional information regarding testing, contact:
APAIT Health Center: Call (714) 636-1349 or visit www.apaitssg.org/ for more information.
Testing is offered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome for Rapid HIV & Rapid HCV.
Appointments are required for a full HIV and STD (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis) testing panel.
Families Together Orange County: Call (800) 597-7977 or visit https://familiestogetheroc.org/. Testing is offered at three locations:
Tustin:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (limited Saturday appointments)
Garden Grove:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fountain Valley:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OC Health Care Agency/17th Street Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic: Call (714) 834-8787 to make an appointment or visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std for more information. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Clinic hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Radiant Health Centers: Call (949) 809-5700 or visit www.radianthealthcenters.org/ for more information. Walk-ins based only on availability, please call first. Hours:
Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The LGBTQ Center Orange County: For more information or an appointment, call (714) 953-5428 or visit https://www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/. Testing is offered:
