The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) recently identified the first case of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (TMVII) in Orange County. TMVII is a recently emerged cause of dermatophyte (e.g. ringworm, or tinea) infection and is transmitted via sexual contact. Presentation involves inflammatory, sometimes painful, persistent skin lesions of the anogenital, buttocks, trunk, extremities, and perioral areas. TMVII cases have been associated with resistance to topical antifungals and may require prolonged treatment courses with oral terbinafine. Cases which did not resolve with terbinafine and required itraconazole treatment have also been reported. Routine culture may identify either T. mentagrophytes or T. interdigitale. Identification of TMVII requires specialized testing (e.g., ITS genome sequencing) available only at public health laboratories. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA) - In preparation for the opening of the Be Well Campus in Irvine, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) and Mind OC have worked closely with the Board of Supervisors, CalOptima, and both public and private partners to create a Behavioral Health Campus dedicated to enhancing access to and coordination of behavioral health care for all Orange County residents. Our shared mission, supported by leaders across the healthcare community — including CalOptima, the County of Orange, and the region’s largest hospitals — is to improve behavioral health services through the Be Well OC initiative.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, HCA notified Mind OC of its intent to terminate the Master Services Agreement for the Irvine Campus, effective December 23, 2024. This decision follows a four-year evaluation of the partnership at the Orange Campus, where a model involving private insurance providers did not deliver additional resources to benefit the community as intended. As a result, the HCA shifted away from this model, in September at the Orange Campus, and is following suit at the new Irvine Campus.
HCA remains committed to the completion of the Irvine Campus construction and ensuring that it meets the needs of the community. Mind OC will continue to manage the property in partnership with the County.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care to all Orange County residents.
(Santa Ana, CA)–The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) was notified of seven confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s Disease (LD) among residents living in a community in a northwestern corner of Westminster (see map). Investigations have begun by the HCA’s Disease Control and Epidemiology team and HCA’s Environmental Health Services to identify potential sources of the infections which could include cooling towers, pools, spas, or other water sources in the area.
Legionnaires' disease is caused byLegionella bacteria and thrives in warm water environments and is typically spread through the inhalation of aerosolized water droplets, such as mist from cooling towers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains. It is not contagious from person to person. The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are like other causes of pneumonia and can be treated with antibiotics.
Legionella cases reported to the HCA have steadily been increasing over the last five years, from 66 cases in 2019, to 92 in 2023. So far in 2024, 82 cases have been reported in Orange County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported marked increases in Legionella cases over the past twelve months throughout the U.S.
The risk to anyone who lives or visits Westminster is very small, however, the HCA recommends that individuals who live and work in this area and who become ill with pneumonia-like illness visit their healthcare provider and discuss this advisory. People who are more likely to experience severe illness from Legionnaires’ disease include individuals 50 years and older, those with weakened immune systems, those with chronic respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD) and smokers.
The HCA has also published medical provider advisories to recommend that medical providers consider testing for Legionnaire’s disease (LD) in any patient who develops pneumonia and lives in, works in, or has spent significant time in northwestern Westminster in the 14 days before symptom onset.
Symptoms most associated with pneumonia and Legionnaires' disease include:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Headaches
Chest pain
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea
Additionally, the HCA is asking businesses and property owners to review their water management practices, especially those with cooling towers, hot tubs, or fountains. The following steps are recommended to help mitigate the spread of Legionella:
Review, maintain and/or establish a water management program.
Disinfection of cooling towers and water systems to prevent bacteria growth.
Perform routine water system maintenance and maintain records and logs.
Perform Legionella testing through accredited laboratories, particularly following any remediation efforts.
For more information on Legionnaires' disease, and for updated information regarding this ongoing investigation, please visit the HCA’s website at www.ochealthinfo.com/legionella. The HCA’s Health Referral Line is available to answer any additional questions at (800) 564-8488, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) was notified of seven confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s Disease (LD) among residents living in a community in a northwestern corner of Westminster. Investigations have begun by the HCA’s Disease Control and Epidemiology team and HCA’s Environmental Health Services to identify potential sources of the infections which could include cooling towers, pools, spas, or other water sources in the area. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA)– The South Coast Air Quality Management District today issued a Windblown Dust Advisory where winds are high across the Los Angeles metro area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Air quality will be variable through Thursday afternoon or until windy conditions subside.
Precautions for those in impacted areas:
Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
Avoid vigorous physical activity.
Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.
Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.
Always wear proper personal protective equipment (long-sleeve shirts, pants, gloves, and safety glasses) when working around ash. A well-fitting respirator such as an N-95 may provide some protection. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions (e.g., dry sweeping) that will put ash into the air. To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
(Santa Ana, CA)– The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a public education campaign to transform how Orange County (OC) residents respond to mental health crises for themselves or for someone in their lives. Outdoor boards, digital ads, and in-language radio and newspapers will inform residents to call the HCA’s crisis line, (855) OC Links or (855) 625-4657, for urgent specialized mental health services, rather than defaulting to calling 9-1-1.
The “First Responders for Mental Health Campaign” aims to promote dedicated resources for mental health emergencies including the crisis line, mobile crisis unit, and warm line support. Collaborating with HCA’s Behavioral Health Services, the campaign will share essential information on recognizing mental health crises and accessing appropriate services.
“Orange County is proud to provide extensive behavioral health services that meet the needs of our community,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, OC Board of Supervisors, Third District. “The Board and I have supported innovative initiatives, like the Crisis Care Mobile Unit, and this campaign will ensure that residents know how to quickly access these vital resources in moments of crisis.”
Key Objectives Include:
Redefining Emergency Response: Educate the public on using the HCA’s crisis line instead of 9-1-1.
Promoting Crisis Resources: Raise awareness of HCA’s Mobile Crisis Response unit, available 24/7, and the warm line for non-urgent support. Trained mental health navigators specializing in mental health disorders, homelessness, or substance use disorders could be dispatched to provide support, information, screening and connect those in crises with the needed level of care.
Defining Mental Health Crisis: Explain what constitutes a mental health crisis.
Access and Awareness: Provide clear information on accessing available and responsive resources. Residents can reach OC Links, at (855) 625-4657 or via live chat at www.ochealthinfo.com/oclinks. Both services are available 24/7.
“Addressing mental health crises requires a compassionate response,” said Ian Kemmer, Director of Behavioral Health. “Our campaign empowers residents to seek appropriate support through dedicated services, ensuring individuals receive the specialized care they may need in a time of crisis.”
The Mental Health Crisis Public Education Campaign is a vital initiative by the HCA’s Behavioral Health Services to reframe responses to mental health emergencies, ensuring every resident has access to appropriate and responsive support.
For more information about the campaign and available resources, please visit OC Navigator.
# # #
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. HCA Behavioral Health Services’ mission is to prevent substance abuse and/or mental health crisis; when signs are present, to intervene early and appropriately; and when assessments indicate that treatment is required to provide the right type of treatment, at the right place, by the right person/program to help individuals achieve and maintain the highest quality of health and wellness. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) invites the community to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at convenient locations throughout Orange County (OC). The public is encouraged to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse. Nearby collection sites can be located at: www.DEATakeBack.com
“This event is a vital chance for community members to safely dispose of unused medications, protecting their families and friends from potential dangers,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of the HCA. “Misuse of prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illicit substances. National Take Back Day is an important initiative in our ongoing effort to promote safety and health in Orange County.”
This initiative addresses a crucial public safety and health concern. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aligns with the HCA’s commitment to the well-being of the OC community, promoting the safe disposal of medications to prevent misuse and combat opioid addiction.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility in keeping our communities safe. To find a convenient Take Back drop-off location, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) website at www.DEATakeback.com or call 1 (800) 882-9539. The drop-off service is both free and anonymous.
For further information on medication misuse prevention efforts in Orange County or to discover year-round safe disposal options, please visit: www.ochealthinfo.com/adept.
(Santa Ana, CA) - The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) today issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory where winds are high across the Los Angeles metro area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Air quality will be variable through Saturday afternoon or until windy conditions subside.
Precautions for those in impacted areas:
Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
Avoid vigorous physical activity.
Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.
Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.
Always wear proper personal protective equipment (long-sleeve shirts, pants, gloves, and safety glasses) when working around ash. A well-fitting respirator such as an N-95 may provide some protection. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions (e.g., dry sweeping) that will put ash into the air. To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
