Last week a woman in her 60s tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year, as compared to two cases at this time last year. As of August 25, 2023, the California Department of Public Health had reported 61 infections of human West Nile Virus statewide this season.
(Santa Ana, CA) – A female resident of the City of Orange has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year. The woman is asymptomatic.
In 2022 there were 11 reported human infections of WNV, and 2 WNV-related deaths reported in Orange County.
“West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Matthew Zahn, Deputy County Health Officer. "The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.”
Recommended WNV precautions include:
Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flowerpots and pet bowls
Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition
Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions
Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
Most people who become infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, but about 20% will develop fever and may have headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and sometimes a skin rash. More serious symptoms, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, occur more rarely, but people who develop these symptoms should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection.
Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s website at www.ocvector.org. Other websites with helpful information about WNV include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/westnile
About: The OC Health Care Agency 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), Communicable Disease Control Division is reporting an increase in the percentage of positive COVID-19 PCR tests in Orange County residents over the past month. To minimize the severity of the recent increase, the HCA is reminding residents to take preventative actions to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
The recent increase resembles previous seasons where the disease activity rises during both the summer and winter months. Additionally, the age distribution of recent cases follows the pattern seen over the past year with the highest rates occurring among those 0-3 years of age and 75 years and older. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are not currently experiencing an increase.
“To reduce the potential for increased hospitalizations, the community is encouraged to take precautions to protect those at higher risks,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, HCA’s Chief of Public Health Services and County Health Officer. “As people spend more time gathering with friends, there will be more opportunities for viruses to spread. If we all take precautions, we can keep each other safe.”
If you recently attended a large gathering/event, traveled, or came into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, self-monitor for symptoms and get tested.
If you are sick, stay home and get tested.
Wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces has been shown to be an effective intervention at decreasing the risk of acquiring or spreading COVID-19.
We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The current COVID-19 vaccine schedule, including for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, can be found here: Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit https://myturn.ca.gov/.
Adults and Children at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 disease should be assessed for appropriate COVID-19 treatment. For more information about COVID-19 treatment, go to https://covid19.ca.gov/treatment.
For more information on COVID-19, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/covid. Additionally, the HCA responds to community inquiries through the Agency’s Health Referral Line at 1 (800) 564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clinicians are advised to remain informed of updated COVID-19 guidance: Link to CDC.
About: The OC Health Care Agency 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.
Over the last month, the percentage of positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests among Orange County residents has been increasing. This is in line with previous seasons where an increase in disease activity during both the summer and winter months was observed. Molecular data tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants shows a range of Omicron, XBB, and other variants co-circulating without one strain clearly driving the current increase. The age distribution of recent cases continues to follow the pattern seen over the last year with the highest rates among those 0-3 years of age and those 75 years and older. We are not currently seeing evidence of an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The proportion of deaths due to respiratory illness, including pneumonia, influenza, & COVID-19 over the last 6 months has remained at levels comparable to that before the start of the pandemic. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency Environmental Health Division has closed the bay water area at Aloha Drive bridge in the City of Newport Beach. The spill of approximately 140 gallons was caused by a breakage in a force main sewer line.
The affected ocean water area will remain closed to ocean water contact sports for a minimum of 3 days and 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 ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.
Since 2010, more than 1,000 cases of silicosis in workers who fabricate countertops have been reported worldwide. Workers in this industry can inhale crystalline silica dust as they cut and finish countertops, which places them at risk for silicosis, a severe, incurable lung disease. In California, more than 70 cases of silicosis and at least 10 deaths have been identified among countertop fabrication workers. Workers with silicosis are characterized as young (median age of 45), immigrant men; many have experienced delayed diagnoses and accelerated disease course. California health care providers should ask patients about their occupation and suspect silicosis in countertop workers.
Providers should report any cases, including suspect cases, to Communicable Disease Control by phone 714-834-8180 or by fax 714-564-4050.
(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has received reports of three probable cases of mpox in Orange County (OC) in the past week. The three cases are the first reported in OC since April 8, 2023; five total cases have been reported here in 2023. While case counts are lower this year, mpox cases continue to be reported in Southern California and around the country. The best way to protect oneself from getting mpox is by completing the two-dose mpox vaccination regimen.
The mpox vaccine has been shown to be safe and highly effective when people complete the vaccine series (two doses, at least 28 days apart). During last month’s OC Pride Event, the HCA’s Public Health Services administered more than 80 mpox vaccinations to attendees. Since last year, more than 7,500 people in OC have received their first dose of mpox vaccine. However, 30% of those who received the first dose, have not received a second dose to complete their vaccination series.
To find a vaccine near you and schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit MYTURN.CA.GOV.
If you think you might have mpox or been exposed to someone with mpox, talk to your health care provider. The mpox vaccine can decrease your risk of getting sick if given within 14 days of being exposed. Testing for mpox is widely available and treatment for mpox can be discussed with your provider. If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 or the HCA's Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 for assistance.
(Santa Ana, CA) - Summer travel is underway and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages residents from Orange County (OC) to be up to date on measles vaccinations, following a Health Alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC warns of an increase in measles cases, with 88% of the cases connected to international travel. You can read the CDC’s Health Alert here.
“Measles (rubeola) is extremely contagious,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services. “One person infected by measles can infect 9 out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. To prevent infection and spread, residents, especially those planning to travel overseas or who are welcoming visitors from overseas, should make sure they are up to date on their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine,” she said.
The CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles since the first of 2023, compared to 3 cases during the same time period in 2022. Most of the cases were among children who had not received the MMR vaccine. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel, regardless of the destination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about —
Identification of locally acquired malaria cases (P. vivax) in two U.S. states (Florida [4] and Texas [1]) within the last 2 months,
Concern for a potential rise in imported malaria cases associated with increased international travel in summer 2023, and
Need to plan for rapid access to IV artesunate, which is the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States.
The entire CDC HAN is available at the following link:
