The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), America’s Poison Centers, and state and local partners are investigating reports of severe acute illnesses potentially associated with consuming Diamond Shruumz™ brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushroom. As of June 11, 2024, 12 total illnesses and 10 hospitalizations have been reported in eight U.S. states with ongoing efforts to identify other potential cases. The cause of the reported illnesses is not known at this time. Individuals should not eat, sell, or serve any flavors of Diamond Shruumz™ brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies, and should discard products that have been purchased. CDC and FDA are working to determine whether other products from this company are associated with adverse health effects.

Please see the full CDC Health Advisory here: 
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00509.asp

In response to the global outbreak of influenza A (H5N1) in birds and recent infections in dairy cattle and humans in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CPDH) are encouraging enhanced surveillance and continued testing for influenza this summer. Testing for influenza and subtyping all influenza A positives over the summer is key to maintaining visibility of the influenza A subtypes circulating in the community. Providers are also reminded regarding antiviral treatment and prophylaxis recommendations (CDC guidance regarding antiviral treatment and prophylaxis) in the event of suspected influenza A (H5N1) human cases and exposures; these recommendations should be implemented in consultation with local public health departments.

Please see the full CDPH Health Update here: 
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Influenza-A-Testing-Guidance-Enhanced-Surveillance-During-the-Summer-Months.aspx

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to alert healthcare providers to cases of meningococcal disease linked to Umrah travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that can be performed any time in the year; the Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage this year taking place June 14–19, 2024. Since April 2024, 12 cases of meningococcal disease linked to KSA travel for Umrah have been reported to national public health agencies in the United States (5 cases), France (4 cases), and the United Kingdom (3 cases). Two cases were in children aged ≤18 years, four cases were in adults aged 18–44 years, four cases were in adults aged 45–64 years, and two cases were in adults aged 65 years or older. Ten cases were in patients who traveled to KSA, and two were in patients who had close contact with travelers to KSA. Ten cases were caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (NmW), one U.S. case was caused by serogroup C (NmC), and the serogroup is unknown for one U.S. case. Of nine patients with known vaccination status, all were unvaccinated. The isolates from the one U.S. NmC case and two NmW cases (one U.S., one France) were resistant to ciprofloxacin; based on whole-genome sequencing, the remaining eight NmW isolates were all sensitive to penicillin and ciprofloxacin.

Please see the full CDC Health Advisory here: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00508.asp

National public health surveillance has recently detected an increase in invasive Neisseria meningitidis (N men) disease caused by isolates that are resistant to ciprofloxacin. In February 2024, the CDC addressed this issue in a report Selection of Antibiotics as Prophylaxis for Close Contacts of Patients with Meningococcal Disease in Areas with Ciprofloxacin Resistance — United States, 2024. In Southern California, six cases of invasive disease caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant N men (including one case in Orange County) have been identified in the last year, representing >20% of all N men cases in the region during that time.

Based on this data, and in conjunction with the California Department of Public Health and surrounding counties, OCHCA no longer recommends use of ciprofloxacin for chemoprophylaxis for close contacts of persons with invasive meningococcal disease in Orange County. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) –-  Information provided to the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) indicates that tetrachloroethylene has been detected in subsurface and indoor air samples at 1002 E. 17th Street, Suites A-R in the City of Santa Ana. Sampling of soil and sub-slab gas and indoor air conducted in November and December 2023 by the responsible party and reported to the HCA indicates the presence of chemicals which are considered human carcinogens and/or cause other toxic effects to humans.
 
One of the chemicals found, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), is used primarily as a dry cleaning and degreasing solvent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards based on exposure to PCE. The detected indoor air levels of PCE within the buildings located at this address exceed USEPA’s long and short-term exposure screening levels.

Another chemical found, only in subsurface samples, Trichloroethylene (TCE), is used primarily as a degreasing agent in various industrial processes. The USEPA Region 9 has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards based on exposure to TCE in indoor air. A specific vulnerable population is women in the first trimester of pregnancy, due to the potential for causing heart defects in the developing fetus. Long-term exposure may lead to increased risk of kidney or other cancers. The detected indoor air levels of TCE within the building located at this address exceed the USEPA urgent response category. 

Measures to reduce the risk of breathing in PCE and TCE could include increased ventilation, sealing openings in the floor, treating the indoor air or temporary relocation. The levels detected at the business may pose a risk to some individuals on this and adjacent properties; however, are not likely to pose a risk to the surrounding neighborhoods or the public in general.
 
The HCA is responsible for providing this information to the local news media pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 25180.7(d). The intent of Proposition 65 - Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 is to protect the public and its drinking water resource and to inform the public about potential exposures to chemicals.
 
A fact sheet that includes frequently asked health questions about Tetrachloroethylene and Trichloroethylene from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is available at ATSDR Tetrachloroethylene ToxFAQs (cdc.gov) and ATSDR Trichloroethylene ToxFAQs (cdc.gov), respectively.
 
More information about this site and the related sampling can be found at https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/?surl=l8sqq.

If you have any questions you may contact:
Chris Carson, Project Manager – Environmental Solutions Group at (714) 244-3662 or ccarson@partneresi.com
Geniece Higgins, Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist at (714) 433-6260 or ghiggins@ochca.com.  

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 Press Release in: Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish 

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) invites the community to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, 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 provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to clear out old medications while safeguarding loved ones from potential harm, addressing a crucial aspect of public health," said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of the HCA. "Pharmaceutical drugs, when misused, can be as hazardous as street drugs, contributing to the nationwide opioid crisis. National Take Back Day is a proactive step towards building a safer and healthier future for 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 responsible 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.

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Press Release in: Chinese | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Source

(Santa Ana, CA) – Due to the risk of lead poisoning, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) urges users of the Vietnamese hemorrhoid ointment called Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu​​ (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) to immediately stop using the ointment and to get their blood tested for lead. The alert follows the death of a woman in Sacramento who developed severe lead poisoning after using the ointment, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The CDPH said the ointment, purchased in Vietnam and shipped to the US, contained 4% (four percent) lead. Exposure to any amount of lead can be harmful.  
 
The HCA, in collaboration with the CDPH, urges anyone who used Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu​​ (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) to immediately:
1.) Stop using the ointment.
2.) Place it in a plastic bag, seal the bag and call (510) 620-3620 or email toxoutbreak@cdph.ca.gov.
3.) See your health care provider and get your blood tested for lead (venous blood test).  Also because other household members could have come into contact with the ointment, all household members should have their blood lead tested. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning.   ​
4.) Residents who have additional questions can call HCA’s Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.
 
Anyone who has used the ointment can download a letter to take to their health care provider with instructions for blood lead testing. The letters are available from the CDPH in English by clicking here and in Vietnamese by clicking here. The CDPH has set up a website with more information https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Alert-Lead-April-2024.
 
Health care providers who have questions can contact California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for clinical guidance on lead poisoning. See Health-Based Guidelines for Blood Lead Levels in Adults (PDF) for specific recommendations based on your patient's blood lead level results.zzz

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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.

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Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng Quận Cam Kêu Gọi Người Tiêu Thụ Dầu Chữa Bệnh Trĩ Việt Nam Ngưng Sử Dụng và Nên Đi Khám Nghiệm Y Tế
 

(Santa Ana, CA) – Do nguy cơ ngộ độc chất chì, Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng OC (HCA) kêu gọi những người dùng loại dầu để chữa trị bệnh trĩ Việt Nam có tên gọi là Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu​​ (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) phải lập tức ngưng sử dụng loại dầu này và phải đi thử máu của họ để xem có bị ngộ độc chất chì. Nguy cơ theo sau cái chết của một phụ nữ  ở Sacramento người đã bị nhiễm độc chất chì nặng sau khi dùng loại dầu này, theo phúc trình của Bộ Y Tế Tiểu Bang California (CDPH). Cơ Quan CDPH cho biết loại dầu, mua tại Việt Nam và mang sang Hoa Kỳ, có chứa 4% (bốn phần trăm) chất chì. Phô bày với bất cứ số lượng chất chì nào đều có thể bị nguy hại.  
 
Cơ Quan HCA, củng với sự hợp tác của CDPH, kêu gọi bất cứ ai đã dùng Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu​​ (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) phải lập tức:
1.) Ngưng ngay việc sử dụng loại dầu này.
2.) Để nó vào trong một bao nhựa, đóng kỹ bao lại và gọi (510) 620-3620 hay điện thư toxoutbreak@cdph.ca.gov.
3.) Đến gặp bác sĩ gia đình của quý vị và xin thử máu cho loại chì (venous blood test). ​ Đồng thời bởi vì những thân nhân khác trong gia đình có thể đã bị đụng chạm vào chất dầu, tất cả những thân nhân trong gia đình đều phải đi thử máu xem có chất chì  Đặc biệt là trẻ em dễ bị nguy cơ ngộ độc bởi chất chì.   ​
4.) Các cư dân có thêm những câu hỏi khác có thể gọi Đường Giây Giới Thiệu Chăm Sóc Sức Khoẻ của cơ quan HCA (HCA’s Health Referral Line) ở số 1-800-564-8448.
 
Bất cứ ai đã dùng loại dầu này có thể tải xuống lá thư và mang đến cho bác sĩ gia đình với lời yêu cầu cho thử máu về chất chì. Lá thư có sẵn từ CDPH bằng tiếng Anh xin nhấn vào đây và bằng tiếng Việt xin nhấn vào đây. Cơ Quan CDPH đã thiết lập trang mạng với thêm những thông tin https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Alert-Lead-April-2024.
 
Các Bác sĩ gia đình nếu ai có những thắc mắc có thể liên lạc với Cơ Quan Kiểm Soát Chất Độc California tại số 1-800-222-1222 cho những chỉ dẫn y tế về sự ngộ độc bởi chất chì. Xin xem Health-Based Guidelines for Blood Lead Levels in Adults (PDF) cho những đề nghị đặc biệt căn cứ trên kết quả mức độ ngộ độc chất chì trong máu bệnh nhân của quý vị.zzz

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Về CƠ QUAN ĐẶC TRÁCH Y TẾ CÔNG CỘNG OC
Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng OC (HCA) là cơ quan y tế có thẩm quyền khu vực và là cơ quan y tế được công nhận, đặc trách việc bảo vệ và phát động sự lành mạnh cho cá nhân, gia đình và cộng đồng xuyên qua sự hợp tác  điều hành các tài nguyên thuộc các lãnh vực công và tư. Xin vào www.ochealthinfo.com để biết thêm các dịch vụ và tài nguyên.

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The California Department of Public Health is issuing this Health Advisory to notify health care providers, laboratories and public health departments that a woman in Sacramento developed severe lead poisoning and died in March 2024 after using a hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam called, Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu. The woman purchased the product on Facebook and a relative in Vietnam shipped it to the U.S. Testing of the product found that it contained 4% lead (39,000 ppm), a highly dangerous amount of lead. If healthcare providers have patients that have used this hemorrhoid ointment, urge them to stop using it and order a venous blood lead level (BLL) test immediately. Contact California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for clinical guidance on lead poisoning. See Health-Based Guidelines for BLL in Adults for specific recommendations based on the patient's BLL results.

You will find the full CDPH Health Advisory here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Fatality-from-Lead-Poisoning-Linked-to-Use-of-Hemorrhoid-Ointment-from-Vietnam.aspx