(Santa Ana, CA) – On August 23, 2022, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) recorded the first case of human monkeypox (hMPX) infection in a youth less than 18 years old. Contact investigation is underway, and vaccines are being offered to those who may have been exposed to the individual.
 
As vaccine supplies remains limited, taking precautions to prevent hMPX is advised as anyone, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has hMPX is at risk regardless of sexual orientation or gender identify. According to the CDC, following the recommended prevention steps and getting vaccinated if exposed or are at higher risk of being exposed to hMPX can help protect you and your community.
 
“Please remember that monkeypox is very uncommon in children” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “It is important to note that many childhood illnesses can cause rashes. If you or your children have a new or unusual rash, please follow preventive guidance and seek medical attention from a qualified health care professional for further recommendations.”

To prevent the spread of hMPX in Orange County, we ask individuals to be aware of the risks and how hMPX spreads; (1) avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like hMPX; (2) avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with hMPX has used; and (3) wash your hands often.
People who have symptoms of hMPX, particularly the characteristic rash or lesions, should take the following steps:

• Contact your primary care provider
• Cover the area of the rash with clothing, and wear a mask
• Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others
• Isolate in a separate room or area from family members and pets

Local clinicians who have any suspected cases are advised to manage the case and immediately contact the HCA’s Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180.
 
The CDC does not currently recommend widespread vaccination against hMPX. However, vaccination may be recommended for some people who are close personal contacts of people with hMPX, may have been exposed to the virus, and/or may have increased risk of being exposed to the virus. Eligible residents needing their first dose can now register by visiting www.othena.com to join the virtual queue.
 
For more information on hMPX, including case counts, prevention strategies, vaccination and what the HCA is doing in Orange County, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/monkeypox. Additional information is available from the CDC at Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC and https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/pdf/MPOX-info-teens-young-adults.pdf.

Those without internet access or needing help with registration can call the HCA Health Referral Line for assistance at 1-800-564-9448 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)  or for general information about testing, treatment, and vaccines.  

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(Santa Ana, CA) – An adult male has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year.

People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection. In 2021, there were three reported human infections of WNV, and zero WNV-related deaths reported in Orange County.
 
WNV is spread by insects, most often mosquitoes and can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals. Most people who become infected with WNV do not become ill, but about 20% will develop flu-like symptoms including fever 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. People who develop severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
 
“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.

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
• State of California: www.westnile.ca.gov
• OC Health Care Agency: http://ochealthinfo.com/wnv

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Translations: Chinese | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

(Santa Ana, CA) - On August 9, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a new way of administering the Jynneos vaccine for those at high risk for monkeypox infection. The EUA allows healthcare providers to use the vaccine by intradermal injection for individuals 18 years of age and older.

This announcement followed scientific evidence that an intradermal route of administration (between the layers of the skin) produces equivalent levels of immunogenicity as a subcutaneous route (into fatty layer under the skin). The new guideline proposes using 1/5th the current dose of Jynneos vaccines for at risk individuals which will increase the number of doses available by up to five-fold. Read full announcement.

As of August 11, 2022, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has reported 52 confirmed or probable cases of Monkeypox and vaccinated over 1986 individuals. Those vaccinated are individuals who were either directly exposed to monkeypox or are at higher risk of monkeypox infection. Internationally, there are over 32,000 cases of monkeypox from 91 nations with 10,392 cases in the U.S. and 1,733 cases in California.

“HCA’s Public Health Services (PHS) Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) team is working with our community partners to assure that limited vaccine resources are put to best use,” said Dr. Matt Zahn, Deputy Health Officer and CDCD Medical Director. “The new FDA and CDC guidance will allow us to protect more of those who are at risk.”
 
The HCA is also working with community providers to assure that persons who are infected with monkeypox needing treatment can receive the antiviral tecovirimat (TPOXX). To learn more about monkeypox and guidance for vaccination, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/monkeypox.

To prevent the spread of monkeypox, people should:

• Talk to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner's body, including on the genitals and anus
• Avoid close contact, including hugging, kissing, cuddling and sexual activity with people with symptoms like sores or rashes
• Not share materials (e.g., utensils, cups, clothing, towels, bedding) with someone who has symptoms
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
• Avoid contact with infected animals

Residents who think that they may have monkeypox or been exposed to monkeypox should talk with a medical provider immediately. PCR testing is available at commercial laboratories including Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, Aegis Sciences, and Mayo Clinic Laboratories.
 
For more information on monkeypox, including case counts, prevention strategies, vaccination and what the HCA is doing in Orange County, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/monkeypox or https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.

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Translations: Chinese | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

(Santa Ana, CA) – To limit the spread of monkeypox disease in Orange County, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) will begin offering second dose vaccinations this week to individuals who received the first dose to complete the two-dose vaccination series. JYNNEOS vaccines are still in very short supply and are being offered to those at highest risk.
 
The recent change in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the JYNNEOS vaccine, allowing the vaccine to be given intradermally vs. subcutaneously, expands the ability to protect more residents from the spread of monkeypox. With the arrival of additional vaccine doses this week, residents who received their first dose more than 28 days ago can receive their second dose in the following ways:

• Residents who received their first dose through their healthcare provider should contact their provider for second dose scheduling and availability.
• Residents who received their first dose through the HCA will receive an email from Othena with second dose clinic appointment availability as close to the due date for second doses as possible. Please respond quickly to notification from Othena to assist us in managing the short supply chain timelines.

Eligible residents needing their first dose can now register by visiting www.othena.com to join the virtual queue. In line with the new FDA directives, all first and second doses will be administered intradermally, unless contraindicated.
 
Intradermal administration of JYNNEOS is both effective and safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the EUA allowing the JYNNEOS vaccine to be given between layers of the skin (intradermally) for people 18 years of age and older at high risk for monkeypox infection on August 9, 2022. The EUA also allows the vaccine to be given beneath the skin (subcutaneously) for people younger than 18 years of age at high risk for monkeypox infection.
 
Those without access to the internet or needing help with registration through Othena, can call the HCA Health Referral Line for more information, including general information, testing, treatment, and vaccines at 1-800-564-8448 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
 
For more information on Monkeypox in Orange County including resources, case counts, testing and vaccine eligibility, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/monkeypox.  

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A man in his 60s has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year. As of August 5th, the California Department of Public Health has reported seven cases of human West Nile Virus infections statewide this season. More info...

Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is an antiviral medication that is available for use to treat monkeypox under an expanded access investigational new drug (EA-IND) protocol (sometimes called “compassionate use”). It is the first-line medication to treat monkeypox in adults and children weighing 13kg or more. 

The CDC IRB serves as the central IRB for the tecovirimat protocol; they have determined that its use dose not constitute research involving human subjects as defined by 45 CFR 46.102. More info...

Hosted by the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA) in collaboration with OC Health Care Agency

August 10, 2022
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Virtual Event

https://monkeypoxocupdate.eventbrite.com

Clinical presentations will consist of:

• Diagnosis of Monkeypox
• Treatment of Monkeypox
• Local Processes in Orange County
• Resources available in Orange County

(Santa Ana, CA) – In response to the monkeypox outbreak, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency on August 1 to bolster the state’s ability to coordinate education, prevention, and treatment across the state. The proclamation supports vaccination efforts to increase the state’s monkeypox defense strategy being led by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
 
A state of emergency will allow for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and local health jurisdictions to expand the implementation of monkeypox vaccines that have been sanctioned by the FDA. The infrastructure built during the COVID-19 pandemic assists in the monkeypox response with targeting local and community-based organizations that serve at-risk populations.

Through community partners and local providers, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is providing vaccinations to persons with an elevated risk of infection as quickly as allocations are received. Additionally, health care workers and laboratorians at particular risk are prioritized to receive vaccinations.

There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of monkeypox, including:

• Always talking to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus 
• Avoiding close contact, including sex, with people with symptoms like sores or rashes 
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• People who become infected should isolate until their symptoms are improving or have gone away completely.  Rash should always be well covered until completely healed.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown, and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms 
• Avoiding contact with infected materials contaminated with the virus 
• Avoiding contact with infected animals

If you have a new or an unexplained rash or other symptoms, seek medical care for testing and evaluation.

• Wear a mask and tell your healthcare provider of your current symptoms for possible monkeypox.  
• Avoid crowds, close contact, including sexual or intimate contact until seeing a healthcare provider.

HCA’s Public Health Division recommends that you speak to your primary care provider as most providers can now do testing for monkeypox through commercial laboratories.
 

Updated Monkeypox FAQs can be found HERE.
 

Local clinicians who have any suspected cases are advised to immediately contact HCA’s Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) at (714) 834-8180. For additional information, see the attached Health Advisory from the California Department of Public Health.

For more information on monkeypox, including case counts, prevention strategies, vaccination and what the HCA is doing in Orange County, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/monkeypox or www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is proud to announce the launch of the OC Navigator, an online resource navigation tool designed to help community members connect with local mental health, substance use treatment and supportive resources including physical, transportation, education, housing, childcare, and more. Funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Innovation component, the OC Navigator project was activated to facilitate access to diverse local resources targeted to their unique individual needs.
 
“Orange County boasts hundreds of public and private agencies and community groups who are dedicated to serving others, but it can be challenging to find and coordinate” said Dr. Clayton Chau, HCA Director. “Visiting OCNavigator.org allows a person, who may already struggle in their circumstances, to focus on what’s most important right now – securing immediate and appropriate services to promote their health and well-being.”
 
The HCA worked with the Chorus Innovations, Inc., a digital platform developer, along with 185 community members, representing 65 Orange County agencies, to curate content for the platform, ensuring the information is accurate, accessible, trustworthy, reflective of the community, and includes a focus on whole person care. The digital resources displayed on the OC Navigator website were carefully designed and organized in a welcoming and easy to understand format, ideal for those who desire a self-guided exploration of local resources.
 
“OC Navigator is a great example of the positive impact of public-private partnerships,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor. “It benefits not only those in need, but also law enforcement and other first responders who frequently go the extra mile to connect people to appropriate resources post-emergency.”
 
Vice Chairman Donald Wagner, Third District, added, “As we recover from the pandemic, there are many people who need extra support. I’m thankful the County offers additional tools for residents, such as OC Navigator, which can connect people to the right resources as quickly as possible.”
 
“Here at the County, we are transforming the way services and resources are offered to our residents,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “The OC Navigator offers direct resources in multiple languages for anyone seeking healthcare and supportive services, such as housing, food, family safety, childcare, legal help, transportation needs, and so much more. And for individuals unsure on where to start, the online resource tool offers a fast and easy survey that will generate resources based on their responses.”
 
OC Navigator includes contact information for hundreds of local agencies and printable resource guides, in addition to 24/7 live support through OC Links navigators who can discuss a person’s needs and link them to resources including child and adult mental health services, alcohol and drug programs, crisis services, and prevention/early intervention programs.
 
Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District, said, “OC Navigator offers a one-stop service resource center for Orange County residents. Now more than ever, residents need simple yet comprehensive access to resources to meet their ever-evolving needs. OC Navigator is the long-awaited solution to bridging the service gaps between our community and existing county resources.”
 
“OC Navigator was created to enhance access to life-saving resources and is another great example of what can be achieved by leveraging public-private partnerships,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “I am thankful to HCA and the hundreds of community members who worked together to launch this powerful new data tool which will help improve the overall quality of life of all Orange County residents.”
 
OC Navigator resources and support are available in 9 languages including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Khmer, and Tagalog. The OC navigator website has acquired approximately 150,000 page views to date.
 
For more information on OC Navigator, visit www.ocnavigator.org or call (855) 625-4657.

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(Santa Ana, CA) – Due to recent increases in COVID-19 case counts, Orange County was moved to "High" community transmission status as of 7/14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level Data Tracker.   

As of July 15^th, the seven-day average COVID-19 case rate in Orange County increased to 33.1 per 100,000 people (>20.0 CDC threshold) and the average number of daily COVID-19 cases is 1,068. The positivity rate increased to 17.4 percent, with hospitalizations at 277, and ICU admissions to 35. The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) reports COVID-19 cases and hospitalization data using the State’s database reflecting laboratory-reported PCR tests. With widespread use of at-home rapid Antigen testing, which go unreported, the true number of COVID-19 cases across the country are being undercounted.

"We are seeing a summer wave in cases and hospitalizations, and this move to the "HIGH" transmission level confirms that." says Dr. Clayton Chau, OC Health Care Agency Director. "To protect those at high risk, we are recommending that OC residents continue masking in public, indoor settings, especially those who are at high risk or living with loved ones who have comorbidities, are immunocompromised or are prone to getting sick."
 
The HCA recommends residents take preventive actions to minimize the risk of severe illness and advise the following:

• Wear a well-fitting mask in indoor, public settings, especially those who are at high risk or live with those with comorbidities or immunocompromised. Refer to the State’s Guidance for the Use of Face Masks for full masking guidance

• Be up to date on vaccinations by completing your primary series, receiving your additional dose if immunocompromised, and receiving your booster dose when eligible, to maximize your immunity against severe infection. Visit www.Othena.com or https://myturn.ca.gov/ to schedule a vaccine.
• Keep a safe distance from others outside of your household, to avoid close contact with people who may be unvaccinated or asymptomatic.
• If you recently attended a high-risk event, traveled, or came into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, self-monitor for symptoms and get tested. Stay home and follow self-quarantine guidance.
• If you are sick, stay home, follow self-isolation guidance and get tested. 

Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are seeking to determine if they would be eligible for therapeutic medications, should contact their health care provider, or locate a Test to Treat site. As of 7/6, state-licensed pharmacists can prescribe Paxlovid to eligible patients, with certain limitations to ensure appropriate patient assessment. Contact your local pharmacy to discuss details.
 
The CDC launched its Data Tracker earlier this year to create standardized COVID-19 data across the country to provide a county level view of key data for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. The data measure cases per 100,000 population and hospitalization rates to segment Low, Medium or High Transmission levels. To learn more visit: CDC

For more information on COVID-19 information and resources, including case counts, vaccination, and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.

Other Languages:  Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese