Yesterday, the CDC released through its Health Alert Network (HAN) Updated Case-Finding Guidance: Monkeypox Outbreak – United States, 2022. The Orange County Healthcare Agency (OCHCA) wants to make sure providers are aware of the potential for monkeypox virus infection in patients who meet epidemiologic criteria and/or a clinically consistent rash. As of this time, no cases of monkeypox virus infection have been identified in Orange County. While monkeypox remains rare, as of today 72 cases have been reported in 18 states and territories, including 15 cases in California. Globally, over 1,800 cases of monkeypox virus infection have been identified in 35 countries associated with the current outbreak. More info...

Orange County’s first West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito sample of the season was identified through routine trapping and testing by the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD). The sample was identified last week in La Habra. WNV positive mosquito samples have also been identified in Riverside County this year. No human infections of WNV or SLEV have been identified so far this season in Orange County.

(Santa Ana, CA) –In response to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalization trends throughout the U.S., the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) strongly advises Orange County residents and visitors take preventative measures to reduce their risk of spreading or getting sick from COVID-19, including testing, wearing well-fitted masks, and getting vaccinated.
 
Since early May, data has shown an increase in the seven-day average COVID-19 case rate in Orange County, from 7.6 to 18.3 per 100,000 people, and daily average cases, from 349 to 598. Hospitalizations have also increased from 81 to 131 people (including 7 pediatric), with 20 people in the ICU (3 pediatric). Most cases (87%) are among people under age 65.

“As we gather to honor those who died while serving our country this Memorial Day weekend and as we begin planning for summer events, we need to help support one another and reduce the risk of transmission, especially to those who may be at higher risk or unknowingly be at risk of getting infected,” says Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “Masking indoors or at crowded gatherings as well getting fully vaccinated and boosted remain the best way to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
 
CDC now recommends that children ages 5 through 11 years receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. Parents are encouraged to talk to pediatricians about vaccination for this age group, as they are currently the demographic group with the lowest rate of vaccination. Additionally, second boosters are recommended for those who are age 50 and above or who are age 12 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. To find out more when you qualify for a booster, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. To find a vaccination location, visit www.myturn.ca.gov or www.othena.com.

The White House recently announced the availability of a third round of free at-home COVID-19 test kits ahead of possible summer surges. Families can now order eight more test kits by visiting www.covid.gov/tests. Residents are encouraged to test if you have symptoms, have been exposed to a known COVID-19, or before and after travel or gatherings.
 
Various therapeutic treatments are more readily available for people who have mild to moderate symptoms and who are at risk for disease progression. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate, get tested and talk to a healthcare provider about treatment options. (For more information about medical conditions that can lead to more severe COVID-19 illness, click here.).
 
For more information on COVID-19 information and resources, including case counts, vaccination and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.

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Infant Formula Shortage:

As a national shortage of infant formula is impacting families and caregivers throughout the U.S., families are advised to contact their healthcare providers to help them navigate formula options when supplies are scarce. 
 
Although recipes for homemade baby formulas on the internet may seem like an answer to the formula shortage, they can be dangerous for your baby's health. Pediatricians advise that homemade formula may not be safe or meet your baby's nutritional needs.
 
Parents and caregivers who are struggling with breastfeeding, or who are having difficulty locating formula are advised to contact their healthcare provider. Local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program staff are available to provide support, information and experts to eligible families interested in increasing milk supply and are also available to support WIC families who are struggling to find formula. Contact your local WIC breastfeeding staff to learn more or visit: MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.
 
For more information on local resources to find baby formula, go to: Infant Formula Shortage - OC Health Care Agency (everywomanoc.org) or call the Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.

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Monkeypox Virus

Several cases of Monkeypox have been detected in different states throughout the U.S., including California. OC residents and visitors who have recently traveled to an area where monkeypox was reported or had close contact with someone suspected to have monkeypox and have symptoms (flu-like symptoms and a rash) are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
 
The risk of Monkeypox in the general population is very low. While this virus is rare, it is a potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body.
 
Local clinicians who have any suspected cases are advised to immediately contact the HCA’s Communicable Disease Control Division. For additional information see the attached Health Advisory from the California Department of Public Health.

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Translations: Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a Health Advisory with considerations around the phenomena of rebound, after treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, with Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets; ritonavir tablets).

The Orange County Healthcare Agency wants to make sure providers are aware of the potential for Monkeypox Virus infection in patients presenting with fever and clinically consistent rash. A case of Monkeypox has been identified in a US resident who travelled to Canada and in the last month multiple cases of Monkeypox have been identified in non-endemic countries among individuals without a travel history.

For additional details see the attached Health Advisory from the California Department of Public Health.

(Santa Ana, CA) – The Orange County (OC) Equity Map, a public-private partnership between AdvanceOC, the Orange County Board of Supervisors (Board), and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is recognized by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) with a Sustainability Award in the category of Equity. 

The OC Equity Map is recognized as a trailblazing tool paving the way the County of Orange (County) fosters sustainable community planning and resource allocation. In 2020, AdvanceOC collaborated with the Board and the HCA helping to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Orange County families and communities. The OC Equity Map was launched on July 14, 2021, under the leadership of the COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee, led by Supervisors Andrew Do and Doug Chaffee. 

The interactive map visualizes census tracts and displays the scores from the Social Progress Index (SPI), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Health Indicators, and population demographic data. The map can also overlay additional information that can be customized for a variety of different uses. 

Board Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District, congratulates the HCA and AdvanceOC for their innovative approach to solving health inequity. “I am pleased to see Orange County’s leadership and pioneering collaboration recognized by the SCAG. I am proud to support the OC Equity Map and remain committed to advancing equity in the county.”

Supervisor Andrew Do was a champion for the OC Equity Map during his term as the 2021 Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Do recognized the many challenges Orange County communities have faced over the years and saw how the data and insights provided by the OC Equity Map would enable better decision making and stewardship of County resources. “The pandemic really highlights for the County and cities the disparate levels of needs and available resource in their communities. The OC Equity Map tool provides actionable benchmarks to help reduce health and social welfare disparities to better serve our residents.”

“We are grateful to have an effective tool informing the County’s collective efforts to address equity issues in Orange County,” said Vice Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District. “We are encouraged by the insightful information and takeaways the tool has provided, helping us create informed solutions to serve our constituents better. I’m pleased the initiative is receiving such positive and well-deserved recognition.”

Dr. Clayton Chau, Director of the HCA, emphasized the importance of identifying inequities that were highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, “The OC Equity Map has accelerated our ability to aim resources to where they are most needed. It is a testament to the incredible potential of government and citizens working together. The HCA celebrates this successful partnership and looks forward to furthering a collaborative approach with AdvanceOC and others to address long-standing systemic health disparities through the Equity in OC initiative.”

Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District said, “We must address healthcare and supportive service gaps in Orange County and this interactive map begins to provide a visual overview of our County to best determine the actions that help our residents. I look forward to seeing this initiative progress and appreciate the recognition by SCAG.”

”The County has learned so much from its experience during the pandemic,” said Supervisor Lisa A. Bartlett, Fifth District. “This tool, and the Equity Initiative working to interpret its content, give the county the ability to pinpoint where inequity can be addressed to improve its systems of care for all residents in the future. We are grateful for this collaboration and are proud of the recognition received.”

“We are humbled by the recognition and grateful to SCAG for supporting and highlighting our work,” said Katie Kalvoda, President of AdvanceOC. “Our mission as a nonprofit organization is to support underserved communities by fostering data-driven, equity-oriented policies. Our goal is to support and amplify community needs and work with policymakers, business and philanthropic leaders, and community-based organizations to alleviate suffering in Orange County.” 

To learn more about the Equity in OC initiative, the OC Equity Map and AdvanceOC, visit www.equityinoc.com or www.AdvanceOC.com.

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(Santa Ana, CA) – In response to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalization trends throughout the U.S., combined with easing public health restrictions for travel and upcoming holidays leading to larger gatherings, the OC Health Care Agency strongly advises Orange County residents and visitors to take preventative measures to reduce their risk of getting sick or hospitalized from COVID-19, including testing, masking, and getting vaccinated.

Since April 18, 2022, data has shown an increase in the seven-day average COVID-19 case rate in Orange County, from 4.8 to 10.5 per 100,000 people, and daily average cases, from 155 to 339. Hospitalizations have also increased from 60 to 117 people (including 10 pediatric), with 17 people in the ICU (2 pediatric). The majority of cases are among people under age 65.

“We must come together as a community to help support one another and reduce the risk of transmission, especially to those who may be at higher risk or unknowingly be at risk of getting infected,” says Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “Think about your elderly grandparent, coworker, healthcare worker, restaurant server, flight attendant, and all the other people you may come into contact with each day. Many of them can do their part to protect themselves but they also depend on us to do what we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means staying home if you feel sick, getting an FDA-authorized COVID-19 test if you experience symptoms or exposure, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces and as required or recommended by State and CDC guidance, and getting all recommended primary and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible.”

Additional ways to prevent COVID-19 include washing and sanitizing hands frequently, keeping a safe physical distance from others to reduce exposure, increasing indoor ventilation by opening doors and windows to reduce trapped virus particles, and following the State’s isolation and quarantine guidance if you test positive for or are exposed to someone with COVID-19. The CDC also recommends that everyone aged 2 and older – including passengers and workers – properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs. 

Various therapeutic treatments are available for people who have mild to moderate COVID-19 and who are at risk for disease progression. (For more information about medical conditions that can lead to more severe COVID-19 illness, click here.) They are encouraged to talk to a healthcare provider about whether they qualify for treatment and where they may be able to find treatment. Additionally, individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and may have inadequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may seek pre-exposure prophylaxis with Evusheld. 

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

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(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications on "National Take Back Day," Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at numerous locations throughout Orange County. 

“This is a great opportunity for individuals to clean out their medicine cabinets while helping to safeguard the health and well-being of those they love,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief of the HCA’s Mental Health and Recovery Services. “Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. The opioid crisis is nationwide and participating in events like National Take Back Day makes an impact.” 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. The National Take Back Event supports our commitment to the safety and health of our local community, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from homes as a measure to prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.  

Patricia DeMarco Centeno, MD, HCA’s Deputy Health Officer, Medical Director of Mental Health and Recovery Services shared that, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 60,000 children end up in the emergency room every year due to accidental overdoses from medicines in the home. Disposing of unused or expired medications can protect our children from these accidents by eliminating access.”
 
The Take Back Day event helps to draw attention to this ongoing issue and reminds us that together we can keep our community safe. To locate a Take Back drop-off site near you, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website at www.DEATakeback.com or call 1 (800) 882-9539. Drop-off service is free and anonymous. 

To learn more about drug misuse prevention efforts in Orange County or to find local safe disposal locations available year-round, visit: www.ochealthinfo.com/adept. To help keep everyone safe, Take Back drop-off sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.

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