(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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