County Health Officer Clinician Newsletter - January 2025 by County of Orange Health Care Agency

Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians

January 2025

January 16, 2025

Regina Chinsio-Kwong, DO County Health Officer

Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by the recent Southern California wildfires. During crisis and disasters, it is important to understand where to get information and how to support those in need. The fast-moving wildfires are a reminder that preparing ahead, is of critical importance to keeping everyone safe. Many times, there is little time to evacuate, power outages may occur, and many different obstacles may exist when escaping a disaster.

While certain communities such as Orange County (OC) and other Southern California counties and cities may have not been visibly directly affected, there are still aspects of the wildfires in Los Angeles (LA) county that can impact us - including poor air quality from windblown dust, ash and smoke, and intermittent power outages. During this period, it is important to continue educating ourselves and the community of what can be done to reduce personal/community risk. The California Medical Association (CMA) just published a guide for patients and physicians impacted by the Southern California wildfires available here.

Understanding Air Quality Index and its Limitations with Windblown Ash Related to Fires

Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated from measurements of different pollutants. The score may differ depending on what is measured to calculate an AQI. Locally the best resource for this Index is through the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) - the regulatory authority for Air Quality in our region. AQMD calculates the AQI from measurements of particle pollution, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide Since AQI does not reflect other materials that can be present in ash or dust, it is important to look out for other alerts provided by AQMD. Sign up for Air Alerts to receive immediate alerts from AQMD via email or your mobile device here.

Last week, AQMD issued several advisories, including the Windblown Smoke and Dust Advisory issued on January 13 that remained in effect until January 15. It is important to read the advisory thoroughly and note the precautions provided, as particles in windblown ash particles may be too large and will not influence Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Ash from burned structures may contain higher air toxic levels.

AQMD Noted the Following at the Bottom of Their Advisory:

If you are in an area impacted by windblown dust or ash:

• Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.

• Avoid vigorous physical activity.

• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.

• Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.

• Always wear proper personal protective equipment (long sleeve shirts, pants, gloves and safety glasses) when working around ash. A well-fitting respirator such as an N-95 may provide some protection. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.

• Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions (e.g., dry sweeping) that will put ash into the air. To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

For more information, see the EPA Guide for Particle Pollution (PDF).

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is adjusting our communication strategy by disseminating updates and alerts utilizing social media as these platforms can expeditiously reach a broader community than press releases Last week, we posted the following message on X and similar message across different social media platforms:

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires. In any challenging time getting accurate information is crucial. The @SouthCoastAQMD issued a wildfire smoke and dust advisory https://bit.ly/AirQualityOC and has tips to stay safe https://bit.ly/AirQualityandWildfireSmokeTips ….

We hope to feature messages from our other medical leaders in our Agency in the future. We encourage you to follow us on social media and cross promote messages and alerts to your networks.

HCA Social Media Links: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube

While state and regional exercises occur on a regular basis to prepare for emergencies, it is also important for care facilities, clinics, and hospitals to also review how they would go about caring for patients and safely transporting patients in the event evacuation is needed amidst the staffing impacts during an emergency (Doctors, Nurses Press Ahead as Wildfires Strain Los Angeles' Health Care - California Healthline)

Resources for Those Impacted by the Wildfires in LA County:

• Important Apps: FEMA App, South Coast AQMD App

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): www.fire.ca.gov – main website that provides active updates on active fire incidents across the state.

• www.CA.gov/LAfires - provides resources for Californians impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires (FEMA, assistance for small businesses, location of disaster recovery centers, open shelters, how to help (volunteer efforts/donation).

• Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Emergency and Disaster Assistance Questions & Answers webpage provides guidance and contact information for Medi-Cal members and providers during emergencies. It includes information related to accessing medical care, filling prescriptions, securing transportation, and obtaining support for individuals with specific needs, including people in assisted living facilities and individuals receiving Home and Community-Based Alternatives services.

• OCNavigator focuses on helping residents and visitors find supportive resources they need and includes a resource page to help prepare and recover from disaster. The website includes how to create an emergency plan and disaster supply kit, how to access immediate help during a disaster, and how to connect with agencies that can help you recover from a disaster.

• California Department of Public Health Center for Preparedness and Response Wildfires includes key updates related to the fires as well as links to resources

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Wildfire Resources - Supports survivors, family members, responders, and recovery workers affected by wildfires and other disasters. Information includes signs of emotional distress, populations who may be at greater risk for distress after a wildfire, and links to resources for more information and support.

• Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 support from trained counselors for those needing immediate emotional help. Call or text 800-985-5990 (available 24/7).

• L.A. County 24/7 Mental Health Helpline: Call 800-854-7771 for immediate assistance.

• Bounce Back Now has a mobile app in English and Spanish for adults affected by natural disasters, including wildfires. It provides coping strategies and normalizes common reactions.

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network is where you can learn about treatments for children and families.

• Center for Firefighter Behavioral Health provides resources for firefighters, providers supporting them and their friends and family, including the Helping Heroes web-based training.

• Additional Mental Health support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis 988, www.mentalhealth.ca.gov. Mental health coaching and resources for parents, families, kids, teens are available at CalHope.

• OC Links- 855-625-4657 – local hotline available 24/7- helps navigate individuals in need to local behavioral health resources and services

Resources for Orange County Airport Fire Recovery

• https://ocgov.com/recovery

Where to get Information on Websites/Social Media

National Weather Service- San Diego (Provides information for Orange County) CalFire

South Coast AQMD www.Ocgov.com www.Ochealthinfo.com

Additional Resources for Wildfire Preparedness/Readiness

• Ready California/Listos California

• CalFire Wildfire Preparedness

• Emergency Preparedness Guide/Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities

• https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

• Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) California Wildfires

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Provides information on hazards, including wildfires, and offers links to information about staying safe after a wildfire and learning about and coping with hazards linked to wildfires and other disasters.

• American Red Cross - Suggests ways for people who have experienced a residential fire to take care of themselves and their loved ones and to help people who may need assistance. The site lists four steps to take right after a fire and includes links to more information about returning home safely after a fire and recovering emotionally and financially.

• California Air Resources Board: Wildfires | California Air Resources Board

• Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Guidelines for Health Care Entities - California Hospital Association

• Wildfire Threat to Inpatient Health Care Facilities in California, 2022

• OEHHA, CA: Guidance for Schools During Wildfire Smoke Events

Media/Press Releases and Other Relevant Advisories Related to the Wildfires in LA County:

January 15, 2025: LA Health Officer Issues Order for Safe Removal, Transport, and Disposal of Fire Debris

January 15, 2025: Pasadena Public Health Declares Local Health Emergency Due to Impacts of Eaton Fire - Office of the City Manager

January 14, 2025: LA Public Health Windblow Dust and Ash Advisory

January 11, 2025: Smoke Advisory Extended- Unhealthy Air Quality Declared due to Multiple Wildfires

January 10, 2025: HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Declares Public Health Emergency for California to Aid Health Care Responses to Wildfires

January 10, 2025: Federal Assistance FEMA’s California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds

January 9, 2025: Cal/OSHA Wildfire Smoke Alert: Cal/OSHA urges employers to protect workers from unhealth air in Los Angeles County

January 8, 2025: President Biden approves California Major Disaster Declaration, Fact Sheet

January 8, 2025: CDPH State Encourages Californians to Take Steps to Protect their Health from Wildfire Smoke and Ash Exposure

January 8, 2025: California Department of Education: SPI Launches Aid for Wildfire-Affected SchoolsYear 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

January 7, 2025: Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency, meets with first responders in Pacific Palisades amid dangerous fire weather

Communicable Disease Control Division Updates

Respiratory Virus Updates

As of January 13, 2025, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) data indicates that Influenza activity in the state is very high, RSV activity is moderate, while COVID-19 activity is low. COVID-19 rates have not clearly increased here, though increases are being seen in many parts of the United States. According to the CDPH, only a small percentage of eligible Californians have received the appropriate respiratory virus vaccines. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to work well against current circulating variants.

Along with the typical flu, RSV and COVID-19 viruses, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Pertussis as well as other respiratory viruses have been causing respiratory illness. With Pertussis cases (also known as whooping cough) on the rise, CDPH issued an alert January 3, 2025 encouraging pregnant individuals and those who are caregivers to infants to get up-to-date with tdap vaccination.

Pertussis – Pertussis rates have begun to increase in California and Orange County. Infants, who are at highest risk of severe disease, should receive the pediatric DTap series at recommended times. Maternal Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is about 90% effective in preventing infant hospitalizations due to pertussis. It is critical to provide Tdap in the last trimester (between 27 and 36 weeks) of every pregnancy. The CDPH encourages the Tdap vaccine to protect against severe illness and complications.

Vaccination Rates

It’s not too late to encourage more people to catch up on vaccines, including the updated COVID-19 booster, Tdap, and vaccines for other preventable diseases. National vaccination trends reported by the CDC as of January 13, 2025 on COVID, Flu, and RSV vaccination show the following:

• Percent of the population reporting receipt of the updated 2024─25 COVID-19 vaccine

o 11% - children

o 22.8% - adults age 18+

o 46.4% among adults age 65+

• Percent of the population reporting receipt of an influenza vaccine

o 42.9% - children

o 43.4% - adults age 18+

o 67.9% among adults age 65+

• The percent of adults age 75+ reporting ever receiving an RSV vaccine is 44.5%

According to the CDPH as of January 6, 12.4% of eligible Californians are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. (CDPH Immunization Branch Provider Updates are provided every other Friday, Link to January 10 recorded webinar and slides.)

Recently published news and stories that may help encourage more to get vaccinated or to seek treatment:

COVID

COVID vaccine may speed relief of some persistent symptoms | CIDRAP

Paxlovid tied to lower risk of hospital stay, heart problems, death in adults with kidney disease and COVID | CIDRAP

RSV

Data: 77% of infants had RSV protection in 2023-24 season | CIDRAP

Study: Only 60% of immunocompromised patients seroconvert after RSV vaccine | CIDRAP

Poll: One year in, acceptance of RSV vaccination growing | CIDRAP

Pertussis

California urges pertussis vaccination amid rising cases | CIDRAP

Report: Flu vaccine over 50% effective against severe illness among US children from 2015 to 2020 | CIDRAP

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Expanded Recommendations for Use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Among Adults

Aged ≥50 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024 | MMWR

H5N1 Avian Influenza Updates

Review of Recent Events:

• Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Health Alert Network Advisory to Accelerate subtyping of influenza A in Hospitalized patients

• A presumptive bird flu case was identified in a child by the San Francisco Department of Public Health on January 10, 2025.

• The first severe human case identified in the US, in a resident of Louisiana, passed away earlier this month. The case was found to be infected with the D1.1 genotype of the virus which is closely related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds, poultry in the US.

• On January 7, 2025, to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) instated a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at fairs and shows.

• New cases of H5N1 continue to be seen in dairy farms in California as well as other states. Sporadic cases of H5N1 continue to be seen in poultry farms and wild bird populations around the country.

• Several feline cases linked to exposure from either contaminated raw food, poultry, wild bird exposure, or contaminated raw milk resulted in severe illness and death (Oregon, Los Angeles, AVMA), leading to recalls and further testing of raw pet food brands.

• December 18, 2024, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to streamline and expedite California’s response to Avian influenza A (H5N1). The declaration allows CDFA increased flexibility to mobilize resources in resource to this event.

Recommendations for the Public:

• Avoid exposure to sick or dead animals.

• Those who cannot avoid exposure to sick or dead animals should take additional steps to protect themselves. More information is available at: CDPH Bird Flu, CalOSHA, Bird Flu PPE, H5N1 Bird Flu Working With Wildlife

• Pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat. Unpasteurized (raw) milk and products made from raw milk, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt can be contaminated with H5N1 avian influenza virus and other germs that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

• Avoid feeding pets raw, unpasteurized milk or raw meat products.

• Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call our CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473). Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online.

• CDPH guidance for people with possible or confirmed bird flu infection includes staying home unless necessary to see a health care provider or to go to work, notifying your health care provider of your possible bird flu exposures, avoiding contact with other people and pets where possible. More information is available on the CDPH website.

Updated Influenza Testing Recommendations for Clinicians:

o When collecting a thorough exposure history from a patient with suspected or confirmed influenza who is hospitalized, ask about potential exposure to wild and domestic animals, including pets (e.g., cats), and animal products (e.g., poultry, dairy cows, raw cow milk and raw cow milk products, raw meat-based pet food), or recent close contact with a symptomatic person with a probable or confirmed case of A(H5).

o Implement appropriate infection control measures when influenza is suspected.

o If avian influenza A(H5) virus infection is suspected, probable, or confirmed in a hospitalized patient, place the patient in an airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure with implementation by caregivers of standard, contact, and airborne precautions with eye protection (goggles or face shield).

o Suspected cases of avian influenza A(5) should be immediately reported to the HCA Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.

o Updated CDC recommendations for testing of hospitalized patients with suspect influenza were released https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00520.html.

 All influenza A positive respiratory specimens for hospitalized patient should be subtyped as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours – to support optimal patient care and proper infection prevention and control measures and to facilitate rapid public health investigation.

• Subtyping tests should be performed in the hospital clinical laboratory, if available.

• Alternatively, specimens should be sent to a commercial clinical laboratory.

• If influenza A virus subtyping is not available through one of these routes, arrangements can made for influenza A viruspositive specimens to be subtyped at a public health laboratory.

 Test for seasonal influenza A in hospitalized patients with suspected seasonal influenza or novel influenza A virus infection such as avian influenza A virus infection, using whatever diagnostic test is most readily available for initial diagnosis.

o If the initial diagnostic test does not yield a subtype [e.g., identify A(H1) and A(H3)], result not subtypable, contact the HCA Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180 who can facilitate the specimen undergoing further testing at the OC Public Health Laboratory to characterize the specimen

o Any hospitalized patients, especially those in an ICU, with suspected seasonal influenza or avian influenza A(H5) should be started on antiviral treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible without waiting for the results of influenza testing.

o Notify the HCA promptly if avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection is suspected, probable, or confirmed in a hospitalized patient.

o The HCA can work with providers to facilitate testing of the patient. You can email epi@ochca.com or call 714-834-8180. Additional information on the California situation can be found here.

• 1/7/2025, California Department of Food and Agriculture Bans Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at Fairs and Show

• 1/7/2025: FDA Investigation of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Dairy Cattle

• 1/6/2025: CDC Information for Employers Providing Personal Protective Equipment to Reduce Exposure to Avian Influenza A Viruses

• 1/6/2025: CDC Information for Workers Exposed to H5N1 Bird Flu

• 1/5/2025: First H5 Bird Flu death reported in US

• 1/3/2025: HHS awards $306 million in Avian Flu monitoring and preparedness funding | HHS.gov

• 12/30/2024: Novel bird flu strain continues to threaten animal, public health | American Veterinary Medical Association

• 12/26/2024- Oregon Department of Agriculture: Northwest Naturals of Portland Voluntary Recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food Due to HPAI contamination

• 12/26/2024- CDC: Genetic Sequences of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses Identified in a Person in Louisiana | Bird Flu | CDC

• 12/26/2024-CDC: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations | Bird Flu | CDC

• 12/20/2024: Animal Sanctuary affected in Shelton, Washington- 20 large cats at the facility died from illness in December. Urgent... - Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington | Facebook

• 12/18/2024-CDC: CDC Confirms First Severe Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the United States | CDC Newsroom

• December 18, 2024: Governor Newsom takes proactive action to strengthen robust state response to Bird Flu | Governor of California

• December 18, 2024: LA Public Health: Confirmed H5Bird Flu detected in Los Angeles County Cats that Consumed Recalled Raw Milk- Public Health investigating additional possible cases in cats

• 12/14/24: CDFA - Public Affairs - CDFA ANNOUNCES RECALL OF RAW MILK PRODUCED AT “VALLEY MILK SIMPLY BOTTLED” OF STANISLAUS COUNTY

• 12/3/2024- CDPH: State Secures Broad Voluntary Recall of Raw Milk and Cream to Protect Consumers

Norovirus

Norovirus is a leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea and foodborne illness. While very few cases are confirmed by laboratory reporting, the HCA has had an increase in reports of gastrointestinal (GI) outbreaks likely caused by norovirus in recent weeks Proper handwashing and appropriate food handling measures, and disinfection measures can help prevent the spread of this contagious virus.

Our Public Health staff conduct public health responses upon receiving any reports or reports of clusters of norovirus-like illness in the community settings. In the past several weeks, the proportion of restaurants where outbreaks have been identified is < 1% of facilities. This is a small number, and our surveillance indicates that the risk of norovirus when eating out is low.

How the HCA Public Health Services Department is notified of potential cluster of cases:

• Complaints received from Foodborne illness online reporting or via phone reporting 714433-6418

• Reports received from providers reporting suspected outbreak (Foodborne Disease Outbreak Report)

• Alerts from community groups when noro-virus like infection is experienced in care settings, schools, congregate settings, or cruise ships

• Food Establishments file required report for employees diagnosed with certain viruses (Illness Reporting Requirements for foodservices workers and persons in charge sheet, California Food And Safety Code 112929.4, 113949.5 Codes Display Text)

HCA Links:

• Foodborne Illness and Illness Prevention | Orange County California - Health Care Agency.

• Under Environmental Health (EH) Retail Food Overview, links are available for restaurant inspections and closures.

• Home | Orange County Health Care Agency – Environmental Health Division | My Health Department (Restaurant Inspections list - restaurants can be searched by name/locationthis website will show all inspections and closures in the last 24 months )

• Restaurant Closures | Orange County Health Care Agency – Environmental Health Division | My Health Department (This website shows the inspections and closures in the past 60 days.)

Watch for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Alerts and Advisories and help educate the community about how they can prevent norovirus outbreaks!

Recent FDA Alerts/advisories from December 2024 and January 2025:

• FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters from a Portion of Hammersley Inlet Growing Area, Washington State January 2025

• FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters from British Columbia, Canada Growing Areas in BC 14-8

December 2024

• FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters from British Columbia, Canada Growing Areas BC 14-8 and BC 14-15 December 2024

• FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters and Manila Clams from Pickering Passage, Washington December 2024

Additional Resources:

• How to Prevent Norovirus | Norovirus | CDC

• Preventing Norovirus When Camping, Hiking, or Outdoors | Norovirus | CDC

• Norovirus Illness: Facts for Food Handlers-March 20, 2023

• Tips for Healthy Cruising | Vessel Sanitation Program | CDC

• Preventing Norovirus at Youth Camps | Norovirus | CDC

Other Public Health News and highlights

January 10, 2025: US Government Releases First National One Health Plan to Protect People, Animals, and Our Environment from Shared Health Threats | CDC Newsroom

January 7, 2025: Governor Newsom announces appointments 1.7.25 | Governor of California, including Dr. Erica Pan as the appointed Director and State Public Health Officer of California.

January 7, 2025: US Surgeon General Issues Parting Prescription for America- Choose Community- recenter around relationships, service, and purpose- the triad of fulfillment and core pillars of community

January 3, 2025: US Surgeon General Issues New Advisory on Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk | HHS.gov

December 27, 2024. Psych News Alert: Reviewing the FDA’s Major Psychiatry Approvals in 2024

Over the past year, the FDA issued approvals, clearances, new formulations and expanded indications for major psychopharmacologic which are summarized in this alert.

ALERTS/RECALLS

Lead Alerts

Yaomiao Children’s Jewelry sets sold on Amazon.com from January 2022 through March 2024.

Products were found to contain levels of lead and cadmium in violation of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the Federal Content Ban. Providers should advise patients and families to stop using the jewelry sets and take them away from children. Test children for lead exposure if the children came into contact with this product. Please help share this information with your families and clients and contact Orange County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) at 714-567-6220 if you have any questions or concerns. Find out more about this recall here

Foodborne Illness - Multistate Outbreaks (https://www.cdc.gov/outbreaks/index.html)

1. Listeria Outbreak - Ready-to-Eat Meat Yu Shang Food, Inc.

Early November, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalled Yu Shang products due to a multi-state listeria outbreak. As of December 5, 2024, the CDC identified 10 cases from California linked with the outbreak. The CDPH issued a Press Release December 11, 2024 urging consumers to not eat Yu Shang Food, Inc Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry products.

According to the CDC, as of December 5, 2024:

• 19 Cases, 17 hospitalizations, 2 deaths - across 8 states (includes California which has had 10 reported cases to date) have been confirmed, Involving Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products

• Recalled products include with “Yu Shang” (establishment number “P46684” or “EST.M46684”) on the label and all products produced prior to October 28, 2024

2. Discontinued Foodborne Outbreaks

o Probes into foodborne illness outbreaks tied to cucumbers, lettuce declared over | CIDRAP

o CDC ends probe into deadly E coli outbreak tied to organic carrots | CIDRAP

3. Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA

01/03/2025 Wicklow Gold Cheddar style cheeses

& Beverages, Foodborne Illness, Cheese/Cheese Product

01/03/2025 Blue Ridge Beef Kitten mix pet food

12/31/2024 Marketside Broccoli Florets

Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes Abbey Specialty Foods

12/23/2024 Systane Lubricant Eye Drugs Drugs Due to Fungal Contamination Alcon Laboratories

4. USDA Recalls & Public Health Alerts | Food Safety and Inspection Service

January 11, 2025: Bestway Sandwiches Inc. Recalls Frozen Chicken and Cheese Taquito Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination (metal) Valencia, California

January 8, 2025: FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Chicken Empanada Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

December 20, 2024: Impero Foods & Meats, Inc Recalls Raw Pork Sausage Products produced without benefit of Inspection

December 19, 2024: Nail Factor Recalls Ineligible Frozen Siluriformes Fish Products Imported from Vietnam *Importer of record located in Huntington Beach, CA

5. Pet Food Recalls

12/31/2024: Pet Food Recall – Monarch Pet Food - LA Public Health Warns Against Feeding Pets Raw Food Following H5 Bird Flu Virus Detection, Another raw pet food H5N1 bird flu recall. More sick cats in L.A. County

12/24/2024: Voluntary Recall- Northwest Natural Brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Pet food due to HPAI Contamination

January Observances/Awareness

January National Health Observances: Cervical Cancer Awareness, Glaucoma Awareness, and Maternal Health - News & Events | odphp.health.gov

National One Health Awareness Month

One Health awareness month

Launched January 2020 to promote collaboration between animal, environmental, plant and public health scientists. More information can be found here. The United States One Health Coordinating Unit is commemorating the occasion by hosting a series of webinars this month after releasing their National One Health Framework. Attend California’s One Health Symposium on January 30, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon via Zoom to learn more about One Health-related efforts across California. Register here.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical Cancer Awareness | Cancer | CDC

Cervical Health Awareness Month – NCCC

Get Screened for Cervical Cancer - MyHealthfinder | odphp.health.gov

Cancer — Evidence-Based Resources - Healthy People 2030 | odphp.health.gov

Pap and HPV Tests

Cervical Cancer Screening and Survivor Stories | Cervical Cancer | CDC

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma Awareness Month | National Eye Institute

About Glaucoma | Vision and Eye Health | CDC

Reduce vision loss from glaucoma — V-05 - Healthy People 2030 | odphp.health.gov

Glaucoma | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

Maternal Health Awareness Day - January 23, 2025

Maternal Health Awareness Day | ACOG

How We Improve Maternal Health | HRSA

Pregnancy and Childbirth - Healthy People 2030 | odphp.health.gov

Reduce maternal deaths — MICH-04 - Healthy People 2030 | odphp.health.gov

Pregnancy | Office on Women's Health

National Blood Donor Month

National Blood Donor Month - America's Blood Centers

Red Cross: Help prevent blood shortages in 2025 by giving blood or platelets now

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Birth Defects Awareness Month | Birth Defects | CDC

National Birth Defects Awareness Month | National Birth Defects Prevention Network

CDPH- Birth Defects Prevention Month

Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan

The Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan (OC CHIP) Workgroups are now meeting! Do you know of someone who is interested or who would benefit our community through engagement in these workgroups? Encourage them to get involved by contacting us at occhip@ochca.com.

The HCA has published the Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan (OC CHIP) Plan update for 2024-26. The community identified six priority areas to focus efforts in: mental health, substance use, diabetes/obesity, housing/homelessness, care navigation, and economic disparities. Workgroups in each area are currently forming. If you would like to join us or learn more, please email us at occhip@ochca.com. To access the OC CHIP plan please visit: OC Health Improvement Plan | Orange County California - Health Care Agency.

Training and Webinar Opportunities:

DOI’s Role in Advancing One Health: Mission, Management, and Authorities

Speaker: Lisa Branum, BA, BS, MA, Interagency Core Leadership Team, US One Health Coordination Unit, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Safety, Resource Protection and Emergency Services, U.S. Department of the Interior

Date: January 22, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. PST

Webinar Registration Link

California Medical Association (CMA) v

Long COVID and Other Infections Associated with Chronic Conditions

Date: Friday, January 25, 2025

USDA's Role in Advancing One Health: Zoonotic Diseases and Beyond

Speaker: Michael Neafsey DVM, MPH, DACVPM, Interagency Core Leadership Team

U.S. One Health Coordination Unit, One Health Coordinator, Veterinary Services

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Date: January 29, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. PST

Webinar Registration Link

California Maternal Health Task Force Launch Event

California is one of 35+ state awardees funded by HRSA- Maternal Child Health Bureau to reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality through systems collaboration. Join the call to hear more about the state’s strategic priorities and future activities.

Date: January 30, 2025

Time: 12 noon PST

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/CAMHTF

CDPH California One Health Symposium

Learn more about One Health related efforts across California.

Date: January 30, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. PST

Registration Link

CDPH Office of Suicide Prevention and California Health and Human Services: You are Never a Bother Webinar

Learn more about the Never a Bother campaign to reduce suicide in California. This is an interactive webinar where key learnings about the campaign’s design, creative, messaging, implementation, and engagement will be shared.

Date: February 5, 2025

Time: 12 noon PST

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LFl4myYdS5io3mDs0Ft4vw#/registration

The Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers (Coalition OC)

The First 100 Days: Healthcare Priorities & Opportunities in a New Administration- focused on discussions designed to equip healthcare leaders and advocates with actionable insights to navigate this transformative time.

Date: Friday, February 28, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. (Registration and Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. Event starts at 9:30 a.m.)

Location: This is a n in-person event – more information to follow.

Register Here: Healthcare Priorities & Opportunities in a New Administration Tickets, Fri, Feb 28, 2025 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite

Previously Recorded Webinars

Fires:

California Forest Health Research Program recorded webinars are accessible here.

Public Health Institute- Wildfire Smoke Exposure in Kids: How to Mitigate Health Effects. August 2024

National Association Webinar Webpages

American Public Health Association APHA APHA Webinars

CMA Recorded Webinars Virtual Grand Rounds (cmadocs.org)

National Foundation for Infectious Disease Webinars https://www.nfid.org/education-events/webinars/

Infectious Disease Society of America Public Health Page Public Health (idsociety.org)

World Health Organization Webinars https://www.who.int/teams/epi-win/epi-win-webinars

Clinicians are encouraged to subscribe to the OC Health Care Agency’s Provider Advisory list to receive immediate notification of communicable disease related alerts. Providers can be added to our email list by signing up at this link: Provider Advisory Email Advisory