Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians February 2025
February 14, 2025
Regina Chinsio-Kwong, DO County Health Officer
A Valentines Message to all who have committed to serving others in our community.
Most who enter the medical, health care, community health, academia, research and scientific fields have the intent to serve and protect the health and dignity of individuals, families and communities. This intention to help others is a sign of love. Thank you for demonstrating your love through service to our communities.
While this year has already brought many challenges, remaining steadfast in holding true to our mission and intent to care for and protect our patients and communities can have a positive impact. You are all appreciated, you are all seen- know that so many in the community do appreciate your efforts. During these uncertain times, remember that our community has thrived for decades because of the commitment and service from those in our field. Your ongoing dedication will allow our community to continue thriving in uncertain times. I hope that the quote from American author Margaret Mead helps inspire you to continue, despite the uncertainties. I encourage you all to stay connected, keep the dialogue open and know that there are many in our community who can offer a wealth of knowledge, resources and support to help with navigating challenging times.
On January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded a policy that protected certain settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and places of worship from immigration enforcement activity.
• With this recent rescission, it is important for those working in previously protected settings to learn more about individual and privacy rights, and what to do in the event of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visitation.
• The National Immigration Law Center provides information and resources related to immigration.
Behavioral Health & Overdose Prevention
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) continues to increase public awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and overdose prevention through the Fentanyl is Forever campaign and the accompanying websites: www.FentanylisForeverOC.org and www.FentaniloOC.com. By visiting the websites, the public can learn about overdose prevention and obtain information on resources including community sites that provide free naloxone, the lifesaving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. The websites feature 14 free naloxone training and distribution sites in 10 cities across Orange County. At these locations, the public can also receive free environmental-friendly drug deactivation pouches for safely disposing of unwanted prescriptions.
The HCA Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention is hosting Expressions of Hope. An Art Exhibit aimed to inspire hope through creative expression. This free event will take place on Saturday, February 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Pacific City Mall in Huntington Beach, located at 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA 92648. You will get to experience stories of resilience through art pieces created by community members.
1. Adverse Events from Injectable Ceftriaxone
Epi-X Notification - Adverse Events Following Receipt of Injectable Ceftriaxone | Orange County California - Health Care Agency February 13, 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requesting reports for serious adverse events related to ceftriaxone to assist with its investigation of such events following administration of injectable ceftriaxone.
Please report to CDC adverse events that meet the following criteria, occurring after September 1, 2024:
1. Occurred within 6 hours after receipt of injectable* ceftriaxone in a non-ICU setting, and 2. Resulted in death or required cardiopulmonary resuscitation**, and
3. Not attributed by the treating provider(s) to a cause other than ceftriaxone administration***
*Including both intramuscular and intravenous routes of administration **cardiopulmonary resuscitation defined as the use of chest compressions and mechanical ventilation or provision of rescue breaths to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest
***such as known infection, other underlying medical condition, or exposure to a medication or medical product other than ceftriaxone
Please report to HCA's Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180. Health care providers should report serious adverse events that might be associated with a medical product to FDA’s MedWatch Program and to the product manufacturer.
2. International Outbreaks: Marburg & Ebola
CAHAN Disease Notification - Marburg virus disease in Tanzania and Ebola disease outbreak in Uganda | Orange County California - Health Care Agency February 7, 2025
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is closely monitoring an Ebola disease outbreak in Uganda caused by Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) and a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania. To date, no cases of SVD or MVD related to these outbreaks have been reported in the United States or other countries outside of the affected countries. The full CAHAN Disease Notification provides information about the SVD and MVD outbreaks and summarizes CDPH’s recommendations for case identification, testing, clinical laboratory biosafety and other considerations in California.
3. H5N1 in Cats
CD HEALTH ALERT: Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Influenza A (H5N1) in Cats and Raw Pet Food | Orange County California - Health Care Agency February 4, 2025
Two Orange County cats have been diagnosed with presumptive HPAI influenza H5N1 after consuming raw pet food sold at a farmers’ market. No transmission to humans has been identified at this time. Veterinary providers should consider HPAI infection when evaluating ill pets, particularly cats with a history of consumption of raw milk or raw food. Ill cats can have influenza testing performed by commercial veterinary diagnostic labs. For animals that die and are suspected of being infected with HPAI, the HCA Communicable Disease Control Division should be contacted at (714) 834-8180.
4. HIV, Syphilis & Hepatitis C Among the Unhoused Population
CD HEALTH ALERT: HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis C Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Orange County | Orange County California - Health Care Agency February 4, 2025
People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have increased risk for HIV and hepatitis C. Recent local data revealed that the vast majority of HIV cases among PEH were also co-infected with syphilis and hepatitis C. The recent Health Alert encouraging local clinicians and community partners serving people experiencing homelessness to:
- Test individuals who are unhoused for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C
- Provide condoms, harm reduction education and supplies for protection from HIV, hepatitis C and STIs
- Learn about treatment options to help individuals who are HIV+ to get and stay virally suppressed
- Know prevention and harm reduction options for those who are HIV -negative; these include HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP), which protects individuals from acquiring HIV.
In 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released a “Dear Colleague letter” about emergency department testing and treatment for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis. STI clinical guidance and tools can be found at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/STDs-ClinicalGuidelines.aspx while information about the CDPH Office of AIDS PrEP Assistance Program is available at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/Pages/Quick_Easy_Access_PrEP_PEP.aspx
Confidential Testing for HIV, Hepatitis C & STI is Available Year-round at Locations Below:
AltaMed
Website: www.altamed.org
Phone: (714) 500-0491
Address: call for locations and hours
Services: HIV/STI/HCV testing; treatment and care for STI/HIV/HCV
Access to Prevention Advocacy Intervention & Treatment (APAIT)- SSG
Website: www.apaitssg.org/
Phone: (714) 636-1349
Address: 12900 Garden Grove Blvd. B suite #222/225 Garden Grove, CA, 92843
Services: Walk-in for Rapid HIV and Rapid HCV results
Appointment required for full HIV/STI screenings
Referrals to HIV, STI, HCV treatment.
Families Together Orange County
Website: https://familiestogetheroc.org/
Phone: (800) 597-7977
Address: multiple- Tustin, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley
Services: HIV/STI/HCV Testing; Treatment and care for STI/HIV/HCV.
OC Health Care Agency/17th Street Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic
Website: http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std
Phone: (714) 834-8787
Address: 1725 W. 17th Street, 101F Santa Ana, CA 92706
Services: Appointments Preferred for HIV/STI/HCV Testing, limited walk in availability Treatment and care for HIV/STI, Referrals for HCV treatment
Radiant Health Centers
Website: www.radianthealthcenters.org
Phone: (949) 809-5700
Address: 17982 Sky Park Circle, Ste. M Irvine, CA 92614
Services: Appointments for HIV/STI/HCV Testing; walk based on availability, call first. Treatment and care for HIV/STI/HCV, call for eligibility information.
The LGBTQ Center Orange County
Website: https://www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/
Phone: (714) 953-5428
Address: 1605 N. Spurgeon St. Santa Ana, CA 92701
Services: HIV testing, call first. Referrals to HIV/STI/HCV treatment
For additional information about HIV services and testing sites in Orange County, please call (714) 8348335 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/hiv/sites
If you do not currently receive our Provider Advisories, you can add yourself to our email list by clicking here.
Public Health/Communicable Disease Control Division Updates
Respiratory Virus Updates
As of February 14, 2025, CDC Respiratory Data Channel indicates that on a national level seasonal flu activity is higher than it has been all season. The CDC is now classifying this season as a high severity influenza season for all age groups for the first time since 2017-2018.
• CDPH data indicates that Influenza activity in the state remained high for the week of February 2February 8, 2025, with RSV activity low and decreasing, and COVID-19 activity remaining low. The majority of positive influenza specimens are type A with both H1 and H3 strains circulating. Influenza type B represents a small minority of positive specimens.
• San Diego recently released a Health Advisory noting increased adolescent deaths due to seasonal influenza.
• The CDC is looking into reports of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE- a rare disease that can be associated with viral illnesses, including Influenza A) related to influenza infection in children. Providers are advised to reach out to the HCA if they identify suspect cases. A recently published article from September 2024 can be found here.
• According to CDPH, only a small percentage of eligible Californians have received the appropriate respiratory virus vaccines. The currently available 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are expected to work well against circulating variants.
• Along with the typical flu, RSV and COVID-19 viruses, earlier this winter season, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Pertussis as well as other respiratory viruses caused 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
Vaccination Rates
It’s not too late to encourage more people to catch up on vaccines, including the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19, Tdap, flu and other vaccines for other preventable diseases. National vaccination trends reported by the CDC as of February 14, 2025 on COVID, Flu, and RSV vaccination show the following:
• Percentage of the population reporting receipt of the updated 2024─25 COVID-19 vaccine
o 12.1% - children
o 23.1% - adults age 18+
o 45.2% among adults age 65+
• Percentage of the population reporting receipt of an influenza vaccine
o 45.9% - children
o 45% - adults age 18+
o 79.6% among adults age 65+
• Percentage of adults age 75+ reporting ever receiving an RSV vaccine is 46.2%.
According to CDPH as of February 3, 2025, 13.1% of eligible Californians and 11.8% of eligible Orange County residents are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. (CDPH Immunization Branch Provider Updates are provided every other Friday, Link to February 7 recorded webinar and slides)
With President Trumps’ recent executive orders, federal agencies paused external communications, while certain webpages were pulled down to comply, including certain materials on CDC’s website- such as Vaccine Information Sheets. Certain webpages have been restored following a federal judge order issued earlier this week. Other national and local professional organizations continue to provide guidance. Previously approved Vaccine Information Sheets are accessible from www.eziz.org and www.immunize.org. Additionally, previously archived CDC pages can be found at Home | CDC Archive.
Communicable Disease Control Division Updates
H5N1 Avian Influenza Updates
CD HEALTH ALERT: Risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Influenza A (H5N1) in Cats and Raw Pet Food | Orange County California - Health Care Agency February 4, 2025
Review of recent events:
• CDC recently released a Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report on February 13, 2025 and summarized findings from a serosurvey conducted across 150 veterinary practitioners that worked with cattle- finding that several had evidence of recent infection with HPAI A(H5) virus None of the practitioners found to have positive HPAI A(H5) serology reported flulike symptoms. Authors note that detection of HPAI A(H5) antibodies in persons without reported symptoms suggests that surveillance of symptomatic exposed workers might underestimate human infection
• USDA APHIS confirmed H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1 in dairy cattle in Nevada. This is the first time that the D1.1 genotype, which is widely circulating in wild birds, has been identified in dairy cattle.
• On January 7, 2025, to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds, California Department of Food & Agriculture instituted a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at fairs and shows. An FAQ about the ban is available here
• New cases of H5N1 continue to be seen in dairy and poultry farms in California as well as other states
• 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 (Orange County, Oregon, Los Angeles, AVMA), leading to recalls of raw pet food brands. With the death of more pet cats from exposure to contaminated pet food, HCA sent a health alert to veterinarians encouraging them to consider H5N1 in appropriate clinical situations.
• 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.
• 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).
Unusual or suspicious dead wild birds should be reported 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 healthcare provider or to go to work, notifying your healthcare 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 Assess Exposure History: Ask hospitalized patients with suspected/confirmed influenza if they’ve had recent contact with someone with H5N1 or exposure to high-risk settings (e.g., dairy farms).
o Infection Control:
• Use standard and droplet precautions for all suspected/confirmed influenza cases.
• If H5N1 is suspected or confirmed, place the patient in an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) and ensure caregivers use standard, contact, and airborne precautions (including goggles/face shield).
o Treatment: Start oseltamivir antiviral therapy immediately for ICU patients with seasonal or avian influenza (H5N1).
o CDC Testing Recommendation: All influenza A-positive respiratory specimens from hospitalized patients should be subtyped within 24 hours for better patient care, infection control, and public health surveillance. See advisory: Health Alert Network Advisory to Accelerate subtyping of influenza A in Hospitalized patients
o Report Cases: If H5N1 infection is suspected, notify the HCA Communicable Disease Control Division immediately at (714) 834-8180
o Additional information on the California situation can be found here
Media/Articles/Press Releases Over the Past Two Weeks:
• February 14, 2025: Avian flu hits more commercial and backyard poultry in 9 states | CIDRAP
• February 13, 2025: Ohio announces human H5N1 avian flu case, state's first | CIDRAP
• February 11, 2025: Avian flu strikes more poultry flocks in 7 states and more cats | CIDRAP
• February 10, 2025: Nevada reports H5N1 in dairy worker; USDA fleshes out D1.1 sequencing from affected herds | CIDRAP
• February 5, 2025: APHIS Confirms D1.1 Genotype in Dairy Cattle in Nevada | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
• February 3, 2025: Avian flu strikes more Nevada dairy herds, leading to starling removal | CIDRAP
• January 27, 2025: Tests identify H5N9 avian flu at California duck farm | CIDRAP
CDPH Resources:
• CDPH Human Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Quicksheet
• CDPH Toolkit: Bird Flu
• CDPH Avian Influenza A Infection Control for Healthcare Providers
• First cases of human Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in California & Preparation for Respiratory Virus Season (COVID-19, Influenza and RSV)
• Raw Milk and Raw Dairy Products
Additional Website links:
CDFA - Animal Health - Avian Influenza
H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC
Norovirus, Outbreaks, and Foodborne Illness Alerts
In the previous newsletter, the rise in Norovirus cases was mentioned. Norovirus continues to make its rounds through cities and counties. Please encourage the community to remain vigilant!
• The public can notify HCA by filling out a Foodborne illness online reporting or by calling (714) 433- 6418
• Providers and businesses can report suspected outbreak by completing the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Report
Additional Links/resources:
• Foodborne Illness and Illness Prevention | Orange County California - Health Care Agency
• 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
Measles
February 14, 2025: Measles Outbreak | Texas DSHS
- Texas measles outbreak doubles, to 48 cases | CIDRAP
- Measles Outbreak in Children Grows in One of Texas’ Least Vaccinated Counties | Scientific American
Mpox
February 13, 2024: CDC: First Clade Ib Monkeypox Virus Infection Reported in the Americas — California, November 2024 | MMWR
Tuberculosis Outbreaks Reported in the Media
- Kansas City, and several schools with tb cases have made headlines over the past month for exposures that occurred in 2024.
- Orange County has not experienced recent outbreaks, however we have created a dashboard that is now available for the public to view on our website at https://ochealthinfo.com/services-programs/hivstd-and-tb-clinics/pulmonary-diseaseservices. Data shared include annual tuberculosis incidence rates and much more.
- Learn more about TB! Register for our TB Controller’s Webinar on March 24 at 12 noon PST.
ALERTS/RECALLS
Lead Alerts
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared a recall announced by New York Wholesale Group for their product Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder because of the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Shatavari powder is an ayurvedic remedy that patients may be using to support female reproductive health, hormone imbalances, the digestive system, or other health/wellness issues.
The product is packaged in clear 100g (3.5oz) jars with a gold lid with UPC number 63502899940. Product codes included in the recall are Batch No: SR 04 Mfd. Date: JULY/2022 and can be found on the back panel of the bottle. Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder was distributed to retailers located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut between 10/21/2022 and 04/15/2024 and is also available online for purchase. Consumers can return the product at the store they purchased it from for a full refund. Consumers can contact New York Wholesale Group for questions by calling 1-800-516-7606.
CDPH recommends providers to:
• Raise awareness about these products as community members may use them when preparing food for their children and their families.
• Advise patients/families to:
o Avoid using these products in food.
• Test children for lead exposure if children consumed food prepared 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.
For additional information and resources, please refer to the OC CLPPP website at: https://ochealthinfo.com/lead and CDPH website at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/CLPPBhome.aspx.
International Travel Health Notices
February 2025
• Level 2 - Clade I Mpox in Central and Eastern Africa
• Level 2 - Ebola in Uganda January 2025
• Level 2 - Oropouche in Parts of Brazil and Panama
• Level 1 - Oropouche in the Americas
• Level 1 - Marburg in Tanzania
• Level 1 - Malaria in Ethiopia
• Level 2 - Global Polio
Foodborne Illness - Multistate Outbreaks
1. Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA
Date Brand Name(s)
02/12/2025 CHOSHIYA Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot
02/10/2025 Genova, Van Camp’s, H-EB, Trader Joe’s
Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness
Canned tuna Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness
Recall
Potential Foodborne IllnessBotulism
Potential Foodborne IllnessBotulism
AKT Trading Inc.
Links:
02/08/2025 Jack & the Green Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness
02/06/2025 Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness
01/31/2025 Gerber Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks
01/31/2025 Blue Ridge Beef Natural Mix
Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness
Animal & Veterinary, Foodborne Illness, Pet Food, Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness, Pet Food
01/27/2025 Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder Food & Beverages, Contaminants
Potential Foodborne Illness –Listeria monocytogenes
Potential Foodborne IllnessSalmonella
Potential choking hazard for babies and young children
Tri-Union Seafoods
Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc.
Turkana Food Inc.
Gerber Products Company
Salmonella contamination Blue Ridge Beef
Product may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.
New York Wholesale Group
USDA Recalls & Public Health Alerts from Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/outbreaks/index.html
1. American Heart Month
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death nationally and statewide for most groups* (American Heart Association, California State of Public Health Full Report 2024). This year’s theme from the American Heart Association is to Create a Nation of Lifesavers. The American Heart Association has set a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030 and encourages more people to join the nation of lifesavers by learning CPR.
Cardiac arrests occur in both children and adults:
• Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital in the US.
• More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year.40% are related to sports. Nearly 20% are infants.
• Only about 41% of people who experience cardiac arrest receive CPR from people nearby while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
• CPR, especially if performed immediately can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Statistics Update, many adults have chronic conditions that increase the risk of heart disease:
• Nearly 47% of US adults have high blood pressure.
• More than 72% of US adults have unhealthy weight (currently defined as body mass index ≥25, with nearly 42% having obesity (currently defined as body mass index ≥30).
• More than half of US adults (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
It is important to continue to continue to encourage individuals and communities to improve lifestyle factors including diet (Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee), regular exercise (Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans | odphp.health.gov), maintaining a healthy weight, smoking cessation, reduction/avoidance of alcohol) and control comorbidities to reduce overall cardiovascular risk. Additionally, getting more people in the community to learn about how to deliver CPR can also save lives.
*In Orange County, Heart disease ranked second to cancer as the leading cause of mortality for Asians and Native Hawaiians (OC API Taskforce Data to Action September 2024), (Population Profile Overview: Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders 2022).
2. National Cancer Prevention Month
This is a great time to reflect on the achievements and advancements in screening, diagnostics and treatments as well as the positive impacts of improving lifestyle to further reduce risks.
Since 2010 to present, the top 6 leading causes of cancer related deaths in Orange County include lung, colorectal, pancreatic, breast, prostate, and liver cancer. The good news is that lung cancer has steadily been trending downward. By gender in Orange County between 2021-2023, lung cancer remained the # 1 cause of death for both men and women*, while prostate ranked #2 for men, and breast cancer ranked #2 for women. Slight differences of leading causes of cancer related death are noted below:
- Hispanic and Black Women (all ages) - #1 leading cause of cancer death: Breast Cancer
- Black Men (all ages) - #1 leading cause of cancer death: Prostate Cancer
- Women under 50 - #1 leading cause of cancer death: Breast Cancer
- Men under 50 - #1 leading cause of cancer death: Colorectal Cancer
*Note - while lung cancer rates overall have declined in the US by 2.6% per year for men and by 1.1% for women since 2006, the rates have increased by 2% per year in Asian women. Additionally, for Asian women found to have lung cancer, more than 50% have never smoked.
According to the American Cancer Society, at least 40% of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States are avoidable - including 90% of cancers caused by cigarette smoking, 8% caused by excess body weight and 5% caused by alcohol consumption as noted by the US Surgeon General’s recent advisory on alcohol and cancer risk. In addition to lifestyle modifications, early screening, detection and treatment can further reduce mortality rates.
Across the county, community organizations, hospitals, clinics and cancer survivors are doing more to increase awareness. Cancer is the leading cause of death many subgroups in the Orange County Asian population as highlighted in several reports (Data To Action and Population Profile Overview). Breast cancer rates are rising fastest in younger women as noted in a recent interview with CBS news. The OC Asian American Cancer Partnership collaborated to raise awareness of cancer screening, particularly in the AAPI community. I was honored to be a part of the event in an effort to encourage others to be screened for cancer.
Upcoming March Observances
National Dentist Day - March 6, 2025
National No Smoking Day - March 12, 2025
World TB-Day - March 24, at 12 noon
(Register for a Webinar on TB from the HCA’s TB Controller!)
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Nutrition Month
National Poison Prevention Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan
The Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan 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 OC Health Care Agency (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. 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:
• National Foundation for Infectious Disease
Vaccines During Pregnancy: Protecting Maternal and Infant Health
Speakers: Robert H. Hopkins, Jr. MD, NFID Medical Director, Kevin A. Ault, MD Western Michigan
University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Flor M. Munoz, MD, MSc, Baylor College of Medicine.
Date: February 13, 2025, 2 p.m. ET Webinar Registration Link
• University of California Systemwide Grand Rounds, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine
Avian Flu: An Emerging and Evolving Threat to Humans and Animals
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 12 p.m. PT
Continuing education credit is available for health professions
Registration link: https://ucsf.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dn8C9oTSSTmbntjttOf6Fg#/registration
• National Association of County & City Health Officials- NACCHO
State of Mental Health in US Communities
Date: February 19, 2025, 11 a.m. PST
Registration link: Webinar Registration - Zoom
• Syphilis Testing and Treatment in Emergency Departments and Jails
Date: February 20, 2025, 11 a.m. PST
Registration link: Syphilis Testing and Treatment in Emergency Departments and Jails
• The American Public Health Association
Second Annual Climate, Health and Equity Summit exploring the intersectionality of climate, health and equity; build community; and advance collaborative work in the pursuit of a healthier, more equitable future.
Time: Feb 27 2025, 1 p.m. and Feb 28 2025, 5 p.m. EST
Location: virtual
Registration link: APHA's Climate, Health and Equity Summit
• 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: 9:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m. (Registration and Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. Event starts at 9:30 a.m.)
Location: This is an in-person event – more information to follow.
Registration link: First 100 Days
• California Medical Association (CMA)
Virtual Grand Rounds: Long COVID Update: What We Know Now
Date: March 11, 2025
Registration link: CMA Events
• SouthWest Regional Trauma Coordinating Committee (SWRTCC)
Virtual Trauma Grand Rounds: An Overview of Prehospital Transfusion in Hemorrhagic Shock
Date: March 15, 2025, 9 a.m. PST
Registration required by March 2, 2025.
Registration link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/32d278e7ea33473591c267294665bdb3
Details: An Overview of Prehospital Blood Transfusion Program, presented by Dr. Kelsey Wilhelm, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Medical Director, Compton Fire Department Prehospital Blood Transfusion in California (CALDROP) Panel Discussion Dr. Stephen Patterson, Riverside Community Hospital, and Medical Director, Corona Fire Department; Capt. Chris Douglas, Fire Captain-EMS Division, Corona Fire Department; Kelley Long, RN, EMS Educator, Corona Fire Department; Edward Campana, FFPM, Ventura County Fire Department
Approved for 2 hours of instructor-based EMS CE, California Board of Registered Nursing CE. CME approval in process.
• OC Health Care Agency
Community Provider’s Role in TB Control: How to Help Stop an Ancient Killer
Date: March 24, 2025, 12 noon PST
Webinar Link: https://securetelehealth.zoom.us/j/88373022327#success
Details: Dr. Helene Calvet, MD, Medical Director and TB controller at the OC Health Care Agency will discuss tuberculosis screening, diagnosis and treatment. She will also review other things to consider in suspected cases. CME and nursing CE’s will be offered to those who sign in, attend the entire training and complete online registration survey. This training is approved for up to 1.0 CME and nursing CE hours.
Previously recorded webinars/Podcasts
• California Medical Association: Southern California Wildfire Response- What Clinicians Need to Know Recorded from January 29, 2025. Available on-demand for free.
• National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education (NETEC) Podcast: Transmission Interrupted: https://netec.org/podcast/
Episode 35: February 5, 2025: Behind the Scenes: Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hollywood. Dr. Saskia Popescu shares her experiences providing epidemiological guidance and infection prevention strategies on film sets during COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode 34: January 8, 2025: Navigating CCHF- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: Risks, Prevention, and Health Care Precautions
Previous episodes also focus on Dengue, H5N1 Wastewater Testing, Marburg Virus, and much more.
• Online on demand courses from National Special Pathogen System, to H5N1 Town Hall updates and Mpox available at: https://netec.org/education-training/#ceus
• Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Offers daily news headlines, and newsletters for specific communicable disease topics Podcast: Osterholm Update Dr. Michael Osterholm discusses the latest infectious disease developments. Link: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/osterholm-update
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/educationevents/webinars/
• Infectious Disease Society of America Public Health Page Public Health (idsociety.org)
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Clinicians are encouraged to subscribe to Orange County 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