Keep Your Thanksgiving Meal Safe from Foodborne Illness

November 19, 2008
As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, consumers are encouraged to pay special attention to the handling and preparation of foods to help prevent foodborne illness from ruining a holiday meal. Traditional Thanksgiving food items such as poultry, dressings and gravy are delicious holiday standards, but can also be sources where bacteria can thrive.

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Air Quality Improves in Orange County But Some Areas Still Impacted by Smoke from Freeway Complex Fire

November 18, 2008
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) says air quality may still reach Unhealthy levels in North Orange County today, although air quality across the region has improved significantly with greater control of the recent wildfires including the Freeway Complex Fire.

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Smoke from Freeway Complex Fire in Orange County Continues to Pose Potential Public Health Danger

November 17, 2008
Smoke from Freeway Complex Fire in Orange County Continues to Pose Potential Public Health Danger

Smoke from the Freeway Complex Fire in Orange County may pose a health danger to county residents and visitors, especially those in certain high-risk groups. In addition, continued warm temperatures forecast for today may also contribute to the public health danger.

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Orange County Nurse-Family Partnership Celebrates 10th Anniversary

November 6, 2008
The Orange County Nurse-Family Partnership will mark its 10th anniversary November 10th with a celebratory event attended by program participants and their children, and local and national program representatives.

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Get a Free Flu Shot on November 7th

October 24, 2008
Free flu shots for adults and children will be offered November 7th at two Orange County locations as part of a continuing series of emergency exercises testing the county’s ability to hold several mass vaccination clinics at the same time.

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Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics Begin in Orange County

October 23, 2008
The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has scheduled flu shot clinics beginning the week of October 27 at various locations throughout the area to protect residents from seasonal influenza (flu). HCA encourages those in high-risk groups and anyone wishing to decrease their risk of influenza to receive a flu shot. The first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza this season was reported to the County earlier this month through a network of physicians who provide information about influenza activity in the community. Sporadic influenza activity has been reported throughout the state.

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Orange County Joins Unique National Effort to Prevent Substance Abuse Among Children and Teens

September 18, 2008
The Prevention Coalitions of Orange County (PCOC) and the Orange County Health Care Agency are joining in the eighth annual celebration of Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children™ on September 22 as part of the continuing effort to prevent substance abuse among children and teens.

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State Report Ranks Orange County on Health Indicators

September 4, 2008
The 2008 County Health Status Profiles report from the California Department of Public Health and the California Conference of Local Health Officers shows Orange County has already met several of the national Healthy People 2010 objectives.

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Health Care Agency Reports Second West Nile Virus Related Death in Orange County

August 28, 2008
Testing by the Health Care Agency has confirmed the second West Nile Virus (WNV) related death of an Orange County resident this year.

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California’s First West Nile Virus Death Reported in Orange County

August 25, 2008
A 72 year old Orange County woman is the first person in California to die of West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year.

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County Offers New Home-Generated Sharps Disposal Options Beginning September 1, 2008

August 25, 2008
Orange County residents have several options available to comply with a new state law taking effect September 1, 2008 that prohibits the disposal of medical sharps waste in household trash.

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West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed in Orange County

July 18, 2008
Testing has confirmed the first two symptomatic West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in Orange County for 2008, bringing the total number of reported WNV human infections this year to four.

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Orange County Confirms First Human West Nile Virus Infections of 2008

July 17, 2008
Two Central Orange County residents have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the County’s first confirmed human WNV infections in 2008.

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On-line Restaurant Inspection Information Enhanced

July 14, 2008
The Orange County Health Care Agency has enhanced the information about restaurant inspections available on the ocfoodinfo.com website, now offering access to an electronic version of the actual inspection report.

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July 4th Picnic Plans? – Bring the Insect Repellent!

July 2, 2008
The timing of the Independence Day holiday means a long weekend for many people, with an opportunity to enjoy family gatherings, picnics in the park and fireworks displays. But the arrival of Summer also means the start of West Nile Virus season, so it is important to protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus (WNV) infection.

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Mental Health Services Act Capital Facilities and Technology Plan Available for Public Review and Comment

June 16, 2008
The Orange County Health Care Agency’s draft plan to seek $28.3 million in Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Capital Facilities and Technological Needs Plan funding is available for public review and comment through July 6, 2008.

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Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention Programs Subject of Focus Groups

June 3, 2008
Public input that will help shape programs and services offering early assistance to those with a mental health problem will be sought at a series of “Speak Up” focus group forums in Orange County during the month of June.

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Youth-Created "Tobacco and Hollywood" Ad Unveiled

May 29, 2008
The unveiling of the artwork by Kayla Enos, a student and young artist from Orange County High School for the Arts, will be held June 3 at 2:30 p.m. at a bus shelter on the corner of Main St. and Edinger Ave. Kayla’s cartoon was chosen from more than 100 entries as one of the best cartoons educating the public about the impact that smoking in movies has on youth. The “Tobacco and Hollywood” project offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community through the development of their artwork. En Español

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Youth-Created "Tobacco and Hollywood" Ad Unveiled

May 29, 2008
The unveiling of the artwork by Melissa Markowitz, a student and young artist from Huntington Beach High School, will be held June 4 at 10:30 a.m. at a bus shelter on the corner of 17th St. and Main St right by the Huntington Beach High School. Melissa’s cartoon was chosen from more than 100 entries as one of the best cartoons educating the public about the impact that smoking in movies has on youth. The “Tobacco and Hollywood” project offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community through the development of their artwork. En Español

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Youth-Created "Tobacco and Hollywood" Ad Unveiled

May 29, 2008
The unveiling of the artwork by Lilia Vega, a student and young artist from Orange County High School for the Arts, will be held June 3 at 1:30 p.m. at a bus shelter on the corner of McFadden Ave. and Main St. Lilia’s cartoon was chosen from more than 100 entries as one of the best cartoons educating the public about the impact that smoking in movies has on youth. The “Tobacco and Hollywood” project offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community through the development of their artwork. En Español

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Mussel Quarantine

May 22, 2008
The County of Orange Health Care Agency reminds shellfish consumers that the Annual Mussel Quarantine in California took effect on May 1st and will continue through October 31st, 2008.

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Early Season Hot Spell Brings Risk of Heat Related Illness

May 15, 2008
The National Weather Service is predicting near record high temperatures for some areas of Orange County over the next several days and area residents are urged to take precautions to prevent heat related illnesses.

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Report Details Mental Health Services Act Implementation Progress

May 7, 2008
Progress made during 2007 in the implementation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Community Services and Supports Plan in Orange County is detailed in a report now available for public review and comment.

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Youth-Created "Tobacco and Hollywood" Ad Unveiled

May 5, 2008
The unveiling of the artwork by Kristen Lee, a student and young artist from Sonora High School, will be held May 6 at 10:30 a.m. at a bus shelter on the corner of Harbor Blvd. and Lambert Rd. Kristen’s cartoon was chosen from more than 100 entries as one of the best cartoons educating the public about the impact that smoking in movies has on youth. The “Tobacco and Hollywood” project offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community through the development of their artwork.

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Youth-Created "Tobacco and Hollywood" Ad Unveiled

May 5, 2008
The unveiling of the artwork by Diane Negrete and Rocio Martinez, students and young artists from Sonora High School, will be held May 6 at 1:30 p.m. at a bus shelter on the corner of La Habra Blvd. and Palm St. Diane and Rocio’s cartoon was chosen from more than 100 entries as one of the best cartoons educating the public about the impact that smoking in movies has on youth. The “Tobacco and Hollywood” project offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community through the development of their artwork.

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Youth-Created "Tobacco and Hollywood" Ad Unveiled

May 5, 2008
The unveiling of the artwork by Faith Dela Cruz, a student and young artist from Buena Park High School, will be held May 8 at 10:30 a.m. at a bus shelter on the corner of Knott Ave. and Orangethorpe Ave. Faith’s cartoon was chosen from more than 100 entries as one of the best cartoons educating the public about the impact that smoking in movies has on youth. The “Tobacco and Hollywood” project offers youth ages 11-17 the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community through the development of their artwork.

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Plan for Mental Health Services Act Workforce Education and Training Funding Available for Public Review and Comment

April 3, 2008
The Orange County Health Care Agency’s draft plan to seek $8.2 million in Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Workforce Education and Training funding is now available for public review and comment during a thirty-day period ending May 2, 2008.

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Bat Found At Apartment Complex in Anaheim Tests Positive for Rabies

March 28, 2008
Anyone who may have come into contact with a bat found Saturday, March 22 at the Canyon Village Apartments, 1265 N. Chrisden St., Anaheim, is asked to call the Orange County Health Care Agency, following tests that showed the bat was infected with rabies.

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Tuberculosis (TB) Cases in Orange County Continue to Decrease

March 24, 2008
Tuberculosis (TB) cases in Orange County decreased 4% during 2007, with a total of 217 TB cases reported during the last calendar year.

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Orange County Animal Care Services Hosts “Meet the Prison Pups” Event

February 26, 2008
Orange County Animal Care Services (OCACS) will host its first “Meet the Prison Pups” event Saturday, March 1 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Animal Care Center, 561 The City Drive South, Orange.

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Local Food Establishments Receive Awards of Excellence

February 22, 2008
From a qualifying group of 9,642 food facilities throughout the County, the Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Division has issued 2,241 Award of Excellence certificates to local Orange County food facilities this month.

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Hospital Emergency Rooms Feel the Impact of Seasonal Illnesses

February 21, 2008
Hospital emergency rooms in Orange County are busy, due in part to influenza and other respiratory and viral illnesses that normally occur this time of year.

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Influenza Activity Increasing in Orange County

February 14, 2008
Reports from health care providers and laboratories indicate that influenza activity in Orange County is increasing, mirroring a trend being seen in the rest of California and nationwide.

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Precautions Urged for Travel Associated with Lunar New Year - Tieng Viet

January 30, 2008
People traveling for the Lunar New Year to countries where avian influenza A (H5N1) cases have been reported are urged to take precautions before, during and after their travel.

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Endemic Typhus Cases on the Increase in Orange County

January 22, 2008
Endemic (flea-borne) typhus, an illness that prior to 2006 was considered rare in Orange County, is on the increase, with six confirmed or probable endemic typhus cases reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency in the first few weeks of 2008.

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Need Help with That New Year’s Resolution to Quit Smoking?

January 14, 2008
If your New Year’s Resolution to quit smoking has turned out to be more difficult than you expected, there’s free help available from the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program.

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