Key Messages

• Influenza percent positivity in Orange County has risen steadily since August.
• Percent of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness have nearly doubled since the start of September.
• Overall influenza activity is rising much earlier this year compared to prior seasons, when increases usually began in October or November.
• OC Health Care Agency has issued an updated Health Officer Order requiring annual influenza immunizations for healthcare workers each respiratory virus season.

California, in coordination with the West Coast Health Alliance, issued immunization recommendations for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease, and COVID-19 (PDF)​ for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season. Providers should offer immunizations (influenza, RSV, COVID-19) and encourage testing to all eligible persons, with emphasis on infants and young chi​ldren, older adults, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals, those with chronic conditions, residents of skilled nursing facilities, and congregate settings, and healthcare personnel. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) - A bat found between 18 Wedgewood and 28 Whispering Pine in Irvine tested positive for rabies. The bat was found on September 28 at 4:45 p.m. Anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is asked to call the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180 during business hours or after hours to determine the risk for rabies. Owners of pets who may have had contact with this bat should contact their veterinarian.

The rabies virus is found in an animal’s saliva and is transmitted to people by a bite from a rabid animal. Although very rare, contamination of the eyes, mouth or an open wound by the saliva of a rabid animal can also transmit rabies. Most cases of human rabies in the United States in recent years have resulted from bat strains of rabies; bats have very small teeth, and their bites may go unnoticed.

Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal. For that reason, preventive treatment to stop the rabies virus from causing illness is given to anyone who may have been exposed to rabies. Medical assistance should be obtained promptly after an exposure so any wound can be cleaned and preventive treatment can be started. This treatment is safe and effective.

The HCA and OC Animal Care recommend the following actions to minimize the risk of rabies:

• Avoid all contact with wild animals.
• Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.
• Do not sleep with open unscreened windows or doors.
• If bats are seen inside the house or other structure, close off the area and contact animal control. Once the bat(s) have been removed, close off any areas allowing entrance into the house.
• Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals.
• Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water, being sure to flush the wound well, then contact your doctor.
• Report all animal bites to OC Animal Care.

Potential exposure to a bat or other wild animal should be reported to HCA Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180. To report a bat in your home or an animal bite, contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848.

More information about rabies is available at the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

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ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.

Source

(Santa Ana, CA) - Temperatures across Orange County are expected to rise into the upper 90s and low 100s from Friday, October 2, through Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Residents and visitors are urged to take precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
 
High temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke for those at higher risk for heat illness, including people who work outdoors, infants, children, pregnant people, ages 65 or older, and people with chronic conditions.
 
Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat cramps or heatstroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness. Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid pulse, and a throbbing headache.
 
If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.
 
Recommended precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses include:

• Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a wide brim hat and use sunscreen.
• Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
• Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
• Check on those, like neighbors, who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
• Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool. To find a cooling center near you, visit Cooling Centers | Orange County (ocgov.com)

Since temperatures and conditions can vary widely throughout the county, local schools, child care facilities, and organizations working with children are encouraged to visit the State of California Office of School Health Hub for heat planning guidance and sports and activities recommendations to protect students and youth during these high temperature alert periods.

For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit Health Corner - Heat Stroke Is No Joke And It Can Strike Anyone, CDPH Be Informed Extreme Heat and California HeatReadyCA.com.

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ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.

Source

(Santa Ana, CA) - The first human deaths associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County in 2026 have been confirmed in older adults this week by OC Health Care Agency (HCA) officials. With a severe season and increased cases reported across California, residents and visitors are urged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Orange County has had 36 WNV infections reported this year. Because about 80% of people infected with WNV have no symptoms, and the majority of cases of West Nile fever do not seek medical care and are not tested, the reported case counts greatly underestimate the number of infected people in Orange County.
 
Symptoms of West Nile infection include fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. Anyone who develops the more serious symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness or vision loss should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from West Nile virus infection.
 
“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of those who passed. West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “This year has been particularly intense, with detections of the virus in humans, mosquitoes, and birds. The recent fatalities show how serious and harmful WNV can be. The best way to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection is to take measures to avoid mosquito bites and take measures to reduce mosquito breeding around your home.”

Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to eliminate areas in which mosquitoes may breed, including flowerpots and pet bowls.
• Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition.
• Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535, always following label directions.
• Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors.

Most people who become infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, but about 20% will develop fever and may have headache, body aches, nausea, tiredness and sometimes a skin rash. More serious symptoms, such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, or paralysis, occur more rarely, but people who develop these symptoms should seek medical care immediately. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of serious complications from WNV infection.
Information on mosquito control is available on the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District website at www.ocvector.org. Other websites with helpful information about WNV include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC West Nile Virus
• State of California: California Department of Public Health - West Nile Virus
• State of California WNV Testing: West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis Viruses in CA: Guidelines for Human Testing, Surveillance, and Reporting
• OC Health Care Agency: West Nile Virus | Orange County California - Health Care Agency
• OC Health Care Agency: Mosquitoes More Than Just a Nuisance

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ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.

Source

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory in response to recent reports of increases in human exposures to rabid or possibly rabid animals and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administration errors. Since July 2026, multiple United States jurisdictions have reported local increases in human rabies exposures involving known rabies vectors or animals in which rabies is less commonly reported. Several high-profile rabies outbreaks and mass rabies exposure events have highlighted the importance of performing careful rabies risk assessments and following evidence-based recommendations for administering PEP. Health departments can help clinicians who provide rabies vaccination in their jurisdictions stay aware of the importance of rabies risk assessments before administering PEP. Clinicians and healthcare facilities can work to make sure that PEP is administered only when appropriate and that human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and rabies vaccines are administered according to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations.

View the full report.

On September 4, 2026 the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in conjunction with the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) announced immunization recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. A table of CDPH\WCHA recommendations can be accessed here and are reproduced below. These recommendations have been informed by guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). In addition, guidance from the Infectious Diseases Society of America addresses immunizations against respiratory viruses for immunocompromised individuals. More info...

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In honor of recovery month, I would like to celebrate the millions of Americans recovering from substance use disorders as well as their loved ones supporting them along the way. 

I am grateful to work with the OC Health Care Agency as a double board certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine physician, treating patients in the Substance Use Disorders program as well as Adult Mental Health Services. Every day I see how substance use disorders affect my patients as well as their whole families. 

Watching a loved one struggle with a substance use disorder can cause immense pain, anger, and grief which leave families feeling powerless. Family members can provide support on the journey, but ultimately the person suffering with a substance use disorder must be willing to accept help. If you love someone with a substance use disorder, the following tips might be helpful.

1. Care for yourself – Supporting a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol use can be physically and emotionally draining. It is important that you prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise and social connection. 
2. You are not alone – Often families try to keep substance use disorders a secret, due to shame, guilt and stigma. It is important to know you are not alone. Millions of families have been touched by addiction. Some find community in mutual support groups like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon and Alateen. Meeting Directory | Al-Anon Family Groups | Information Service of Orange County | Incorporated 1975
3. Be a role model – Substance use disorders often run in families. If you yourself have experienced problems with drug or alcohol use, engaging in your own treatment plan is one of the best things you can do to support others in your life. Many families chose to keep drugs and alcohol completely out of the house.
4. Understand the signs of a medical emergency – Substance use can be deadly. If you are worried about your loved one’s health, you can support them in accessing medical care. Do not hesitate to call 911 if your loved one is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or severely confused. Families can be prepared for early intervention in opioid overdose by learning how to use naloxone – an easy to administer lifesaving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Get Naloxone – Fentanyl is Forever OC
5. Set boundaries – There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for creating an environment of consistent consequences and accountability around substance use. Boundaries should be put in place to keep everyone safe. Although you love someone and have empathy for what they are going through, substance use is never an excuse for someone to be abusive. Crisis intervention is needed if your loved one’s behaviors become dangerous to themselves or others. OC/Links Crisis line (855) 625-4657.
6. Highlight the positives and embrace opportunities for change – Many families touched by addiction, notice more bad days than good. If there is a moment of light, where your loved one expresses interest in change, it helps to know about treatment options. There are many ways that someone can start their recovery journey. You can support your loved one in calling OC/Links (855) 625-4657 to get more information.
7. Understand their treatment plan – Once your loved one enters a recovery program it is helpful to know their plan so that you can best support their recovery. Treatment for substance use disorders can be different from person to person and may involve: medical withdrawal management, residential treatment, outpatient groups, individual therapy, and medications that help support their recovery. If your loved one allows, you may be able to connect with their treatment team to further understand the plan. 

Supporting a loved one with a substance use disorder is a difficult journey affecting millions of families. While we unfortunately hear about more and more families losing loved ones to substance use disorders, I want to encourage that there is hope. As a doctor I have seen my patients recover from substance use disorders and rebuild their lives and relationships. I have been inspired by the spouses, parents, siblings and friends who act with love even when it means making hard choices. Substance use disorders are not destined to end in tragedy. Recovery is possible. 

Resources 

Family Support Groups

1. Nar-Anon Family Groups: Find a 12-step program for family and friends of people with a substance use disorder.
2. SMART Recovery Family & Friends: Meetings, podcasts, and blogs available for family members of people with a substance use disorder.
3. Al-Anon: A mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
4. Alateen: A fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Al-Anon Family Groups | Information Service of Orange County | Incorporated 1975
5. Families Anonymous: A 12-step fellowship for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioral problems.
6. GRASP: A support organization for those who have lost a loved one to substance use or overdose.

Overdose prevention

Get Naloxone – Fentanyl is Forever OC

Connect to services 

OC/Links (855)625-4657 OC Links: Behavioral Health Information, Referrals, Crisis Response And More | Orange County California - Health Care Agency

About Dr. Kelly Moquin
Dr. Kelly Moquin is initially from New York where she completed medical school at Albany Medical College. She became board certified in both Psychiatry and Family Medicine following combined residency training at UC Davis. After working as a clinical professor of family medicine at UC Irvine, she joined the OC Health Care Agency as a bilingual Psychiatrist in both departments of Substance Use Disorders and Adult Mental Health Services. Dr. Moquin is passionate about education, advocacy, team-based care and treating patients as whole people within their system of support.