Key Messages

• California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges clinicians and local health departments to remain vigilant for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), which presents as sudden limb weakness usually in children and can lead to permanent paralysis.
• Increased summer travel and gatherings may elevate circulation of respiratory pathogens, including enterovirus D68 (EV‑D68), a virus previously associated with AFM surges.
• Although AFM and EV‑D68 activity remain low in 2026, providers should stay alert for potential increases in EV‑D68 respiratory disease and subsequent AFM cases.
• Clinicians should also consider poliovirus in patients with sudden limb weakness and obtain whole‑stool samples, especially when patients are under‑vaccinated or unvaccinated.
• Clinicians who suspect AFM in a patient should notify Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180.

Full Advisory: Stay Alert for Acute Flaccid Myelitis in Late Summer and Early Fall

A resident of Anaheim has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year. In 2025, Orange County had three WNV human infections. As of July 31st, the California Department of Public Health reported 11 human infections of West Nile Virus statewide this season. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) - A resident of Anaheim has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection, becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year. Since there are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat WNV, health officials urge residents to take precautions. 
 
“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. “There have been multiple detections of WNV positive mosquitoes in Orange County, signaling that this could be an intense WNV season. The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.”

Recommended WNV precautions include:

• Emptying all standing water on your property to reduce 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 when 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 - Epidemiology
• OC Health Care Agency: Mosquitoes More Than Just a Nuisance

###

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

A case of measles has been confirmed in a pediatric patient residing in Orange County who recently returned from international travel. This is the 5th case of confirmed measles reported in an OC resident in 2026. The majority of these cases are associated with international travel. In 2025 2 cases of measles were reported. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) –   The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) received confirmation of a measles case in a toddler who had history of international travel. The HCA is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in healthcare and other settings.
 
“Measles is highly contagious. Anyone planning domestic or international travel—or hosting visitors—should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks beforehand. Everyone 12 months and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine before travel, scheduled at least 28 days apart, before departure. Infants six to eleven months old who are traveling internationally should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults and others who are not immune remain at risk, especially as outbreaks continue across the country and worldwide,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, Deputy County Health Officer. “Vaccination is the best protection.”
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have already been 2,371 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in 2026. This marks the highest annual case count since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, surpassing the 2,289 cases reported during the full year of 2025.  
 
Common symptoms include fever, cough, red watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the head before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles is the most contagious disease known, and it spreads very easily through the air and by direct contact with an infected person. People are contagious from approximately four days before the rash begins through four days after the rash appears.
 
Anyone who suspects they may have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others. Clinicians should immediately report any suspected measles cases to the OC Health Care Agency for guidance and testing coordination.
 
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. About measles immunization:

• Immunizing household members, including children, adolescents, and adults, is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
• Infants should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given between 4 and 6 years of age, before starting school.
• Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Children 6 to 12 months of age who are traveling internationally are recommended to receive a dose of the MMR vaccine prior to travel, to decrease their risk of infection. Before traveling to domestic measles outbreak areas, talk to a healthcare provider about following immunization recommendations for international travel.
• Children 12 months and older, as well as adults, should receive two doses, at least 28 days apart, before travel if not already vaccinated.

For more information about measles, visit
California Department of Public Health - Measles and 
OC Health Care Agency - Measles

For additional resources: 

• See article: Together We Can Prevent Measles
• Measles Awareness Infographic English, Spanish   

###
 

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

Image

Summer is here and with that comes mosquito season. Did you know that mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal in the world? There is a long list of diseases spread by the bites of mosquitoes. In Orange County, the most common disease spread by mosquito bites is West Nile virus (WNV).

Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. Some may experience a short‑lived fever that goes away on its own. In rare cases, the virus can infect the brain and cause encephalitis, which can lead to severe illness or death. People who develop encephalitis may have complications such as paralysis, coma, or long‑term cognitive impairment. Fewer than one in a hundred infected individuals develop encephalitis, but the risk is highest among older adults, those with multiple underlying health conditions, and people with weakened immune systems.

West Nile virus was known to circulate in parts of Africa for many years. In 1999, it was detected for the first time in people in the New York area who had no travel history, and mosquitoes in the same area tested positive for the virus. Despite mosquito‑control efforts, West Nile virus spread across the country. In Orange County, the first human cases were identified in 2004, and the highest number occurred in 2014, when 280 infections were reported.

This summer, 2026, many mosquito samples in Orange County have already tested positive for West Nile virus. There is concern that the large number of mosquitoes testing positive so far could lead to higher numbers of people becoming infected this summer and fall.

Because there is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, it is very important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Removing mosquito breeding areas around your home, such as stagnant water, making sure screens are intact, wearing long sleeves when outside around dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes who carry West Nile virus are most active, and using EPA-registered, mosquito repellent outside during dawn and dusk will help prevent bites. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Agency has valuable resources on protecting your household from mosquitoes as a part of their Mosquitoes Suck! Campaign. The California Department of Public Health also has a wealth of information on their mosquito repellents website.

Resources

• OC Vector Control
• Mosquitoes Suck Campaign
• Make Your Home Mosquito Free
• Report an Issue
• West Nile Virus Activity in Orange County
• California Department of Public Health – Mosquitoes
• Environmental Protection Agency – Find the Right Repellant for You
• Environmental Protection Agency – Using Repellants Safely

About Dr. Christopher Zimmerman
Dr. Christopher Zimmerman is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He has more than a decade of experience as a primary care physician taking care of both adults and children. Dr. Zimmerman also trained as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and holds a Master's in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. He has extensive experience on vaccination and vaccine preventable diseases from the CDC, the New York City Department of Public Health, as well as working on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization.

(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce that recruitment is now open for the CalOptima Health Board of Directors. A as County-Organized Health System, CalOptima Health serves over 829,000 low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. CalOptima Health launched in 1995 in response to the local health care system’s difficulty in meeting the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima Health is the single largest health insurer in Orange County and recognized statewide for delivering quality care. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. 

The HCA seeks applicants who represent the diverse backgrounds, interests and demographics of Orange County residents and have the experience and expertise to operate a public health care system. 

Applications are being accepted for the following seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors:  

1. One (1) person who is a licensed physician in current practice and who is also a representative of a contracted independent physician’s association or provider network.

To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, please complete an application by 5:00 pm (PT) on August 31, 2026. Applications are available on the HCA’s website at ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. The HCA may reopen or extend this recruitment in its sole discretion. 

Please send a completed application and resume to: 
 
OC Health Care Agency
Attention: James Kim
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 724
Santa Ana, California 92701
 
Please note that all applications are public records. The selected applicants will serve only after appointment by the County of Orange Board of Supervisors. CalOptima Health Board meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. at CalOptima Health, located at 505 City Parkway West, Orange, California 92868.

For additional information, please contact James Kim at (714) 834-3883 or via email at jameskim@ochca.com.

###

Convocatoria abierta para la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health

(Santa Ana, CA) - La Agencia de Atención Médica del Condado de Orange (HCA) se complace en anunciar que el proceso de reclutamiento está abierto para la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health. Como sistema de salud organizado por el condado, CalOptima Health presta servicios a más de 829,000 niños, adultos, personas mayores y personas con discapacidades de bajos ingresos. CalOptima Health se estableció en 1995 en respuesta a la dificultad del sistema local de atención médica para satisfacer las necesidades de los residentes vulnerables del Condado de Orange. Hoy en día, CalOptima Health es el mayor asegurador de salud en el Condado de Orange y es reconocido a nivel estatal por brindar atención de calidad. La misión de CalOptima Health es servir la salud de los miembros con excelencia y dignidad, respetando el valor y las necesidades de cada persona.
 
HCA busca solicitantes que representen los diversos antecedentes, intereses y características demográficas de los residentes del Condado de Orange y que tengan la experiencia y los conocimientos necesarios para operar un sistema público de atención médica.

Se están aceptando solicitudes para el siguiente puesto en la Junta Directive de CalOptima Health. 
 
Una (1) persona que sea médico con licencia en ejercicio actual y que también sea representante de una asociación de médicos independientes contratada o de una red de salud.

Para postularse a un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health, complete una solicitud antes de las 5:00 p.m. (PT) del 31 de agosto de 2026. Las solicitudes están disponibles en el sitio web de HCA en ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. HCA puede reabrir o extender este proceso de reclutamiento a su entera discreción.

Envíe una solicitud completa y un currículum a:
 
OC Health Care Agency
Attention: James Kim
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 724
Santa Ana, California 92701

Tenga en cuenta que todas las solicitudes son registros públicos. Los solicitantes seleccionados servirán únicamente después de ser nombrados por la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Orange. Las reuniones de la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health generalmente se llevan a cabo el primer jueves de cada mes a las 2 p. m. en CalOptima Health, ubicado en 500 City Parkway West, Orange, California 92868.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con James Kim al (714) 834-3882 o a jameskim@ochca.com.

###

Đang tuyển nhân sự cho 
Hội đồng quản trị CalOptima Health  

(Santa Ana, CA) - Cơ quan Y tế (Health Care Agency, HCA) của Quận Orange (Orange County, OC) hân hạnh thông báo tuyển nhân sự cho Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima Health. Là một Hệ thống Y tế do Quận tổ chức, CalOptima Health phục vụ hơn 829.000 trẻ em, người lớn, người cao tuổi và người khuyết tật có thu nhập thấp. CalOptima Health được thành lập vào năm 1995 để giải quyết khó khăn của hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe địa phương trong việc đáp ứng nhu cầu của cư dân dễ bị tổn thương tại Quận Orange. Ngày nay, CalOptima Health là công ty bảo hiểm y tế lớn nhất tại Quận Orange và được công nhận trên toàn tiểu bang về việc cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc chất lượng. Sứ mệnh của CalOptima Health là chăm sóc sức khỏe cho thành viên bằng dịch vụ xuất sắc, đề cao phẩm giá, tôn trọng giá trị cũng như nhu cầu của mỗi cá nhân.
 
HCA đang tìm kiếm các ứng viên đại diện cho các nền tảng, sở thích và nhân khẩu học đa dạng của cư dân Quận Orange cũng như có kinh nghiệm và chuyên môn để vận hành hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe công cộng.

Hiện đang nhận hồ sơ ứng tuyển cho vị trí sau trong Hội đồng quản trị CalOptima Health:
 
Một (1) người là bác sĩ được cấp phép hành nghề hiện tại và cũng là đại diện của một hiệp hội các bác sĩ độc lập có hợp đồng hoặc mạng lưới y tế.

Để xin đăng ký đảm nhận một vị trí trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị CalOptima Health, vui lòng hoàn thành đơn đăng ký trước 5:00 chiều (giờ Thái Bình Dương (Pacific Time, PT)) ngày 31 tháng 8 năm 2026. Quý vị có thể tải đơn đăng ký trên trang web của HCA tại ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. HCA có toàn quyền mở lại hoặc gia hạn đợt tuyển chọn này theo quyết định của mình.

Vui lòng gửi đơn đã điền và sơ yếu lý lịch đến:
 
OC Health Care Agency
Attention: James Kim 
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 724
Santa Ana, California 92701

Xin lưu ý tất cả các đơn đăng ký đều là hồ sơ công khai. Các ứng viên được lựa chọn chỉ chính thức đảm nhiệm vị trí sau khi được Hội đồng Giám (Board of Supervisors) sát Quận Orange bổ nhiệm. Các cuộc họp của Hội Đồng CalOptima Health thường được tổ chức vào lúc 2 giờ chiều Thứ Năm đầu tiên của mỗi tháng tại CalOptima Health, có địa chỉ tại 500 City Parkway West, Orange, California 92868.

Để biết thêm thông tin, vui lòng liên hệ James Kim theo số (714) 834-3882 hoặc jameskim@ochca.com. 

###

Source

Translations: Arabic | Chinese Simplified | Chinese Traditional | Farsi | Korean | Russian

Key Messages:

• Multiple detections of West Nile Virus (WNV)-positive mosquitoes in Orange County and a much higher-than-usual number of human WNV cases in California to date signal that this WNV season is starting earlier and may be more intense than usual.
• California Department of Health (CDPH) is offering a new WNV diagnostic test with improved sensitivity and specificity for WNV through their Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL).
• The new assay requires whole blood, a specimen type not required for WNV testing in the past.

Full Alert: CD HEALTH ALERT: Early and Intense West Nile Virus Activity; New West Nile Virus Diagnostics

A case of measles has been confirmed in a pediatric patient residing in Orange County. The case was infectious while they traveled arriving at LAX 7/16/2026 after living abroad. The HCA Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) is notifying individuals who were exposed to the person in a healthcare setting. There were no other places of exposure in Orange County.

If measles is in the differential, providers should contact CDCD immediately at 714-834-8180. We can expedite PCR testing at our public health lab with usual turn around times of 24 hours or less.

Measles is an acute viral illness typically presenting with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed 3-5 days later by a rash. The maculopapular rash typically begins on the face and spreads down the torso and out to the extremities. The incubation period for measles ranges from 7-21 days after exposure and individuals are infectious from 4 days prior to rash onset until 4 days after rash onset. Measles is highly contagious and spreads via airborne transmission. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), is refining its crisis call diversion program to better serve those experiencing behavioral health disorders. 
 
In March 2024, Sheriff’s Department dispatchers began triaging non-violent and non-criminal behavioral health calls for service and diverting to OC Links as appropriate. The 24-hour, 7 days a week Behavioral Health Line is an entry point for the HCA’s continuum of care providing information, referral, linkage, screening, linkage to homeless outreach resources, and dispatching of mobile crisis response teams. To date, approximately 240 calls have been diverted to OC Links, connecting those in crisis with appropriate behavioral health services and field outreach.
 
As the crisis call diversion program has developed, the need to expand the system has emerged. Under the expanded program, certain behavioral health related 9-1-1 calls will be diverted to a licensed clinician instead of dispatching deputies. With this expanded approach, any call determined to be behavioral health-related with no violation of law or threat to public safety will no longer receive a deputy response. This ensures that people in crisis receive immediate, compassionate and expert care from professionals and that deputies remain available for calls involving safety risks or criminal activity.
 
“Individuals in crisis who pose no threat to the community do not need law enforcement coming to their door. They need trained behavioral health clinicians who are better equipped to get them help,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “It’s important for our community to keep deputies focused on public safety and available for emergency calls.”
 
“Strengthening crisis response is essential to protecting both the community and individuals experiencing mental health challenges,” stated Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “This refined approach ensures that people receive the right care at the right time.”
 
When the behavioral health crisis diversion program began, the HCA simultaneously promoted it’s “First Responders for Mental Health Campaign” to promote OC Links as a dedicated resources for behavioral health emergencies including the crisis line, mobile crisis unit and warmline support. This campaign continues promoting essential information on recognizing behavioral health crises and accessing appropriate services.
 
“Expanding clinician-led responses helps ensure residents experiencing a mental health crisis receive medical care and urgent treatment,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “This partnership connects residents with the professionals best equipped to support them, while allowing our deputies to focus on crime prevention and emergencies that require a law enforcement response.” 
 
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department receives about 10,000+ calls for service each year involving mental health. OC Links remains a critical component in caring for the health, safety and well-being of those experiencing crisis. In calendar year 2025, the HCA received more than 43,789 calls and chats to their OC Links line and dispatched more than 10,862 mobile clinical responses.

“I’m proud that this enhanced diversion system will help and support many people in my district,” stated Supervisor Janet Nguyen, First District. “By uniting public safety and behavioral health expertise, the County of Orange is ensuring that individuals receive the care they need most.”
 
Calls either diverted by 911 operators or are made directly to OC Links, are answered 24/7/365 by OC Links Navigators who are licensed clinicians and trained behavioral health professionals. These specialists can assist individuals or a loved one at any stage of need – whether you’re seeking information, prevention resources, treatment options, direct referrals to behavioral health programs or urgent behavioral health support. OC Links Navigators connect callers with appropriate resources or dispatch a mobile crisis response team when necessary.

“Police departments should not be the sole responders to mental health crisis calls, but too often officers can be placed in these situations and may not be equipped to safely resolve them alone,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. “I have consistently advocated for models that pair licensed mental health clinicians with law enforcement. Sadly, in recent months, we have seen multiple tragedies during responses to crisis calls and I believe this approach is an excellent solution to de-escalation, appropriate care, and potentially saving lives.”

The presence of uniforms or sirens can potentially heighten anxiety or fear, especially for those experiencing behavioral health issues. Having clinicians respond can reduce the chance of the situation escalating and individuals are more likely to follow up with care when their initial crisis encounter is supportive.

“This partnership between the Sheriff’s Department and the OC Health Care Agency demonstrates how coordinated, cross agency collaboration leads to better outcomes for residents in crisis,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.

“A mental health condition is a medical issue, not a criminal one, and people deserve understanding and care when they are struggling,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Director and Interim Behavioral Health Services Director. “By recognizing the signs of crisis and connecting individuals to the right support, we can help ensure safety, dignity and healing for everyone involved.”

In addition to OC Links, the Sheriff’s Department continues to deploy its Behavioral Health Bureau teams in partnership with HCA’s Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT), responsible for proactively contacting and supporting those experiencing behavioral health crises and homelessness, and connecting individuals with resources including housing programs, counseling services, and other support services.  
 
The public can access OC Links directly 24/7 by calling (855) 625-4657 or (855) OC Links.

###

Source