An individual in their 80s confirmed positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), becoming the first human WNV infection in Orange County this year. In 2024, Orange County had one WNV human infection. As of October 24th, the California Department of Public Health reported 74 infections of human West Nile Virus statewide this season. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA) — A bat found on the sidewalk of the west side of the 500 block of S. Main Street in Orange has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Anyone who may have had physical contact with this 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 to determine their risk for rabies. This phone line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 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 a 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 the 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. Find out more at OC Animal Care Wildlife Information. You can download a flyer that contains information on what to do if you come in contact with a bat and who to contact by clicking here. More information about rabies is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC Rabies.
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.
As a parent, you may have been asked, “Does your child live in, or spend a lot of time in, a place built before 1978 that has peeling or chipped paint or that has been recently remodeled?”
That is the standard question pediatricians across the country ask families to screen children for increased risk of lead poisoning.
We ask that question too here in Orange County since many of our houses were built before 1978 and do have lead in the paint, which can then get into the dust (and soil too) that our children play in and may get in their mouths. But many of the children in Orange County with elevated lead levels actually have been exposed to other objects such as imported pottery, utensils, food, drink, or spices, cosmetics or ceremonial items, or things brought home from a family member’s work.
It is important to know what these potential sources are in and around your home so you can prevent exposure to your children.
There is no safe level of lead.
Many children who are at risk have not been tested for lead. Exposure to lead can cause delayed growth and development, learning and behavior challenges, and hearing and speech problems; these effects can be lifelong. Children under six years of age are most vulnerable because their brain is still developing; prevention of lead exposure to pregnant and breastfeeding people is also important for this same reason.
The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is by getting a blood test.
Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick. If you have concerns about lead exposure, ask your doctor for a lead test.
Lead poisoning is preventable.
In addition to being aware of what items might have lead and keeping them away from children, you can help protect against lead poisoning through a healthy diet. Eating foods rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron can help limit the body’s absorption of lead. In addition, young children should eat healthy meals and snacks every 3-4 hours while awake since a full belly absorbs less lead.
In honor of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 19 to 25), our theme this year is “Nutrition as Prevention.” Please join me in spreading the word about preventing lead exposure, especially in children, and helping our children be “Well Fed = Less Lead.”
For more information about lead poisoning prevention:
California Department of Public Health: Well Fed = Less Lead Card English/Spanish
About Dr. Michele Cheung
Dr. Michele Cheung is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases and also completed a Preventive Medicine Residency and a master’s degree in public health (MPH). She is the MCAH (Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health) Medical Director for the OC Health Care Agency where she collaborates closely with the community on initiatives to support perinatal, infant, and child health and wellbeing. She has been working in public health, both local and state, in different capacities for the past 25 years. She also cared for children with infectious diseases in the hospital setting until 2024 and regularly teaches pediatricians-in-training about public health and communicable diseases.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to alert healthcare providers, local health jurisdictions and laboratories about three unrelated clade I mpox cases, which have been confirmed in Southern California with no history of recent international travel. Public health investigation indicates that community transmission of clade I mpox is occurring in California. Persons at increased risk of mpox should be encouraged to be vaccinated. Mpox testing should be considered for patients with compatible signs and symptoms (PDF), regardless of vaccination status or previous infection.
As we enter the fall and winter season, respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) can begin to spread more easily. These illnesses can cause serious complications especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, older adults, pregnant individuals and those with underlying health conditions. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stay healthy and to protect the community.
Stay Healthy for the Moments That Matter
Don’t let illness ruin your holiday plans — protect your time with family and friends.
Avoid missed work or school due to preventable illness.
Keep vulnerable loved ones safe from serious complications.
Reduce strain on hospitals and clinics during the busy winter season.
Vaccines are Your Best Defense
Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
Flu vaccine — Recommended for everyone 6 months and older
COVID-19 vaccine — in California, anyone 6 months and older who desire a vaccine, or are at risk can get a vaccine.
An updated vaccine is strongly recommended for:
Adults > 65
Anyone > 6 months who has never received a COVID-19 vaccine
Individuals with underlying health conditions
RSV vaccines —
recommended for infants under 8 months
high risk toddlers
pregnant individuals (32-36 weeks of pregnancy)
Adults 75+ and some high risk adults age 50-74
Ready to take action?
When you’re ready, you can schedule a vaccination appointment with your health provider or at California’s Vaccination Site: myturn.ca.gov.
Additional information about recommended vaccines is available on the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Public Health for All webpage you can visit by clicking here.
Simple Habits can Offer Added Protection
Wash your hands often
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home if you’re feeling unwell
Consider wearing a mask in certain settings or situations
If you have symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, get tested — either at home or through your provider.
If you test positive, discuss treatment options with your provider. Antiviral treatments work best when started early.
Stay Informed!
The California Department of Public Health created a Respiratory Virus Hub webpage to provide information about levels of respiratory illness in the community and basics of what can be done for added protection. Read more by clicking here.
About Dr. Julie Johnson Dr. Julie Johnson is board certified in Family Medicine. She is the Medical Director for the Family Health Clinics in the Public Health Services Division of the OC Health Care Agency.
