(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult international traveler visiting Orange County (OC). The person visited the following locations in Orange County while infectious:        

• July 26 – Denny's Restaurant (1168 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802) from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• July 27 – CVS Pharmacy (1803 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802) from 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• July 27 – Walmart (1120 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805) from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• July 28 – Anaheim Global Medical Center Emergency Department (1025 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805) from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• July 28 – CVS Pharmacy (1676 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim CA 92802) from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The HCA has been working with Anaheim Global Medical Center to contact anyone who may have been exposed to this case and who are at increased risk of severe outcomes, such as infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. People who were in the locations above around the same time(s) should:

• Review whether they are immune to measles or not. People who are not fully immunized against measles or who don’t know if they are immune to measles already should talk with a health care provider about receiving the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop); if symptoms develop, stay at home and call a health care provider immediately for guidance.

“Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe disease in some individuals. Common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “It spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person. People are contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. Anyone suspecting that they have measles should call their medical provider before arriving at the medical office, to avoid exposing others to the measles virus. Immunization provides the best protection.”

For information about measles in Orange County including any updates to this case in Orange County visit www.ochealthinfo.com/measles.
For more information about measles, visit www.cdc.gov/measles.

Measles can be prevented through immunization:

• Infants should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4 to 6 years of age before going to school.
• Immunizing children, adolescents and adults is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
• MMR vaccines are very safe. The benefits far outweigh any risks. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness where the shot was given.
• Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Receiving an MMR vaccine before international travel is recommended for those who have not already received two doses.

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

Translations: Arabic | Chinese (Simplified / Traditional) | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform healthcare providers, laboratory professionals, healthcare facility administrators, and state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments of a critical shortage of Becton Dickinson (BD) BACTECTM blood culture media bottles. This shortage has the potential to disrupt patient care by leading to delays in diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or other challenges in the clinical management of patients with certain infectious diseases. Healthcare providers, laboratory professionals, healthcare facility administrators, and state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments affected by this shortage should immediately begin to assess their situations and develop plans and options to mitigate the potential impact of the shortage on patient care.

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency Environmental Health Division has closed the harbor water area between the Pilgrim Dock, Youth Dock, and Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor due to a sewage spill of approximately 20 gallons, which was caused by a blockage in nearby restroom facilities. 
 
The affected bay water area will remain closed to ocean water-contact sports until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.
 
For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay, or harbor postings and closures, please call (714) 433-6400 or visit ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.

View Map and Source

###

As a mother, your job is never done. You always put the needs of your family and friends above your own. But, as Mother’s Day approaches, it’s important to remember your health matters too! Take a few moments to focus on your own health, and commit to at least one of these suggested steps this month:

1. Schedule your annual physical and other health appointments.

Regular check-ups and your yearly well-woman exam are important to keep yourself healthy. During your appointments, you can update your vaccines to protect you from diseases and infections and get screenings that can catch any health issues early on when they’re easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about any screenings or exams you may need, such as:

• Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer
• Breast exams and/or mammograms to screen for breast cancer
• Blood pressure screenings
• Depression screening
• Blood tests, including blood glucose level

To learn about what to expect during an annual physical exam:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Get Your Well-Woman Visit Every Year English | Spanish
• HHS: Healthy Living by Age English | Spanish

For tips to on how to take control of your health and make the most of every healthcare visit:

• HHS:  Your Health, Your Way. Tips to Improve Health Care Visits

To learn more about low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings via the Every Women Counts Program:

• California Department of Health Care Services: Every Woman Counts English | Spanish

2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Your food choices impact your and your family’s health. By choosing healthier food options, you can prevent or manage health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and encourage your family to develop healthy food habits.

To learn more about healthy eating:

• HHS: Healthy Eating and Women English | Spanish

To learn more about nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services: Healthy Eating for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding  English | Spanish

3. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

Staying active is important to stay healthy and prevent future health problems. Adults are recommended to exercise with moderate intensity at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week, but it can be broken up into shorter time intervals throughout the week. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Make physical activity more enjoyable by picking activities you enjoy and can stick with, such as going on a walk or dancing.

Talk with your doctor about what physical activity plan works for you if you have a chronic health condition.

To learn more about how to stay active:

• HHS: Move Your Way English | Spanish

4. Practice self-care and develop stress management skills for your overall      health.

Women tend to balance multiples roles which can cause chronic stress and mental health problems. Chronic stress can lead to many health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease. Self-care and stress management are important to take care of your overall health and to model healthy behaviors for your family.

Some self-care tips include:

• Stick to a good sleep routine, including getting at least 8 hours of sleep.
• Spend quality time with others, such as friends, family, or people in your faith community.
• Set aside some time for yourself- meditate, do your favorite activities, or simply relax.
• Talk to a mental health professional if needed.

To learn more about how to cope with stress:

• National Institute of Mental Health: I’m So Stressed Out! English | Spanish

If you are pregnant or parenting:

• HHS:  Shining a Light on Maternal Mental Health
• EveryParentOC:  Feeling sad or anxious?  You’re not alone (click on “Translate” at the top of the page for other languages)

For assistance with getting access to health services and community resources, call the Orange County Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.

Additional Resources:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: National Women’s Health Week English | Spanish
• USDA WIC Works Resource System: National Women’s Health Week English
• California Department of Public Health: Healthy Mind English |Spanish

Black Maternal Health Week (4/11-4/17) is an opportunity to raise awareness around racial disparities in maternal health.

All birthing people deserve a healthy, safe, and joyful pregnancy. Black birthing people are more likely to die or have life-threatening complications during pregnancy than other racial or ethnic groups.

This Black Maternal Health Week, let’s collectively work toward a future where ALL Black birthing people have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive.

Visit Birthing Justice in OC to learn more!

Babies and children learn new skills all the time as they grow and develop. Parents look forward to experiencing each of their child’s new milestones, such as smiling for the first time, waving, or taking a first step. Children develop at their own pace, but some might need extra support in their growth and development.

What Are Milestones and Is My Child on Track?

Developmental milestones are skills babies and children learn at different ages as they move, play, learn, speak and act.

• For a list of milestones by age, see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Developmental Milestones English | Spanish
• CDC also has a free Milestone Tracker app available for download (English | Spanish)

As a parent, you know your child best. You can keep an eye on how your child grows, develops, and changes over time. If you, another family member, or care provider notice they are not meeting the milestones for their age, talk to your child’s doctor and ask about developmental screening.

What Is a Developmental Screening?

Developmental screenings should be done routinely by your child’s doctor at certain ages, to make sure they are meeting their milestones. The screenings can also be done more frequently if your child is at risk for developmental issues due to being born early or other health conditions, or if you or the doctor has a concern.

• Development screenings can be done by health care providers, early childhood teachers or other trained providers.
• As part of the screening, your child may take a test or you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your child’s development, including their language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions.
• As a parent or caregiver, no one knows your child better than you do. Talk to your pediatrician about developmental screenings if you have any concerns.

All children should be screened during regular well-child visits at the following ages:

To learn about how to get your child screened: CDC’s Concerned about Development? How to Get Help for Your Child English | Spanish

Why Is Developmental Screening Important?

As many as 1 in 6 children between the ages of 3 to 17 years old have one or more developmental or behavioral disabilities, such as a learning disorder, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1  Certain children may be at higher risk for developmental disorders including: 

• Premature babies
• Children born with low birth weight
• Children exposed to toxic environmental factors (e.g. lead).

Developmental screenings help identify children with developmental delays or disabilities for further evaluation by professionals. Through proper evaluation, your child can access treatment early in life, improving their quality of life. By receiving early intervention services, your child can develop health behaviors and skills needed to reach important developmental milestones. Examples of early intervention services include:  

• Family training, counseling, and home visits 
• Nutrition services 
• Physical therapy 
• Psychological services 
• Special instruction 
• Speech and language services
• Vision services, and many more!

To learn more about early intervention:  CDC’s What is “Early Intervention”? English | Spanish 

It can be hard to figure out how to best support your child. Infants and toddlers (up to 36 months of age) with a developmental delay or disability or who have certain risk factors are eligible for early intervention services through the Early Start program in California. The Early Start Program can help with figuring out the next steps. Services are provided at low-cost to no-cost. 

To learn more about available Early Start services:  Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC): Early Intervention Services English

Where Can I Get My Child Screened? 

If you suspect your child has developmental problems, you and your family have options to access care for your child.

To get your child screened:

• Contact your child’s doctor’s office.
• To find a health care provider, call the OC Health Care Agency Health Referral Line (HRL) at (800) 564-8448. 
• CHOC/UCI Early Developmental Programs: Help Me Grow Orange County English | Spanish | Vietnamese 

Additional Resources 

• CDC: Developmental Monitoring and Screening English | Spanish
• CDC: Learn the Signs. Act Early. English | Spanish 
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! English | Spanish | Vietnamese

References

¹ CDC: Developmental Monitoring and Screening English | Spanish