By the age of 2 years, most children have had RSV infection. RSV is a virus that usually causes mild respiratory illness, such as runny nose, cough and cold symptoms. Some children, especially young babies, are more likely to get severe RSV. Last year, Orange County saw record levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations among children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every year 58,000 to 80,000 children under the age of 5 years end up in the hospital because of RSV. No one wants to see their child sick in the hospital.

Why is RSV Dangerous to My Child?

RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization for children under 1 year old.

• Some RSV complications include:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bronchiolitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Other infections, like ear infections.
• Some children are high risk for severe RSV, including:
  • Babies under 1 year old, especially under 6 months old
  • Premature babies
  • Children younger than 2 years old born with a heart condition or who have chronic lung disease
  • Children with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders, especially those who can’t swallow or clear mucus on their own.

To learn more about RSV:

• HealthyChildren.org: RSV: When It’s More Than a Cold English | Spanish
• CDC: RSV in Infants and Young Children English | Spanish

To learn more about RSV warning signs in babies:

• American Lung Association: Understanding RSV English | Spanish

What Should My Family Do to Stay Protected Against RSV?

• Get vaccinated if you are pregnant and your baby will be born during RSV season
  • RSV vaccine is recommended for all pregnant people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant during RSV season (generally September through January).
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Should I get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy? English
• Talk to your pediatrician about whether your baby is eligible for the new RSV antibody shot (nirsevimab) and if it is available. The RSV antibody shot is recommended for:
  • Babies younger than 8 months of age who are born during or entering their first RSV season.
  • Children aged 8-19 months entering their second RSV season who are at increased risk for severe RSV, including:
    • Children who have chronic lung disease from being born prematurely and who require medical therapy for their lung disease
    • Children who are severely immunocompromised
    • Children with severe cystic fibrosis
    • American Indian and Alaska Native children.
  • Since the nirsevimab RSV immunization is new, supply is limited this season and will be given to those most likely to have severe RSV. Those eligible include babies who:
    • Weigh less than 11 pounds and are eligible for the lowest dose
    • Are younger than 6 months old
    • Are 6 to 7 months old and have a medical condition that makes them more likely to have severe RSV
    • Identify as American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and:
      • are younger than age 8 months, OR
      • are 8 through 19 months old AND live in a remote region.
  • Babies at higher risk who can’t get the new RSV immunization this season may be able to get a different RSV immunization, palivizumab, for the 2023–2024 RSV season.
•  
  • For more information on RSV immunization in infants, visit HealthyChildren.org Is the RSV Immunization Available for Infants? English | Spanish
• Breastfeed your baby, if you’re able to.
• Follow these every day steps to reduce the spread of illnesses:
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and help your children do the same.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • Keep your child away from people who are sick.
  • Wear a mask around your child if you or other family members are feeling sick.
  • Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces in your home.

Where Can I Get an RSV Vaccine or Immunization?

For pregnant people :

• Contact your health care provider for more information about the RSV vaccine.
• Visit your local pharmacy.
• If you don’t have a provider, call the Health Referral Line (1-800-564-8448) or see http://www.coccc.org for information about free or low cost medical services in Orange County.

For babies under 8 months old or infants/toddlers who are at high risk for severe RSV disease:

• The nirsevimab RSV immunization is in limited supply this season. Contact your pediatrician for more information.
• If you don’t have a provider, call the Health Referral Line (1-800-564-8448) or see http://www.coccc.org for information about free or low cost medical services in Orange County.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, August 4). RSV in Infants and Young Children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children.html

Set to open in 2025, campus will serve children, adolescents, adults and families

(Santa Ana, CA) – The County of Orange Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Mind OC, the 501C3 nonprofit organization which is the fiscal agent for public and private funds to support Be Well OC, on May 21, 2024. The approval allows Be Well OC to expand its provision of a wide range of critical and comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services to Orange County residents in collaboration with the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Behavioral Health System.
 
“Orange County is a place where community members can find support, resources, and hope on their journey to mental health wellness. I am grateful we can extend the reach of our County’s Behavioral Health System,” said, Chairman Donald P. Wagner, OC Board of Supervisors, Third District. “Our expanding partnership with the Be Well campuses will provide best-in-class clinical services for mental health and substance use for children, adolescents, adults and families.”
 
Services funded under the MSA that will be provided at Be Well’s Irvine campus include:

• Sobering Center
• Adult Clinically Managed Withdrawal Management
• Adult Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Residential Treatment
• Adult Co-Occurring Residential Treatment
• Adolescent Residential SUD Treatment
• Perinatal SUD Residential Treatment
• Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)
• Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

“Orange County is leading the way in Behavioral Health with the expansion of Be Well OC, co-locating mental health care and substance use disorder services all under one roof -- something not yet done in the state,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, OC Board of Supervisors, Fourth District. “We are breaking down barriers towards accessing mental health services and serving as a model for other counties to build upon.”
 
The Irvine campus, currently under construction and scheduled to open in May 2025, has been supported through a variety of stakeholders and partners. The Board of Supervisors approved $40 million for the construction of the Irvine campus. In addition, $15 million was approved by the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, $37.6 million in Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) grant funding from the State of California (secured by the OC Health Care Agency), $12 million for capital was secured by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, $2 million in Federal dollars was secured by Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriations bill, along with additional investments from MemorialCare, Hoag and Kaiser Permanente. 
 
“In 2015, through the Orange County Board of Supervisors Mental Health Ad Hoc Committee, we reexamined local mental health services, leading to the creation of the first Be Well OC campus in Orange,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “With this second, substantially larger facility in Irvine, Be Well OC has solidified its place as a public-private partnership model for our state and the rest of the country.”
 
The Be Well OC Irvine campus is located on 22 acres of county-owned property that was deeded to the County of Orange as part of on the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. The long-term vision for the Irvine Campus is to provide a full continuum of mental health, substance use, and wellness services for children, adolescents, families and adults in Orange County, from urgent care to residential treatment to community wellness support.
 
“Orange County has become a leader in transforming behavioral health care,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. "The new campus in Irvine, developed in partnership between the Orange County Health Care Agency and Mind OC, will help us fulfill our commitment to providing the quality treatment every patient deserves, regardless of their financial circumstances. I am pleased to see the expansion of these services, which will increase accessibility for everyone in need.”
 
The Campus will be developed in three areas, beginning with Area 1 which includes approximately 75,000 square feet of building space to house an array of adult services, including crisis stabilization mental health urgent care, a sobering center, and residential and outpatient programs. The community has been instrumental in identifying the types of services and programs needed to help children, adults and families reach their optimal mental health. 
 
“Hope starts here in Orange County. Our vision for transforming the mental health system of care for South County’s children, youth and families continue to grow at the Be Well Irvine Campus,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “With doors opening next year, residents of all economic levels will soon have access to critical mental health and substance use treatment while offering a place for families to support their loved ones in crisis. This latest expansion of services at the Be Well Irvine Campus proves Orange County’s commitment to fostering health, wellness, and resiliency programs for our community.”  
 
Area 2 is planned for child, youth, and perinatal specialty programming, expanding both residential and outpatient services capacity while supporting the entire family. Area 3 will expand opportunities for community connections by providing space for educational programs and classrooms, centralized support and navigation services, community meetings, faith and culture event space, and youth and senior centers. 
 
“Be Well OC represents systems change that makes mental health care accessible to all,” said Rick Afable, MindOC Board Chair. “We appreciate County of Orange and the OC Health Care Agency leadership and the support of our many public, private, academic and faith-based partners who are part of the Be Well movement. The Board’s approval of the MSA accelerates the expansion of Be Well’s programs and services, building upon the success of those offered at our Orange campus. By incorporating additional mental health and substance use disorder programs tailored for children, adolescents, pregnant women and families, we will continue to change the conversation about mental health and wellness in Orange County and beyond.”
 
In addition to much needed clinical services, the Irvine location will provide wrap-around wellness support to families and the entire community, including a multi-entity health care collective integrating public and private health systems across Orange County with youth and community education and enrichment. Services will be available to all Orange County residents regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
 
"Our Be Well OC collaboration represents yet another crucial step forward in our continuing commitment to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services for Orange County residents,” said, Dr. Veronica Kelley, OC Health Care Agency Director. “Partnering to provide a wide range of programs tailored to various age groups and needs, we are fostering a community where support and resources are readily accessible to all."
 
The Campus’ design is intentional - low density, modern, simple, warm and inviting—creating a sense of dignity, belonging and hope to those seeking help.

Press Release in: Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), America’s Poison Centers, and state and local partners are investigating reports of severe acute illnesses potentially associated with consuming Diamond Shruumz™ brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushroom. As of June 11, 2024, 12 total illnesses and 10 hospitalizations have been reported in eight U.S. states with ongoing efforts to identify other potential cases. The cause of the reported illnesses is not known at this time. Individuals should not eat, sell, or serve any flavors of Diamond Shruumz™ brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies, and should discard products that have been purchased. CDC and FDA are working to determine whether other products from this company are associated with adverse health effects.

Please see the full CDC Health Advisory here: 
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00509.asp

In response to the global outbreak of influenza A (H5N1) in birds and recent infections in dairy cattle and humans in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CPDH) are encouraging enhanced surveillance and continued testing for influenza this summer. Testing for influenza and subtyping all influenza A positives over the summer is key to maintaining visibility of the influenza A subtypes circulating in the community. Providers are also reminded regarding antiviral treatment and prophylaxis recommendations (CDC guidance regarding antiviral treatment and prophylaxis) in the event of suspected influenza A (H5N1) human cases and exposures; these recommendations should be implemented in consultation with local public health departments.

Please see the full CDPH Health Update here: 
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Influenza-A-Testing-Guidance-Enhanced-Surveillance-During-the-Summer-Months.aspx

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to alert healthcare providers to cases of meningococcal disease linked to Umrah travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that can be performed any time in the year; the Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage this year taking place June 14–19, 2024. Since April 2024, 12 cases of meningococcal disease linked to KSA travel for Umrah have been reported to national public health agencies in the United States (5 cases), France (4 cases), and the United Kingdom (3 cases). Two cases were in children aged ≤18 years, four cases were in adults aged 18–44 years, four cases were in adults aged 45–64 years, and two cases were in adults aged 65 years or older. Ten cases were in patients who traveled to KSA, and two were in patients who had close contact with travelers to KSA. Ten cases were caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (NmW), one U.S. case was caused by serogroup C (NmC), and the serogroup is unknown for one U.S. case. Of nine patients with known vaccination status, all were unvaccinated. The isolates from the one U.S. NmC case and two NmW cases (one U.S., one France) were resistant to ciprofloxacin; based on whole-genome sequencing, the remaining eight NmW isolates were all sensitive to penicillin and ciprofloxacin.

Please see the full CDC Health Advisory here: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00508.asp

National public health surveillance has recently detected an increase in invasive Neisseria meningitidis (N men) disease caused by isolates that are resistant to ciprofloxacin. In February 2024, the CDC addressed this issue in a report Selection of Antibiotics as Prophylaxis for Close Contacts of Patients with Meningococcal Disease in Areas with Ciprofloxacin Resistance — United States, 2024. In Southern California, six cases of invasive disease caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant N men (including one case in Orange County) have been identified in the last year, representing >20% of all N men cases in the region during that time.

Based on this data, and in conjunction with the California Department of Public Health and surrounding counties, OCHCA no longer recommends use of ciprofloxacin for chemoprophylaxis for close contacts of persons with invasive meningococcal disease in Orange County. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) –-  Information provided to the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) indicates that tetrachloroethylene has been detected in subsurface and indoor air samples at 1002 E. 17th Street, Suites A-R in the City of Santa Ana. Sampling of soil and sub-slab gas and indoor air conducted in November and December 2023 by the responsible party and reported to the HCA indicates the presence of chemicals which are considered human carcinogens and/or cause other toxic effects to humans.
 
One of the chemicals found, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), is used primarily as a dry cleaning and degreasing solvent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards based on exposure to PCE. The detected indoor air levels of PCE within the buildings located at this address exceed USEPA’s long and short-term exposure screening levels.

Another chemical found, only in subsurface samples, Trichloroethylene (TCE), is used primarily as a degreasing agent in various industrial processes. The USEPA Region 9 has identified cancer and non-cancer hazards based on exposure to TCE in indoor air. A specific vulnerable population is women in the first trimester of pregnancy, due to the potential for causing heart defects in the developing fetus. Long-term exposure may lead to increased risk of kidney or other cancers. The detected indoor air levels of TCE within the building located at this address exceed the USEPA urgent response category. 

Measures to reduce the risk of breathing in PCE and TCE could include increased ventilation, sealing openings in the floor, treating the indoor air or temporary relocation. The levels detected at the business may pose a risk to some individuals on this and adjacent properties; however, are not likely to pose a risk to the surrounding neighborhoods or the public in general.
 
The HCA is responsible for providing this information to the local news media pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 25180.7(d). The intent of Proposition 65 - Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 is to protect the public and its drinking water resource and to inform the public about potential exposures to chemicals.
 
A fact sheet that includes frequently asked health questions about Tetrachloroethylene and Trichloroethylene from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is available at ATSDR Tetrachloroethylene ToxFAQs (cdc.gov) and ATSDR Trichloroethylene ToxFAQs (cdc.gov), respectively.
 
More information about this site and the related sampling can be found at https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/?surl=l8sqq.

If you have any questions you may contact:
Chris Carson, Project Manager – Environmental Solutions Group at (714) 244-3662 or ccarson@partneresi.com
Geniece Higgins, Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist at (714) 433-6260 or ghiggins@ochca.com.  

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 Press Release in: Arabic | Chinese | Farsi | Korean | Spanish 

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) invites the community to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at convenient locations throughout Orange County (OC). The public is encouraged to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse. Nearby collection sites can be located at: www.DEATakeBack.com.
 
"This event provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to clear out old medications while safeguarding loved ones from potential harm, addressing a crucial aspect of public health," said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of the HCA. "Pharmaceutical drugs, when misused, can be as hazardous as street drugs, contributing to the nationwide opioid crisis. National Take Back Day is a proactive step towards building a safer and healthier future for Orange County.”
 
This initiative addresses a crucial public safety and health concern. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aligns with the HCA’s commitment to the well-being of the OC community, promoting the responsible disposal of medications to prevent misuse and combat opioid addiction.
 
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility in keeping our communities safe. To find a convenient Take Back drop-off location, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) website at www.DEATakeback.com or call 1 (800) 882-9539. The drop-off service is both free and anonymous.
 
For further information on medication misuse prevention efforts in Orange County or to discover year-round safe disposal options, please visit: www.ochealthinfo.com/adept.

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