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Comprehensive review of input utilized to drive development of the Draft Annual Update to the Plan (tentative posting March 4 - April 8, 2024 with Public Hearing on April 24, 2024

(Santa Ana, CA)  –  The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Environmental Health Division is encouraging consumers to be cautious when consuming raw oysters due to reported cases of norovirus illness in surrounding counties, which are linked to raw oysters imported from a specific harvest in northwest Mexico. 

Last week health officials in San Diego County reported 41 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus illness, and Los Angeles County reported 27 cases of gastrointestinal illness linked to raw oysters consumed in local restaurants. 
 
The cases began in mid-December following reports diners consumed raw oysters from Sonora, Mexico. These specific oysters have only been available through restaurants and wholesale locations (including some restaurants located in Orange County). The HCA’s Environmental Health Division (EH) is asking restaurants to set aside “Rocky Point oysters” packed by GOLPAC located in Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico until further notice. Restaurants or others who purchased oysters from this location are asked to not use them while an investigation of this outbreak takes place. EH also recommends that anyone ordering raw oysters in a restaurant inquire and verify where the product originated, before consuming.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating the cases to confirm the source of this cluster of gastrointestinal illness.

During the investigation, EH warns residents, particularly those most vulnerable such as children under 5 years of age, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised, of the risks of consuming raw oysters. Eating raw oysters has been linked to outbreaks with such germs as Vibrio, Shigella, and E. coli, in addition to norovirus. If you eat raw or undercooked oysters, germs in the oyster can make you sick.  

“Until the source is confirmed, consumers should be cautious before eating raw oysters,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, HCA’s Chief of Public Health Services and County Health Officer. “If you are sick, avoid further contamination from occurring in your home by washing your hands frequently and cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen countertops.”

People infected with norovirus generally develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and body aches approximately 12 to 48 hours after consuming contaminated foods. The illness typically lasts for 1-3 days. The vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration requiring medical attention.

If you believe that you became sick from eating or drinking something, seek medical attention and/or notify your primary care provider. Please also file a report with EH by emailing fillness@ochca.com or call (714) 433-6418.

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.

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce a special collaboration with the Angels Baseball Foundation, resulting in a generous donation to the Directing Change Film Contest, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health concerns among youth. The Angels’ donation directly supports the program for students in Orange County. Additionally, the Angels highlight student films on the video board at Angel Stadium during home games. 

Directing Change empowers youth, ages 12 to 25 across California, to film impactful 60-second Public Service Announcements (PSA). Film topics include mental health, eliminating stigma, suicide prevention, and hope. The program requires student filmmakers to educate themselves, with the guidance of an adult, about mental health issues and suicide prevention. It prepares students to recognize and respond to signs of distress in themselves and their peers. This school year, a total of 285 young people, from 17 schools across Orange County, created 95 films.

“I am thrilled to witness the continued growth of our partnership with the Angels Baseball Foundation and their unwavering commitment to mental health awareness,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief of the HCA’s Mental Health and Recovery Services. “The Directing Change Program provides a vital platform for middle, high school, and college students to engage in meaningful conversations surrounding mental health, stigma, suicide prevention, and fostering hope.”

Angels Baseball Foundation President Dennis Kuhl, expressed the organization's dedication to community well-being, "The Angels Baseball Foundation is focused on improving education, healthcare, arts and sciences in our local community. We are excited to partner with the Directing Change Program, which aligns with our mission and brings awareness to the mental health of students," he said. 

The Directing Change Program was selected by the Angels Baseball Foundation based on its impactful reach within the community. The HCA has continually partnered with the Angels to highlight mental health awareness and suicide prevention in recent years. The collaborative efforts aim to educate, advocate, and support individuals and families impacted by mental illness. In May, the Angels promoted Mental Health Awareness Month by wearing green ribbons on their jerseys for a game against the Minnesota Twins. Additionally, Angels staff members and Bally Sports West broadcasting personnel wore teal and purple ribbons to support Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. To learn more about resources in Orange County, visit: www.OCnavigator.org.

Local Student Films can be viewed at: www.directingchangeca.org/orangecounty/#events

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. 

ABOUT THE ANGELS BASEBALL FOUNDATION
The Angels Baseball Foundation was established in 2004 under Arte and Carole Moreno. Together with the Los Angeles Angels, the two organizations have contributed more than $24 million in value toward local causes. Each year, the Angels Baseball Foundation rewards community organizations with grants to benefit the individual needs, and to support programs that impact our youth. The Foundation focuses on improving education, healthcare, arts and sciences, as well as community related youth programs and military engagement throughout the region. 

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