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:

• Every Parent OC: Lead Poisoning Prevention: Nutrition Matters
• OC Health Care Agency: Orange County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
• California Department of Public Health: Well Fed = Less Lead Brochure English/Spanish | English/Vietnamese
• 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.

Alert: Community Spread of Clade I Mpox Within California

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
• When and Why to Wear a Mask or Respirator

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.   

Explore more resources:

• CDPH
  • Toolkit and Resources
• HCA
• Respiratory Virus Dashboard

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.

• Read more about Smartsheet/Google Calendar Test

(Santa Ana, CA) — The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed a case of measles in a toddler who recently travelled domestically. The HCA is notifying individuals who were exposed to the child at a health care setting. No additional community exposure is suspected as the child’s family was isolating during the contagious period.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 1,514 confirmed cases of measles in the United States this year, with 23 new cases reported in the past two weeks. This represents the highest annual case count in more than 30 years. 

“Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe illness such as pneumonia, brain swelling and even death, especially in young children who are not protected,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “In recent years, approximately 1 in 8 people diagnosed with measles in the US have required hospitalization. Among children under 5, that number rises to 1 in 5.”

Common symptoms include fever, cough, red watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the head   before spreading down to the rest of the body. Measles is the most contagious disease known, and 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:

• Over 800 million doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine have been administered worldwide. Decades of research and real-world experience show that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing serious illnesses like measles, mumps, and rubella.
• While no medical intervention is completely without risk, most side effects from the MMR vaccine are mild - like a sore arm or low fever. Serious reactions are rare, and the vaccine’s protection against dangerous disease far outweigh the risks.
• Public health agencies around the world, including the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO), continue to monitor vaccine safety closely.
• The CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommend MMR vaccination to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
• 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 at 4 to 6 years of age before going to 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 MMR vaccine prior to travel, to decrease their risk of infection.
• 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 www.cdc.gov/measles orwww.ochealthinfo.com/measles.

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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A case of measles has been confirmed in an Orange County resident, an unvaccinated toddler, who had recently traveled domestically. The Orange County Health Care Agency's Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) is reaching out to identified contacts.

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.

Individuals are presumed to be immune to measles if they were 1) born prior to 1957 OR 2) have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine OR 3) have a documented positive IgG titer OR 4) documentation of prior disease. More info...

Recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is an emerging public health concern across the country and in Orange County (OC). While nitrous oxide is traditionally used in medical, automotive or culinary purposes, recent reports and observations indicate a rise in its misuse as an inhalant for short-term euphoric effects.

In response to this growing concern, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance banning the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use. This report is presented to inform a broad range of stakeholders about the issue and the county’s proactive measures to address it. To read, click https://tinyurl.com/HCANitrousOxide. To open a PDF version of the report to download please click here. 

Please provide your feedback on the Nitrous Oxide Report by filling out a short survey you can access by clicking here https://tinyurl.com/OCNitrousOxideFeedback or by scanning the QR Code.