(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), Communicable Disease Control Division is reporting an increase in the percentage of positive COVID-19 PCR tests in Orange County residents over the past month. To minimize the severity of the recent increase, the HCA is reminding residents to take preventative actions to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
 
The recent increase resembles previous seasons where the disease activity rises during both the summer and winter months. Additionally, the age distribution of recent cases follows the pattern seen over the past year with the highest rates occurring among those 0-3 years of age and 75 years and older. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are not currently experiencing an increase.
 
“To reduce the potential for increased hospitalizations, the community is encouraged to take precautions to protect those at higher risks,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, HCA’s Chief of Public Health Services and County Health Officer. “As people spend more time gathering with friends, there will be more opportunities for viruses to spread. If we all take precautions, we can keep each other safe.”

• If you recently attended a large gathering/event, traveled, or came into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, self-monitor for symptoms and get tested.
• If you are sick, stay home and get tested. 
• Wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces has been shown to be an effective intervention at decreasing the risk of acquiring or spreading COVID-19.
• All individuals should continue to practice good cough and hand hygiene.
• We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The current COVID-19 vaccine schedule, including for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, can be found here: Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit https://myturn.ca.gov/.
• Adults and Children at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 disease should be assessed for appropriate COVID-19 treatment. For more information about COVID-19 treatment, go to https://covid19.ca.gov/treatment.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/covid. Additionally, the HCA responds to community inquiries through the Agency’s Health Referral Line at 1 (800) 564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Clinicians are advised to remain informed of updated COVID-19 guidance: Link to CDC.
 
About: The OC Health Care Agency 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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Over the last month, the percentage of positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests among Orange County residents has been increasing. This is in line with previous seasons where an increase in disease activity during both the summer and winter months was observed. Molecular data tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants shows a range of Omicron, XBB, and other variants co-circulating without one strain clearly driving the current increase. The age distribution of recent cases continues to follow the pattern seen over the last year with the highest rates among those 0-3 years of age and those 75 years and older. We are not currently seeing evidence of an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The proportion of deaths due to respiratory illness, including pneumonia, influenza, & COVID-19 over the last 6 months has remained at levels comparable to that before the start of the pandemic. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency Environmental Health Division has closed the bay water area at Aloha Drive bridge in the City of Newport Beach. The spill of approximately 140 gallons was caused by a breakage in a force main sewer line.

The affected ocean water area will remain closed to ocean water contact sports for a minimum of 3 days and 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.

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Since 2010, more than 1,000 cases of silicosis in workers who fabricate countertops have been reported worldwide. Workers in this industry can inhale crystalline silica dust as they cut and finish countertops, which places them at risk for silicosis, a severe, incurable lung disease. In California, more than 70 cases of silicosis and at least 10 deaths have been identified among countertop fabrication workers. Workers with silicosis are characterized as young (median age of 45), immigrant men; many have experienced delayed diagnoses and accelerated disease course. California health care providers should ask patients about their occupation and suspect silicosis in countertop workers.

Providers should report any cases, including suspect cases, to Communicable Disease Control by phone 714-834-8180 or by fax 714-564-4050.

Please see the full CDPH Health Advisory here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Global-Epidemic-Comes-to-California-Silicosis-in-Countertop-Workers.aspx

(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has received reports of three probable cases of mpox in Orange County (OC) in the past week. The three cases are the first reported in OC since April 8, 2023; five total cases have been reported here in 2023. While case counts are lower this year, mpox cases continue to be reported in Southern California and around the country. The best way to protect oneself from getting mpox is by completing the two-dose mpox vaccination regimen.

The mpox vaccine has been shown to be safe and highly effective when people complete the vaccine series (two doses, at least 28 days apart). During last month’s OC Pride Event, the HCA’s Public Health Services administered more than 80 mpox vaccinations to attendees. Since last year, more than 7,500 people in OC have received their first dose of mpox vaccine. However, 30% of those who received the first dose, have not received a second dose to complete their vaccination series.

To find a vaccine near you and schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit MYTURN.CA.GOV.

If you think you might have mpox or been exposed to someone with mpox, talk to your health care provider. The mpox vaccine can decrease your risk of getting sick if given within 14 days of being exposed. Testing for mpox is widely available and treatment for mpox can be discussed with your provider. If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 or the HCA's Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 for assistance.

For more on mpox in Orange County visit www.ochealthinfo.com/mpox.

(Santa Ana, CA) - Summer travel is underway and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages residents from Orange County (OC) to be up to date on measles vaccinations, following a Health Alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC warns of an increase in measles cases, with 88% of the cases connected to international travel. You can read the CDC’s Health Alert here.

“Measles (rubeola) is extremely contagious,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services. “One person infected by measles can infect 9 out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. To prevent infection and spread, residents, especially those planning to travel overseas or who are welcoming visitors from overseas, should make sure they are up to date on their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine,” she said.

Follow up with your primary care provider or local pharmacy for more information on where to get a measles vaccine. The HCA Travel Immunization Clinic offers vaccines by appointment. For more information on available vaccines visit: https://ochealthinfo.com/services-programs/flu-shots-immunizations/foreign-travel.  

The CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles since the first of 2023, compared to 3 cases during the same time period in 2022. Most of the cases were among children who had not received the MMR vaccine. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel, regardless of the destination.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about —

1. Identification of locally acquired malaria cases (P. vivax) in two U.S. states (Florida [4] and Texas [1]) within the last 2 months,
2. Concern for a potential rise in imported malaria cases associated with increased international travel in summer 2023, and
3. Need to plan for rapid access to IV artesunate, which is the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States.

The entire CDC HAN is available at the following link:

Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00494 | Locally Acquired Malaria Cases Identified in the United States (cdc.gov)

Take the Test & Take the Next Step: Check your status and know.

(Santa Ana, CA) - National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is June 27 and Orange County (OC) residents are encouraged to “Take the Test & Take the Next Step” to know your status for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Knowing your status is the first step to engaging in prevention or treatment services that enable individuals, regardless of your status, to live a long and healthy life.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people between 13 and 64 years of age get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, at least once as part of routine health care. For those at high risk of HIV, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and persons who inject drugs, the recommendation is for testing at least once per year as part of routine health care. If you have been waiting or thinking about getting tested for HIV, now’s the time.

If you have never been tested for HIV, ask your health care provider for an HIV test. For those who test negative and are at high risk for HIV, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication to prevent HIV is available. In addition to health care providers throughout Orange County, the following agencies offer free confidential HIV testing and free or low-cost PrEP services:

• APAIT Health Center: Testing is offered Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (714) 636-1349 or visit www.apaitonline.org/ for more information. In recognition of NHTD, testing hours will be extended from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and walk-ins are encouraged on Tuesday, June 27. In addition, APAIT will be participating in The Greater Than AIDS campaign (www.greaterthan.org) offering free HIV testing in partnership with Walgreens located at 12001 Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840 and Walgreens located at 128 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on NHTD at both Walgreens locations.
• OC Health Care Agency/17th Street Testing & Treatment Clinic: Walk-ins accepted based on availability. Clinic hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (714) 834-8787 to make an appointment or visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/std for more information.
• Radiant Health Centers: Walk-ins accepted. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (949) 809-8764 or visit www.radianthealthcenters.org for more information.
• The LGBTQ Center Orange County: Testing is offered Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To make an appointment or for more information call (714) 953-5428 or visit www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/. A special gift will be offered to those who test on Tuesday, June 27 in celebration of NHTD.

For HIV self-testing, the TakeMeHome Program offers free confidential HIV self-test kits that can be ordered online for individuals (17 or older) who are at risk for HIV and have never tested or who have not tested in the past six months: https://takemehome.org.
 
For more testing sites and information about HIV services in Orange County, please call (714) 834-8335 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/hiv/sites.   
 
HIV in Orange County:

1. At the end of 2022, there were 6,916 people living with HIV in Orange County.
2. The CDC estimates that an additional 1,288 Orange County residents have HIV and don’t know it, and some will develop AIDS before knowing they have HIV.
3. During 2022, there were 259 Orange County residents newly diagnosed with AIDS. Of those, 22% (or 57) learned they had HIV at the same time, indicating they were living with HIV for many years before getting ill. Many had been to a health care setting like an emergency room, a community health center, or their doctor, but were not tested for HIV. A simple HIV test and treatment can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.
4. Advances in HIV treatment have resulted in people living with HIV living longer and having fewer medical conditions directly related to HIV and AIDS. In 2022, 77% of individuals living with HIV in Orange County received care. Of the 259 individuals newly diagnosed in 2022, 76% were linked to care in 30 days or less.

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