Health Officer Clinician Newsletter - January 2026
Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians
Happy New Year!
January 16, 2026
REGINA CHINSIO - KWONG, DO COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER
In this newsletter you can expect:
Press Releases/ News Highlights
Page 2
Public Health
Communicable Disease Updates
Welcome to the January 2026 Clinician Newsletter! With the new year comes fresh opportunities and we’re kicking things off with a new, streamlined format.
In this issue, you’ll find:
Updates related to Public Health from the Federal and State Level – including updates around the rise in mushroom poisonings from consumption of foraged mushrooms, and California's guidance to follow AAP vaccine recommendations
Communicable Disease Updates related to the Respiratory Virus Season – yes influenza cases have been on the rise locally – and flu vaccines are still recommended for those who have not yet received their flu vaccine
Injury Prevention Updates – including local initiatives and local safety laws that take effect in 2026
Collaborative Highlights – ongoing efforts to protect our community and
Key Safety Alerts/Recalls/Foodborne Illness Outbreaks to be aware of.
We’re excited to start the year strong and look forward to working together to make 2026 a year of progress and impact!
Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of US Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health | USDA
January 7, 2026 – Earlier this month, the USDA released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (20252030). Every five years, the USDA is mandated to update nutritional recommendations which serve as the foundation for national nutrition policy. Guidance influences school meal standards, Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program guidance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), and much more.
Key Focus Areas in the Update:
• Emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods and reducing ultra-processed foods.
• Increased recommendations for protein and healthy fats, while maintaining limits on added sugars.
• Continued guidance on balanced eating patterns to support chronic disease prevention.
Alignment with California Initiatives
California has taken a significant step toward reducing ultra-processed food consumption in schools with the passage of AB 1264 in October 2025. This initiative aligns with the USDA’s renewed focus on whole-food nutrition, and reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods and added sugars.
What’s Next?
Further clarity is needed from both federal and state agencies on how these updated guidelines will impact local programs including WIC, SNAP, and school nutrition education.
Updates on implementation timelines and program adjustments are expected later this year.
CDC Vaccine Schedule Changes
The CDC has released a Decision Memorandum (Link) outlining significant changes to the recommended childhood immunization schedule.
Key updates include:
• Reduced number of vaccines recommended for all children.
• Shared decision-making now advised for several vaccines that were previously universally recommended.
According to the memorandum, these revisions aim to address:
• Declining vaccine uptake and public trust.
• Knowledge gaps regarding vaccine safety.
PRESS RELEASES/NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
State
West Coast Health Alliance and CDPH Response to CDC Vaccine Schedule Changes
CDPH and West Coast Health Alliance recommend American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule. In a press release issued January 5, 2026, CDPH notes the following:
• Recent CDC schedule recommendations did not follow established procedure for vaccine policy and threatens an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases in children nationwide.
• The current American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule (PDF) is based on established vaccine safety and effectiveness evidence .
• AAP recommendations consider:
• When children are most vulnerable to diseases;
• When vaccines work best with children’s immune systems;
• The safety of vaccinations being recommended;
• The risk of diseases in the United States;
• Our current access to health care and immunizations; and
• Cost effectiveness of implementing national recommendations for a particular vaccination.
• While the first three concerns are similar across countries, the last three concerns may differ considerably between countries. As it always has, the AAP recommended immunization schedule continues to serve as a starting point for discussions between families and their providers
What does this mean in California?
While the CDC adjusted recommendations for pediatric vaccines, California continues to recommend AAP vaccine guidance.
CDPH News Release/Health Alerts/Health Advisories
CDPH Warns Retailers and Public About the Dangers of Kratom-derived Products and 7-OH
January 16, 2025- CDPH warns retailers and the public that products containing 7-OH (synthetic kratom) are dangerous and illegal to manufacture or sell for human consumption.
Death Cap Mushrooms Linked to Three Deaths, Three Liver Transplants and 35 Hospitalizations
January 14, 2026 – The California Department of Public Health issued an update to its December 5 health advisory as the outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to consumption of wild, foraged mushrooms continues. This has resulted in severe liver damage to both children and adults, leading to three adult deaths and three liver transplants to date. CDPH urges Californians not to pick or eat wild mushrooms. January 15, 2026 – CDPH released a California Health Network Advisory (summary, full notice) to health professionals.
CDPH Urges Vaccination and Timely Treatment as Influenza Cases Rise
January 13, 2026 – CDPH alerted the public that influenza (flu) activity and hospital admissions are increasing across the state. Influenza A H3N2 subclade K strain is circulating globally and has been detected in California.
Joint Statement from California Health and Human Services Leaders on Vaccine Access and Availability
January 9, 2026 – California Health and Human Services leaders reaffirmed that vaccines are essential for preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. They called vaccines one of modern medicine’s greatest achievements, backed by strong scientific evidence.
West Coast Health Alliance Recommends American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule
January 5, 2026 – The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
CalRx® Insulin Glargine Pens Now Available!
California Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act of 2020 (Senate Bill 852, Statutes of 2020) empowered CA to enter into partnerships resulting in the production, procurement, or distribution of generic drugs and sell them at a low cost. The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of CalRx® Insulin Glargine pens – priced at just $55 for a five-pack of 3 mL pens – through the CalRx Biosimilar Insulin Initiative Californians can ask their health care provider or pharmacist about switching to CalRx® Insulin Glargine. Please refer to this Patient Flyer and FAQs for more details. Any California pharmacy can order CalRx® Insulin Glargine. For questions, clinicians can contact info@calrx.ca.gov.
Governor Issued State of State Address and Released Budget Proposal
Governor Newsom delivered his last State of the State address as Governor of California on Thursday, January 8th and submitted his budget proposal on January 9th. Information about the Governor's budget proposal can be found at California Budget.
Key Health & Public Health Highlights:
•Medi-Cal & Coverage – Budget adds $2B to offset federal cuts but still includes limits (e.g., undocumented coverage freeze, dental benefit reductions).
•Behavioral Health & Homelessness – Prop 1 continues funding mental health housing and courts. Mobile crisis services may become optional after 2027 – counties may bear costs.
•Public Health Infrastructure – Launch of PHNIX (Public Health Network Innovation Exchange) to strengthen state-level preparedness and independence from federal shifts.
PUBLIC
Winter Respiratory Virus Season Continues at Elevated Levels
Note: Holiday reporting delays may lead to incomplete data. Trends will become clearer in the coming weeks.
Nationally: Seasonal influenza remains elevated across the country. Most cases of influenza reported are a newly emerged strain, Influenza A(H3N2) clade K. Current influenza vaccines are still expected to offer protection against severe disease. In the United Kingdom, the current flu vaccine was 70- 75% effective preventing hospitalization in kids and 30- 40% for adults (Eurosurveillance 2025).
RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the US with emergency department visits and hospitalizations increasing among children 0- 4 years old, and COVID- 19 activity is increasing from low levels. Hospitalizations for influenza and RSV are elevated but are low for COVID19. (Source: CDC)
Statewide: Seasonal influenza activity is elevated in California. Children have a higher positivity rate than adults. Hospital admission rates and emergency department visits are going up. RSV activity is increasing across California. COVID- 19 activity remains very low statewide. (Source: CDPH)
Orange County: Influenza activity remains elevated, although activity is not at the level it was last season at this time. Hospitalizations continue to increase. RSV test positivity and hospitalizations continue to rise. COVID- 19 percent positivity and hospitalizations remain low.
On January 5, CDPH released a Health Advisory Influenza Update. It urges providers to:
•Administer 2025-26 influenza vaccine to anyone 6 months of age and older who has not yet received it.
•Test symptomatic patients as quickly as possible.
•Initiate antiviral treatment without delay.
•Stay aware of respiratory activity in your community.
Local trends can be found on the HCA Respiratory Viruses Dashboard while state trends can be found at Respiratory Viruses Hub For more information: CDC Respiratory Illness Data Channel CDC Respiratory Viruses Data and CDC FluView.
Measles
In 2025, the US reported 2,144 measles cases and 49 outbreaks, a sharp increase from 285 cases and 16 outbreaks in 2024. As of January 6, 2026, 3 cases have been confirmed in the US, with the largest outbreaks in southwestern Utah, northern Arizona, and South Carolina CDPH reported 1 case as of January 12, 2026.
Orange County had two cases in 2025 (February and September) and none so far in 2026.
Provider Guidance:
•Include measles in differential diagnoses when clinically appropriate.
•Encourage vaccination for those not up to date.
•Review travel-related recommendations, including early vaccination for infants 6–11 months.
Information and Resources:
Healthcare Providers: Stay Alert for Measles Cases, Plan for Travel – Measles CDPH Measles and HCA Measles.
Community Collaborative Updates
Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan
The Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan (OC CHIP) is making strong progress, thanks to the efforts of six dedicated workgroups focused on key health priorities: Mental Health, Substance Use, Diabetes/Obesity, Housing and Homelessness, Care Navigation, and Economic Disparities.
Interested in getting involved this year? To join a workgroup or learn more, email occhip@ochca.com . View the full plan here: OC Health Improvement Plan | Orange County California - Health Care Agency.
Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH)
• At the January Orange County Perinatal Council meeting, local data was reviewed from the 31st Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) MCAH Data Dashboards .
• Learn more about how to navigate CDPH MCAH Data Dashboards here .
• Although generally still better than overall California or United States rates for most indicators, Orange County has seen:
• increases in percentages of infants born preterm or with low birth weight,
• pregnant/post - partum people with postpartum depression symptoms,
• intimate partner violence,
• severe maternal morbidity (unexpected and potentially - life threatening complications from labor and delivery).
Even in indicators that were stable or showed improvement, there are marked disparities among race/ethnicity groups. Several health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and asthma have also been increasing in pregnant people; many of these would ideally benefit from identification and management in the preconception period during routine health maintenance visits, with continued follow-up in the 12 months post-partum and inter-conception time period.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) Trends (from CDPH MCAH Data Dashboard)
Severe Maternal Morbidity Trends (from CDPH MCAH Data Dashboard)
Community Collaborative Updates
Severe Maternal Morbidity Trends (from CDPH MCAH Data Dashboard)
Some important resources to support maternal health:
• Low- dose aspirin prescribed prenatally is a preventive measure that can save lives, reduce morbidity, and lower health care costs.
• The Low- Dose Aspirin for Preeclampsia Prevention: Implementation Guide for Clinical Teams for workflow tools, conversation guides, and patient education resources.
• Information for patients is also available here: Low Dose Aspirin Prevent Preeclampsia Preterm Birth Initiative
• As a health care professional, you can help prevent maternal mortality by listening to pregnant and postpartum women's concerns and helping them understand urgent maternal warning signs.
• See Health Care Professionals | HEAR HER Campaign | CDC and Signs and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
• To join the Orange County Perinatal Council, email PublicHealthNursing@ochca.com
Injury Prevention
Collaboratives
Injury prevention remains a growing priority across Orange County, as recent data show an increase in injuries related to fireworks and e-vehicles.
• Firework Injury Prevention Collaborative
Formed in 2024, this group continues to raise community awareness about firework-related injuries through education and outreach.
• E-bike Injury Prevention Collaborative
Established in late 2024, this collaborative met regularly throughout 2025 to address rising e-bike injuries.
• Trauma Systems of Care
Convened in December 2025 to strengthen coordination and response for trauma-related incidents.
These groups will continue to advance injury prevention efforts and protect community health in 2026.
New State Safety Laws Effective January 2026
The California Highway Patrol highlighted several new public safety laws impacting e-bike and school zone regulations (New Year, New Laws – CHP Highlights Public Safety Laws Taking Effect in 2026).
New Regulations related to E-Bike and Pedestrian Safety
E-bike Safety (AB 544)
• Rear Light or Reflector Required
All e-bikes (≤750 W) must have a red light or reflector visible from 500 feet, day or night.
• Helmet Rule & Training for Minors (<18)
• Minors must wear a properly fitted helmet meeting safety standards.
• Helmet violation citations can be dismissed if parents provide proof of a compliant helmet, and the minor completes a CHP-approved safety course.
• Parental Liability
Parents may be fined or cited if their minors commit e-bike violations – such as no light/reflector, no helmet, or unsafe riding.
eMoto Regulations (SB 586)
Clarifies rules for high-powered electric off-road vehicles and helps close regulatory gaps.
The bill defines an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” as a vehicle that:
• Is designed primarily for off-highway use
• Is powered by an electric motor that does not require a motor number
• Has handlebars for steering, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat, and two wheels
• Is not equipped with manufacturer-provided pedals
Under this definition, eMoto's are subject to off-highway motor vehicles (OHV) regulations –including helmet use and display of a DMV off-highway ID plate/sticker.
School Zone Speed Limits (AB
382)
Local authorities may reduce school zone speed limits from 25 to 20 mph through January 1, 2031. After that date, the 20-mph limit becomes statewide when signage is posted.
SAFETY ALERTS/RECALLS/
OUTBREAKS/FOODBOURNE
ILLNESS
FDA and CDC highlights
Live it Up Super Greens – Risk for Salmonella
CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Live it Up Super Greens supplement powder.
As of January 14, 2026, 45 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 21 states. So far there have been 12 hospitalizations and 0 deaths.
On January 15, 2026, Superfoods, Inc. recalled all Live it Up Super Greens supplement powders with expiration dates from August 2026 to January 2028.
Learn more at Live It Up Super Greens Supplement Powders Linked to New Salmonella Outbreak - CDC
Cheese Recall – Risk for Listeria
The FDA issued a recall for cheese products produced by the Ambriola Company as routine testing revealed contamination with listeria.
The initial recall was issued November 2025, and has since been updated on January 6, with FDA categorizing the recall as a Class I recall for concern of a "reasonable probability" that the use of, or exposure to, the product could cause "serious adverse health consequences or death."
Customers who purchased the affected products should not consume them and either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For more information, contact Ambriola at 1-800-962- 8224, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
Learn more at Ambriola Company Issues Recall Cheese Products Because Listeria Health Risk - FDA
CDC Foodborne outbreaks
Foodborne Outbreaks | Foodborne Outbreaks | CDC
CDC
Food Safety | Food Safety | CDC
FDA Recalls Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)- Recalls and Public Health Alerts
State Resources
Foodborne Illnesses and Outbreaks
Food Safety Program
Orange County Foodborne Illness and Illness Prevention | Orange County California - Health Care Agency
File A Complaint | OC Health Care Agency –Environmental Health Division | My Health Department
Product Alerts/Recalls Related to Excess Lead Levels
Handelnine Global Limited dba Navafresh, Rheumacare Capsules
Handelnine Global Limited dba Navafresh voluntarily recalled Lot Numbers CAM040 & CALO79-N.
In tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration the product has been found to contain lead at levels up to 11,100 ppm, which are higher than permissible levels.
Recall info: Handelnine Global Limited d/b/a as Navafresh Issues Nationwide Recall of Rheumacare Capsules by Virgo UAP Pharma Pvt. Ltd. (Virgo), Due to Elevated Lead Levels | FDA
• For questions about the product, please can contact Handelnine Global Limited at 1-442-2230999 or email legal@handelnine.com
International Travel Health Notices
JAN 2026
LEVEL 2 - CLADE II MONKEYPOX IN LIBERIA
DEC 2025
LEVEL 1 - RABIES IN MOROCCO
LEVEL 1 - GLOBAL DENGUE
LEVEL 1 - ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER IN MEXICO
LEVEL 1 - RIFT VALLEY FEVER IN MAURITANIA AND SENEGAL
LEVEL 2 - CHIKUNGUNYA IN SRI LANKA
CDPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB)
Orange County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) | Orange County California - Health Care Agency
CDC Traveler's Health Travel Health Notices | Travelers' Health | CDC
MONTHLY OBSERVATIONS/AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
Maternal Health Awareness Day – January 23
January 23 is Maternal Health Awareness day.
More than 60% of maternal deaths happen after a mom leaves the delivery hospital; a time when isolation is the highest and support is the lowest. Loneliness, occurring in 42% of new moms, predicts postpartum depression. Through simple, everyday acts of care, we can all make a difference in supporting postpartum moms.
Join the California Surgeon General's One Small Thing Campaign to support new moms. Learn more at https://osg.ca.gov/one-small-thing/.
Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Dr. Jonathan Watson, Medical Director, Correctional Health Services takes a moment from his work inside the OC jail to focus on safe driving during this National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Watch the video message by clicking here
TRAINING & WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES
January 20 at 10:30 am: National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers – HCV in 2026: A Clinical Update and Review
January 21 at 11:00 am: Trust for America’s Health – Advancing Policies that Create Conditions for Good Health
January 29 at 9:00 am: California Natural Resources Agency – Expanding Nature-Based Solutions
February 4 at 3:30 pm: UCSF – Teaching Sexual Health Education: Building Comfort and Building Capacity
California Medical Association Virtual Grand Rounds: The Continued Evolution of Public Health –Recent Federal and State Changes : CMA (Recorded January 13, 2026)
Cal HHS Updates on the Impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and CalFresh – WATCH NOW: Updates on HR 1 Impacts on Medi-Cal and CalFresh - California Health & Human Services Updates on HR 1 Impacts (Recorded January 13, 2026)
Vaccines
• CIDRAP – Osterholm Update Episode 200: A Moment Among Moments – (January 15, 2026)
American Public Health Association (APHA) APHA Webinars
CMA Recorded Webinars Virtual Grand Rounds (cmadocs.org)
National Foundation for Infectious Disease Webinars NFID Events & Webinars
Infectious Disease Society of America Public Health Page Public Health (idsociety.org)
Webinar Links
• National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education (NETEC) Podcast: From Protocol to Patient: How SPRN (Special Pathogens Research Network) Drives Better Care in Emergencies NETEC Podcast
• CMA On-Demand Webinars: CMA Webinars
• Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) Offers daily news headlines, and newsletters for specific communicable disease topics.
• Osterholm Update Podcast
• Dr. Michael Osterholm discusses the latest infectious disease developments. Link: Michael Osterholm Update
Provider Advisory List
Clinicians, receive immediate notification of communicable disease related alerts. Sign up at this link: Provider Advisory Email Advisory.
Monthly Health Officer Clinician Newsletter
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