MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR ORANGE COUNTY CLINICIANS S E PT E MB E R 1 6 , 2 0 2 6
R EG IN A CH IN SIO -K W ON G , D O COUNTY HEAL TH O FF ICER
Dear Orange County Clinicians, September brings several important observances, including our collective remembrance of 9/11 and the resilience it represents. September is Recovery Awareness Month and at this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, resolutions were presented to additionally acknowledge September as Hunger Action Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month can stir deep emotions - a painful reminder of loved ones or colleagues lost, and a hopeful reminder that help and healing are possible. Although deaths by suicides in the United States have decreased from the peak reached in 2018 with 369 deaths to 255 in 2025, suicide remains the 10 th leading cause of death in the United States according to the National Council for Suicide Prevention. While the overall suicide rates among males remains at least four times higher than females, a February 2025 JAMA article reported that from 2017–2021, female physicians had a higher suicide incidence than women in the general population, while male physicians had a lower incidence than men in the general population. September 17th is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. The American Medical Association provides an on-demand webinar and toolkit to help identify warning signs and strengthen support. Firearms remain the number one means of suicide deaths. If you or someone you care about is in need of hope, call 9-8-8 immediately. Support is available 24 hours a day.
We extend sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in Orange County's 4th Annual Orange County Summit: Family Wellness Initiative, which showcased the accomplishments our community has made in implementing Family Wellness Plans (FWP) to support families affected by substance use before, during, and after delivery. Thank you to the partners and hospitals implementing or onboarding this tool—your leadership is improving care for pregnant patients, infants, and families. Health care providers can refer families to the Family Wellness Team or call Community and Nursing Services at (714) 834-7747. A recent e-bike buy-back event drew strong community participation. Over the past two years, Dr. Almaas Shaikh, Deputy Health Officer, co-led a collaborative with Dareen Khatib from the OC Department of Education, working with OC Transportation Authority, local law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals and other community leaders to promote safe e -vehicle practices to reduce the rise in related traumatic injuries. Now serving as Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Dr. Shaikh will continue leading efforts that strengthen Orange County's Emergency Medical System. As respiratory virus season approaches and COVID-19 activity rises, updated vaccines are available at many pharmacies. I received the updated Nuvaxovid vaccine myself to boost protection. With measles cases increasing nationally, clinicians remain among the most trusted messengers—your guidance is vital in helping patients understand vaccine benefits and take preventive steps to protect themselves and their families this fall and winter.
In this newsletter you can find: Press Releases/News Highlights – pg. 2 Public Health Communicable Disease Updates - pg. 4 Community Collaborative Updates – pg. 7
Observance Topics – pg. 9 Safety Alerts/Recalls/ Outbreaks/Foodborne Illnesses – pg. 14
Training & Webinar Opportunities – pg. 16
With a challenging West Nile Virus season underway and 15 human cases confirmed in Orange County for 2026, continued vigilance is essential. Please reinforce mosquito-bite prevention and steps to reduce mosquito breeding sources to help lower community risk. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and for everything you do to protect and promote the health of Orange County residents.
With appreciation, Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong (CK) O C HE A L T H CA R E A G E N C Y | 1
PRESS RELEASES/NEWS HIGHLIGHTS Press Releases Local and State • Recruitment Extended for the CalOptima Health Board of Directors – September 18, 2026 - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) seeks applicants who represent the diverse backgrounds, interests and demographics of Orange County residents and have the experience and expertise to operate a public health care system. • CD News Alert: California and CDC Health Alert Network Health Advisory - Recent increases in animal rabies activity - September 10 - CDC released a statement on recent increases in animal rabies activity and associated human exposures. • CDPH Issues Immunization Recommendations for 2026-27 Respiratory Virus Season – September 4, 2026 - California reaffirms that immunization is the best protection available against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness, community transmission and health care system strain.
State Updates • CDPH Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research Branch published a Ladera Ranch Cancer Concern FAQ earlier this month to address common questions received. • DHCS began mailing federally required outreach letters to Medi-Cal members who may be affected by new H.R. 1 requirements. • CA Bridge Connect was launched as a free statewide call and text based service offering immediate help and support to Californians seeking treatment for opioid use. • California has launched its first Social Health Council to create healthier, more connected communities, bringing together leaders from state and local government, community organizations, and academia to strengthen social connection and address loneliness & social isolation. The council includes leaders Kim Johnson & Dr. Erica Pan.
National/Federal Updates • CDC merged divisions to create the Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Division. • CDC released it's interim clinical considerations for the use of seasonal influenza vaccines in the US. • National Medical Associations release their vaccine recommendations for the coming respiratory virus season which are consolidated into a quick reference by the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA will also host an Immunziations 2026-2027 respiratory virus season webinar on September 23. Register here. • CDC released a statement on recent increases in animal rabies activity and associated human exposures. • CDC and FDA are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts distributed to food co-ops, restaurants and food service customers. So far 22 cases have been identified across 4 states including Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Utah. California is not currently listed among the affected states. • FDA expanded treatment options for adults with advanced breast cancer. • FDA announced temporary policies to help address a potential supply gap for neonatal starter parenteral nutrition. • FDA issued an emergency use authorization for drugs to prevent and treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats and cattle.
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PRESS RELEASES/NEWS HIGHLIGHTS Studies, Publications and Resources Public Health • Trust for America’s Health released Chronic Underinvestment and Recent Disruptions Have Weakened US Public Health System. • The Network for Public Health Law released: The Public Health Costs of Data Centers and What Policy Can Do. Behavioral Health • CDC launched the CDC Overdose Prevention Data Channel. • CDC reported that cannabis was detected in 21.0% of US overdose deaths from January 2021 through June 2025, with detection highest among adolescents at 42.7%. Cannabis was listed as the cause of death in fewer than 1% of cases. Infectious Diseases and Immunizations • CDC reported HPV vaccination coverage among US adolescents aged 13–17 years. • CDC released a new training: Rapid Recognition and Response to New World Screwworm. Nutrition/Exercise • In partnership with CDPH, ChangeLab Solutions released Nutrition & Physical Activity Policy Resources. Disasters/Surveillance/Exposures • JAMA published Twenty-Five Years After 9/11—Lessons From the World Trade Center Health Program, highlighting long-term health effects and the importance of sustained surveillance, multidisciplinary clinical care, and research to inform acute and long-term responses for future disasters. Industrial Relations - Exposures/Injury Prevention • California’s Department of Industrial Relations published a template Silica Exposure Control Plan (Word document) to assist employers in developing their own sitespecific plans. • California’s Department of Industrial Relations published a fact sheet regarding the Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program.
Climate-Related • CDC published a QuickStats reflecting the percentage distribution of heat-related deaths by age group in 2024. Maternal-Child/Adolescent Health • CDC reported an analysis of 2020-2024 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, with unsafe sleep factors identified in 73% of cases.
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PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICABLE DISEASE UPDATES Measles Update
• Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin have seen rapidly rising cases of measles throughout the end of July and into September. • Earlier today, Pennsylvania reported a fourth measles-associated death involving an 18 year old with a rare and severe complication of measles - acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. • The CDC has not yet counted these deaths in national mortality data, highlighting a reporting discrepancy between state and federal agencies. • PA’s outbreak is currently the US’s most active, with new cases added each week with a total of 693 cases year to date and 133 hospitalizations as of 9/14/26. • The US has reported 3,294 cases to date, and 267 hospitalizations as of 9/11/26.
Bundibugyo Ebola Disease Outbreak Update
• The outbreak has spread to a 7th province and is rapidly spreading beyond the epicenter. • Front line workers have begun being vaccinated with the Zaire Ebola strain vaccine, but supplies are limited and it is not known how protective the vaccine will be. • CDC reported that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is spreading faster than previous outbreaks and is the second largest outbreak of Ebola in history, with 7,200 confirmed cases and 3,475 confirmed deaths as of September 12, 2026. •
CDC reported that 18 of 20 confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) patients in Uganda survived after receiving remdesivir through off-label, compassionate-use protocol, resulting in a 90% survival rate compared with case-fatality rates of 32%–55% in the two previous BVD outbreaks.
West Nile Virus (WNV) Update • As of 9/14/26, there have been 15 human cases of WNV reported among Orange County residents. • A survey found that most Americans know mosquitoes cause disease, but don’t know how to use bug spray properly Survey Results • Insect repellent guidance: Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods | CDC Yellow Book • Find out more about West Nile Virus Activity by visiting Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District website. • Image from https://westnile.ca.gov/ OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 4
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICABLE DISEASE UPDATES Vaccination Coverage Declining and Exemptions Rising among Kindergartners in the US Vaccination Coverage and Exemptions among Kindergartners | SchoolVaxView | CDC • Recent declines in kindergarten vaccination coverage and rising exemption rates across the US as noted in the recent CDC publication underscore the urgent need for clinicians – who remain the most trusted sources of vaccine information to actively engage in vaccine education to help families navigate complex information landscape. This calls for clear, consistent conversations – to answer common questions, address concerns, and reinforce the importance of timely vaccinations. • CDC recently released national and state-level vaccination rates for kindergartners for the 2025-2026 school year. • Vaccination coverage among kindergartners in the US decreased for all reported vaccines. • The number of kindergartners attending school without documentation of completing the MMR vaccine series was about 280,000 during 2025-2026 school year. • Exemptions from one or more vaccines among kindergartners in the US increased to 4.2% from 3.6% the year before. • 0.1% of CA kindergartners have a vaccine exemption. • Exemptions increased in 41 states and DC, with 24 states reporting exemptions exceeding 5%. California is one of four states (NY, ME, CT are the others) which do not allow for any type of non-medical exemption. • California MMR kindergartner vaccination coverage for 2025/26 is 95.7%, consistent with 2024/25 coverage of 96.1%. • 96% of kindergarteners in Orange County in 2025/2026 and 2024/2025 school years received all required vaccinations.
Opportunity to Provide Input Regarding US Department of Health and Human Services Request for Information Regarding Vaccine Recommendations
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) posted a Request for Information (RFI) in support of the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines on the adequacy of current immunization recommendation categories: routine/universal, risk based, and shared clinical decision-making (SCDM); timing and sequencing of vaccinations; and more. Your voice matters on this issue! Consider submitting public comment by the deadline of September 20, 2026. RFI: View the Federal Register notice Submit comments: Regulations.gov — search for Docket No. HHS–OS–2026–0332 References: • • • • • • •
RFI Talking Points from Vaccinate Your Family: Talking Points for HHS RFI on Federal Vaccine Recommendation West Coast Health Alliance Joint Statement (Aug 2026): WCHA Statement on Recommendations for Vaccinations West Coast Health Alliance Joint Statement (Jan 2026): WCHA Recommends American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule American Academy of Pediatrics American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists American Academy of Family Physicians Vaccine Integrity Project OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 5
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICABLE DISEASE UPDATES Respiratory Viruses
COVID-19 Summer Wave • • •
•
COVID-19 activity in Orange County is rising, with small increases in test positivity, emergency department visits for COVID-like illness, and the share of hospital admissions testing positive. Statewide, the percent of positive tests is high, though hospitalizations remain very low. Updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the JN.1-lineage XFG variant are all FDA-approved and available for the 2026–2027 season: • 6 months through 64 years: Spikevax (Moderna) • 5 through 64 years: Comirnaty (Pfizer=BioNTech) • 12-64 years: mNEXSPIKE (Moderna) or Nuvaxovid (Novavax-Sanofi) Walgreens and CVS report having the updated vaccines in stock locally; individuals should call their pharmacy to confirm availability.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season | Coronavirus (COVID19) | JAMA | JAMA Network Flu Update
Influenza activity in Orange County remains low, with test positivity increasing slightly. The FDA has approved updated trivalent flu vaccines (H3N2, H1N1, B/Victoria) for 2026–2027. Flu vaccines reduce doctor visits by 30–60% on average, and the nasal flu vaccine FluMist® can be taken at home. • The new mRNA flu vaccine (mFlusiva) is FDA-approved for adults 50+. A Local Health Officer Order remains in place requiring Orange County health care workers to receive an annual seasonal flu vaccine; an updated order will define the respiratory virus season as November 1 – April 30. • Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season | Vaccination | JAMA | JAMA Network • • •
RSV Immunization • •
• •
Pregnant people 32-36 weeks gestation between September through January are advised to receive the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Abrysvo to protect their baby for the first 6 months of life. Infants whose mothers were not vaccinated during pregnancy are advised to receive a long acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab or clesrovimab) between October and March. RSV Immunization Guidance for Infants and Young Children | RSV | CDC Adults aged 75 and older, or 50-74 at increased of severe RSV disease, are advised to receive a onetime RSV vaccine dose for protection. RSV Immunization Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season | Vaccination | JAMA | JAMA Network OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 6
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE UPDATES National Prescription Drug Take Back Day October 24, 2026 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a nationwide initiative run by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to offer safe and anonymous disposal of prescription medications.
Nearby Drop Off Locations: Santa Ana Police Department, UCI Police Department, Garden Grove/Cypress, HB Police Departments, Orange County Sheriff’s Department throughout OC. Search for locations HERE. OC Community Health Improvement Plan Update 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 & Homelessness, Care Navigation, and Economic Disparities. Get Involved: 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.
OC Family Support Task Force As mentioned in the opening of this month's newsletter, multiple organizations have partnered to improve outcomes for infants and families affected by perinatal substance use by implementing Family Wellness Plans (FWPs). The collaborative includes over 240+ representatives from 70+ local organizations as well as persons with lived experience and individual providers. With the implementation of FWPs, families can communicate their strengths, needs and accomplishments to providers, receive care coordination, supports and resources and hopefully stay together after delivery.
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COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE UPDATES OC Family Support Task Force We now have 7 of our 13 birthing hospitals implementing FWPs and standardized newborn risk assessments to identify if there is a risk to the health and safety of the newborn and to guide their decision on whether a report to the Social Services Agency (SSA) is warranted. Aggregate de-identified data collected from participating hospitals indicated the number of substance-exposed infant notifications submitted by the hospitals increased from 31 in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 to 119 in FY 202526. The number of substance-affected infants reported to SSA has decreased from 350 in FY 2022-23 to 176 in FY 2025-26. The number of families with FWPs initiated in the outpatient setting has increased from 7 in 2023 to 61 in 2026. In the families with prenatal FWPs done, 87% of the newborns were discharged home with mom.
The Family Wellness Team is available to support your families affected by perinatal substance use, and to support providers in initiating FWPs and linking patients to resources. The Family Wellness Team includes peer support specialists, public health nurses, and perinatal substance use treatment coordinators. For more information on the Family Wellness Team and how to contact them, see English | Spanish. If your hospital or practice is interested in joining the initiative, register here. Further information is available at Every Parent OC Provider Resources.
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SEPTEMBER OBSERVANCE TOPICS Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - while World Suicide Prevention Day was September 10, and #988 day was on September 8, it is still important yearround to raise awareness, promote hope, and share suicide prevention resources well ahead of the holiday season. Resources and toolkits: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | SAMHSA, Suicide Prevention Month | NAMI, National Suicide Prevention Month | AFSP, and 988 Day - 988 Lifeline.
The Trevor Project - Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Young People: The Trevor Project provides information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
Soluna Health is a free Wellbeing app that provides free and confidential mental health support for teens and young adults in California. Free & Confidential Mental Health Support for CA Youth
National Recovery Awareness Month National Recovery Month is a reminder that substance use disorders (SUDs) are treatable, chronic health conditions shaped by biology, environment, and experience —not moral failings. Recovery is happening every day, yet many individuals still do not receive timely help, often due to stigma and shame that discourage people from seeking or accepting support.
Clinicians play a vital role in shifting this narrative. • Promote accurate understanding: Reinforce that SUDs are medical conditions and that evidence-based treatments work. Helping patients and families understand what SUDs are—and what they are not—can reduce judgment and encourage engagement in care. • Use stigma-free, person-first language: Words matter. Using terms such as “person living with addiction” instead of “addict” supports dignity and hope, and increases willingness to seek help. Resources like Un Shame California provide guidance on preferred language and stigma reduction strategies. • Be familiar with trusted local resources: Effective care often requires coordinated support. Tools like OCNavigator.org can help clinicians quickly connect patients and families with treatment services and recovery supports. • Recognize the many contributors to recovery: Recovery depends on a broad network—people with lived experience, dedicated providers, supportive families, employers, educators, and community members. The Opposite of Addiction is not Sobriety, it is Connection. Thank you to everyone who is supporting connection, making a huge impact in the lives of many and making Recovery Happen in OC. If you or someone in your care needs immediate behavioral health support related to substance use, OC Links at (855) OC-LINKS offers confidential assistance for OC residents. OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 9
OCTOBER OBSERVANCE TOPICS National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day is October 7, 2026
Locally, multiple Walk, Bike and Roll Events are occurring in early October - to encourage more physical activity. This year, commit to bicycle safety - learn about the dangers of e-bikes as well as safe e-vehicle use. OCTA is re-launching its gift card safety sweepstakes for the Round Planet e-bike video. Encourage community to learn more by visiting OCTA's e-bike safety website. The local OC E-Bike Collaborative created the following flyer to educate the community about e-bikes.
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OCTOBER OBSERVANCE TOPICS SIDS Awareness Month: Safe Sleep Starts with Us: The Clinician’s Role in Preventing SUID “Where did your baby sleep last night?”
It’s a simple question, but the answer can open the door to one of the most important conversations we have with families during an infant’s first year. CDC reported an analysis of 2020-2024 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, with unsafe sleep factors identified in > 73% of cases which was similar to a similar analysis between 2011-2020. The analysis reinforces the importance of safe sleep practices to reduce Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. All of these remain important infant health concerns. Although not every sleep-related death can be prevented, clinicians have a meaningful opportunity to help families reduce the risks and create safer sleep environments. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their backs for every sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface, in a crib with no blankets, pillows, bumpers, toys, and other soft objects.
Room sharing without bed sharing is recommended, ideally for at least the first six months. These recommendations are clear. Putting them into practice, however, can be complicated by real life circumstances. That is why safe sleep counseling should be more than a list of instructions. Ask about what sleep really looks like at home. Where does the baby sleep? What happens during nighttime feedings? What does the family do when everyone is exhausted? These conversations can uncover barriers such as limited space, cultural practices, lack of a crib or bassinet, breastfeeding concerns, or caregiver fatigue. When we approach these conversations with curiosity rather than judgement, families are more likely to share what is really happening. In turn, clinicians can offer guidance that is practical, respectful, and tailored to each family’s circumstances. Our actions matter too. Families notice how infants are positioned in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. When clinicians consistently model safe sleep, we reinforce that is not simply advice - it is the standard of care.
Safe sleep education should not be a one-time conversation at hospital discharge. It should begin prenatally, continue during newborn care, and be revisited at well-child visits and whenever we have an opportunity to connect with a family. Repetition helps families build confidence, adapt recommendations as their circumstances change, and remember what to do during the demanding early months of caregiving. OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 11
OCTOBER OBSERVANCE TOPICS During routine visits, clinicians can make safe sleep counseling practical and consistent by: • Asking caregivers to describe the infant’s usual sleep location and nighttime routine. • Reviewing the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, on the Back, in a Crib or other approved sleep space. • Checking whether the sleep surface is firm, flat, and free of loose bedding, pillows, toys, and other soft items. • Discussing what to do if a caregiver falls asleep while feeding or comforting the baby, including moving the infant to a separate sleep surface as soon as the caregiver wakes. • Demonstrating safe positioning and modeling an uncluttered sleep space during every clinical encounter. • Identifying barriers such as housing limitations, equipment needs, or caregiver fatigue and connecting families with community resources when available. • Using teach-back by asking caregivers to explain or demonstrate how they will place the infant to sleep at home.
Every conversation is an opportunity to listen, clarify, and support. A nonjudgmental approach does not weaken the message; it helps families engage with it in a way that is honest and sustainable. One question. One conversation. One safer sleep environment. It starts with us. Resources for Clinicians: • NIH/NICHD – Safe to Sleep® NIH Safe To Sleep What You Should Know.
Learn more about SIDS and SUID definitions, risk factors, safe sleep recommendations, provider education, and resources for families and caregivers. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – SUID and SIDS CDC Sudden Death Index Access national SUID/SIDS data, statistics, safe sleep guidance, and information for healthcare professionals and families. • California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – SIDS Program CDPH Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Program Find California-specific SIDS/SUID information, safe sleep education, data, and resources for professionals working with infants and families. • American Academy of Pediatrics: Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 12
OCTOBER OBSERVANCE TOPICS National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week,
October 25-31, 2026 Join us in celebrating Lead Week, a national annual campaign during the last full week of October to bring awareness to and prevent childhood lead exposure. This year's theme, blood lead testing, encourages parents and caregivers to ask their healthcare provider about blood lead testing if they think their child has been exposed to lead. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is found naturally and is used in many products. Even small amounts of lead exposure can have harmful effects on the body, resulting in problems with development, attention, learning, behavior, and growth.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated screening regulations for childhood lead poisoning, effective July 6, 2026. A blood lead test is required at 12 months and 24 months of age for all children who: • Are in a publicly funded program such as Medi-Cal, WIC, or Head Start. • Are at risk for exposure (California data shows that almost all kids are at risk). Older children need catch-up testing up to age 6 if they were not screened earlier.
OC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OC CLPPP) encourages you all to get involved with Lead Week by refreshing your knowledge, staying current with best practices, and sharing relevant resources about preventing childhood lead poisoning with your colleagues and patients.
Educational resources on blood lead testing: NOTE: CDPH CLPPB is in the process of updating their web pages, materials and guidelines with the new screening requirements. Health Care Providers • CDPH, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch: Health Care Provider Information • CDPH, CLPPB: S tandard of Care on Screening for Childhood Lead Poisoning • CDPH, CLPPB: Requirements for Blood Lead Reporting Community • CDPH, CLPPB: Getting Your Child Tested For Lead • CDPH, CLPPB: Multiple Sources of Lead • CDPH, CLPPB: Protect Your Child from Lead • OC Health Care Agency: • OC CLPPP provides free case management and environmental investigations for children with elevated lead levels, community outreach, and education to keep you informed about lead poisoning prevention. • Call OC CLPPP at (714) 567-6220 • Email OC CLPPP at Lead@ochca.com • Visit OC CLPPP’s webpage
Thank you for your efforts to create a healthy, lead-safe environment where all children can achieve their full potential! OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 13
SAFETY ALERTS/RECALLS/OUTBREAKS/FOODBORNE ILLNESS Prime Line Distributors, Inc. and Ferrarini USA, Inc. Recall Imported Ready-To-Eat Pork Guanciale Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination – September 6, 2026 Prime Line Distributors, Inc., a Fort Lauderdale, FL firm, and Ferrarini USA, Inc., a Hoboken, NJ firm, are recalling approximately 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat (RTE) pork products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Food-Borne Outbreaks Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Happy Hens Eggs (regional) Salmonella DNA Found on Farm Tied to Ramona Outbreak | News | San Diego County News Center • 23 cases of Salmonella and 7 hospitalizations have been linked to consumption of Happy Hens eggs and products containing Happy Hens eggs. • On September 8, Happy Hens, located in Ramona, CA, voluntarily recalled Happy Hens brand eggs. • Illness onset dates range from June 21 through August 16, 2026. Because this outbreak is considered ongoing, additional recent illnesses linked to this outbreak may still be identified. • Happy Hens Eggs were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets throughout Southern California, including Orange County. • Resource: CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Recalled Happy Hens Brand Organic Shell Eggs
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Has Ended (National) Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce | Cyclosporiasis | CDC • FDA continues to investigate the cause of the contamination that led to this multistate outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce. • According to CDC reports, the outbreak caused 12,883 cases, 570 hospitalizations and 2 deaths and impacted 21 states. • The investigation linked the outbreak to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico that was contaminated with Cyclospora. On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. This lettuce was not distributed in California. OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 14
SAFETY ALERTS/RECALLS/OUTBREAKS/FOODBORNE ILLNESS Product Alerts/Recalls On September 10, 2026, SQT recalled Lontcs Busy Boards due to elevated levels of lead in the toys’ zipper. For more information, see CPSC Recalls 2026Lontcs Busy Boards Recalled Due to Lead Levels. This product consists of a wood board and metal handle with multiple attached components, including a black plastic buckle, metal latch, caster wheel, white doorbell, lock with keys, music box with crank, zig zag duck puzzle, abacus, fidget spinner and the brown zipper that contained the elevated lead levels. The product was sold online at Amazon.com from May 2024 through July 2026. Recommendations: • Advise families to immediately stop using the busy boards and contact SQT for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the toys by unscrewing its components, write in permanent marker “RECALLED” on the board, and send a photo of the destroyed toy to Lontcs@163.com. Consumers should then dispose of the destroyed product. • Test children for lead if they came into contact with this product. • Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at http://www.saferproducts.gov/.
For additional information and resources, please visit OC CLPPP and California Department of Public Health websites or contact the OC CLPPP program at (714) 567-6220.
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TRAINING & WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES General Webinars • • • • • • •
• •
September 17 at 1:00 pm: CDPH, NPAB, ChangeLab, Mathematica, UC Berkeley, and UCLA—Introduction to Nutrition & Physical Activity Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Resources September 18 at 9:00 am: Association of Immunization Managers—The Science of Vaccine Communication: Research to Practice September 22 at 11:00 am: NACCHO and Gilead Medical Affairs—Narrowing Care Gaps in the HIV Care Continuum September 23 at 10:00 am: NACCHO—Advancing Evidence-Based Strategies to Strengthen Vaccine Uptake and Confidence in High-Risk Communities September 23 at 1:30 pm: CDPH—BHSA Population-Based Prevention Plan 2026 Updates September 24 at 9:00 am: Meth for Clinical Service Providers September 30 at 11:00 am: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases— Preparing for Respiratory Season: 2026-2027 Immunization Updates September 30 at 11:00 am: ASTHO—From Urgency to Action: Paths to Advancing Decision-Making October 8 at 10:00 am: The California Endowment—Increasing Voter Participation to Advance Health Equity and Democracy
On Demand Webinar • CDC Rapid Recognition and Response to New World Screwworm • American Medical Association Preventing Physician Suicide
In Person Conferences September 24 at 3:00 pm: AltaMed PACE - Santa Ana Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers Coffee Connections: Shaping the Future of Aging & Cognitive Health: Aligning Care, Community, and Partnerships October 16-18, 2026: AAP- 42nd Annual Current Advances in Pediatrics Conference - Irvine Marriott
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From protecting community health to supporting individuals and families every day, our teams at the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) work behind the scenes and on the front lines to make Orange County healthier and stronger. Learn more from HCA Director Veronica Kelley, DSW, LCSW in this video: About the OC Health Care Agency.
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HEALTHY OC NEWSLETTER Quality health is critical for all OC residents. Our Healthy OC newsletter is designed to offer direct, transparent communication to the entire county, helping our community live longer, healthier lives. Orange County residents can subscribe by clicking here: Healthy OC newsletter. Click on any of the links below to see content and resources.
August 2026
Topics: National Wellness Month Are You Prepared for a Disaster? 911 Diversion Program Older Adult Resources Clinical Care Services Breastfeeding Month Birth & Death Records Keep Your Food Safe Click here to read the edition. Back to School Special Edition Topics: Back to School Tips Screen Time Immunization Awareness E-bike Safety Car Safety Seats Check Out that Smile Kids' Health and Safety Positive Parenting Program Click here to read the edition. July 2026 Topics: Heat Stroke is No Joke Beach Water and Swimming Safety Clinical Skills Training Immunization Awareness Month West Nile Virus Season About Communicable Disease Control Behavioral Health Support Click here to read the edition. OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY | 18
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