The Alameda County Public Health Department sends out Health Alerts, Advisories, and Updates regarding communicable disease outbreaks, immunization updates, and other public health concerns to Alameda County clinicians and other partners. See recent releases below.
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Health Alerts
| ALERT | conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention. |
| ADVISORY | provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. |
| UPDATE | provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action. |
October 08, 2014 |
Advisory |
Ebola Virus Disease The first case of Ebola Virus Disease (Ebola) diagnosed in the United States (US) was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on 9/30/14 and occurred in a traveler from Liberia to Dallas, Texas. The patient fell ill on 9/24/2014, sought medical care at a Dallas hospital on 9/26/14 and was released despite a reported history of recent travel to Liberia. On 9/28/14, he returned to the same hospital and was admitted for treatment. The CDC issued a Health Advisory on 10/2/14 to advise clinicians to identify, isolate, and immediately report suspected Ebola cases to their local health department. Early recognition and appropriate infection control precautions are critical for disease control. |
August 19, 2014 |
Update |
Ebola Virus and West Nile Virus Update There is currently a large outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and most recently, Nigeria. As of August 19, the World Health Organization has reported a cumulative total of 2240 suspect and confirmed cases and 1229 deaths. CDC has advised travelers to avoid all non-essential travel to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, and has issued a lower level alert for Nigeria. As of August 19, 2014, there are no EVD cases acquired in the United States. While the risk of importation of Ebola into the United States is considered to be very low, Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to prepare in the event that a returning traveler from these countries develops illness that may be concerning for EVD. Early identification of such cases and prompt infection control implementation will be key components to containment and prevention of spread. As of August 13, 2014, Alameda County reported 51 dead birds and 10 mosquito pools positive for West Nile Virus (WNV); this is an unusually high number and already higher than all prior years. Mosquito Abatement has undertaken precautions to treat mosquitoes in areas where activity is highest in Livermore. There are currently no reported symptomatic cases of human WNV in Alameda County this year, and there are 57 reported human cases in CA from 36 jurisdictions. |
June 10, 2014 |
Update |
Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) The CDC had previously reported on May 17, 2014 that an individual from Illinois who had extended face-to-face contact with the Indiana case had become infected with MERS CoV but had no symptoms. After further laboratory testing on May 28, the CDC announced that they have now concluded that the Illinois resident was not infected with MERS CoV |
May 22, 2014 |
Advisory |
Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) As of May 2, 2014, the CDC confirmed that the first case of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) has been reported in a US citizen in Indiana. On May 11 a second case was confirmed in Florida. The cases are unrelated. Both were healthcare workers who had returned from the Middle East. On May 16, 2014 the first domestic secondary case was reported in Indiana. This case was exposed to the first case and remains asymptomatic, but lab testing indicates exposure and immune response to MERS-CoV. The CDPH and CDC have provided guidelines for healthcare providers. |
March 28, 2014 |
Advisory |
Measles Cases in Alameda County and California As of February 18, 2014, 14 confirmed cases of measles have been reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with onsets since January 1, 2014. This is a higher number of cases than expected early in the year; from 2008-2013, 8 to 31 confirmed measles cases were reported annually. Most cases have involved contact with international visitors or unimmunized Californians who got measles after travelling in the Philippines, Europe, Asia, Africa, or India. It is more important than ever for children and adults to make sure that they are either immune or have been vaccinated. Alameda County Public Health Department has been actively involved in case and contact investigation and disease control activities. |
January 17, 2014 |
Advisory |
Influenza Activity in Alameda County Statewide flu activity has been upgraded to "widespread." Across the country and within California and Alameda County, influenza A (pH1N1), which is in all formulations of the 2013-14 flu vaccine, has been the predominant strain this season. Since its emergence in 2009 pH1N1 has been observed to cause more illness in children and young adults, compared to older adults, although severe illness was seen in all age groups. As of 1/16/14, we have confirmed three deaths in persons <65 years of age due to pH1N1. Vaccination and good hygiene and infection control practices remain the best prevention strategies. Future updates/information will be posted here:
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January 06, 2014 |
Advisory |
FDA expects temporary shortage of liquid oseltamivir Increased demand and manufacturing delays are expected to cause a temporary shortage of the liquid form of the influenza drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in coming days, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on its Web site. The oral suspension formulation is intended for small children and others who can't swallow capsules. "Genentech is experiencing temporary delays in manufacturing of Oral Suspension. A brief shortage of Oral Suspension is expected in early to mid-January," the FDA said on its "Current Drug Shortages" page. The agency also listed increased demand as a reason for the shortage. The company expects to have more of the product in mid-January, officials said. Oseltamivir remains available in capsules at all three doses (30, 45, and 75 milligrams), the FDA reported. It said children over 1 year old can be dosed correctly with 30- or 45-mg capsules. For those who can't swallow capsules, a capsule can be opened and mixed with chocolate syrup or some other liquid as directed by a health professional. Also, professionals can use 75-mg capsules to make a liquid form of the drug. Scattered shortages of the liquid drug were reported in several recent years, including 2013, 2011, and the 2009 pandemic, prompting pharmacies to compound it from capsules. |
September 04, 2013 |
Update |
Recurrent Nationwide Shortage of Tuberculin Skin Test Antigen Solutions In April 2013, CDC reported that TUBERSOL®, a product of Sanofi Pasteur Limited, was in shortage nationwide. Although supplies were restored in early June 2013, TUBERSOL® is in shortage again until at least the middle of October 2013. At the current time, the 5 tuberculin units/0.1 mL, 5 mL (50 tests), multiple dose vials are unavailable. The 5 tuberculin units/0.1 mL, 1 mL (10 tests), multiple dose vials are in limited supply. This CDC notice advises public health officials, clinicians, and workers in occupational health and infection control about how to adapt testing protocols to the recurrent shortage. |
August 28, 2013 |
Advisory |
Mandatory Influenza Vaccination or Masking or Health Care Workers During Every Influenza Season Alameda County Health Officer has updated the joint order with the Berkeley Health Officer mandating that all licensed health care facilities in Alameda County and the City of Berkeley require their health care workers (HCWs) to receive an annual influenza vaccination or, if they decline, to wear a mask during the influenza season while working in patient care areas. |
August 27, 2013 |
Advisory |
Tuberculin Skin Test Solution Shortages Ongoing shortages of Tubersol and limited availability of Aplisol, the purified protein derivative (PPD) solutions used for tuberculin skin testing (TST) may impact provider ability to assess patients for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). In April 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued information regarding nationwide shortages of Tubersol and Aplisol solutions. The current projection for restoration of normal production of Tubersol is this fall. The shortage of Tubersol has created increased demand for Aplisol and shortages of both PPD solutions. See Advisory for information on prioritization and substitutions for TST tests. |
June 07, 2013 |
Advisory |
Hepatitis A: Multistate Outbreak Linked to Frozen Berry Product and Alameda County Pharmacy Exposure As of June 7, 2013, the CDC reports 79 people from 8 states with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections that may be linked to consumption of Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berry and pomegranate mix widely distributed in Costco stores. As of June 7, the California Department of Public Health reports 33 California residents from 15 local health jurisdictions (including 1 Alameda County case) are part of this outbreak. Costco has removed the product from their stores and is notifying customers who bought the product. The manufacturer has recalled the product. |
June 03, 2013 |
Update |
Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A As of May 31, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported 30 people ill with acute hepatitis A from five states, including California. Illnesses may be linked to consumption of contaminated “Townsend Farms brand Organic Antioxidant Blend”, a frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix, sold from late February 2013 until late May 2013 at Costco stores. Health care providers evaluating patients with acute hepatitis should ask about exposure to this product and report suspected cases to Alameda County Public Health Department at 510-267-3250. Health care providers should provide hepatitis A postexposure prophylaxis to patients who are susceptible to hepatitis A infection within two weeks of their last exposure to this berry product. |