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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Advisory
| ADVISORY | provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. |
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. |
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. |
February 04, 2013 |
Advisory |
Doxycycline and Tetracycline Shortage On February 4, 2013 the State of California Department of Public Health released a notification about recent shortages of Doxycycline and Tetracycline, which may impact your ability to treat or provide prophylaxis for patients. |
January 25, 2013 |
Advisory |
Nationwide Shortage of Isonizaid (INH) There is currently a nationwide shortage of INH, one of the most important drugs to treat tuberculosis (TB) disease and latent TB infection (LTBI). The low inventory is attributed to a shortage of the active ingredient for making INH and shipping delays. |
October 04, 2012 |
Advisory |
Meningitis and Stroke Associated with Potentially Contaminated Product The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are coordinating a multi-state investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection. Several of these patients also suffered strokes that are believed to have resulted from their infection. |
May 06, 2012 |
Advisory |
Hot Summer Weather Advisory The summer season with its potential for fluctuating high temperatures is approaching. Health care facilities are reminded that the elderly and other health compromised individuals are more susceptible to extremes in temperature and dehydration. |
January 25, 2012 |
Advisory |
Novel H3N2 Influenza Virus: Increaed Surveillance California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requesting increased surveillance and testing for influenza in children less than 18 years of age. Since July 2011, a novel swine-origin triple reassortant H3N2 influenza virus (S-OtrH3N2) has been reported in 5 states with a total of 12 cases. California has no cases but heightened surveillance is being requested. |
August 18, 2011 |
Advisory |
Pediatric Health Providers: Fatal Vaccine-Preventable Pneumococcal Disease Immunize all children younger than 5 years of age who have not yet received 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. |