Advisory

September 29, 2021

Advisory

Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza Activity and Guidance for Clinicians

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses besides SARS-CoV-2 are circulating in California causing potentially serious illnesses in infants and older adults. Testing for influenza and RSV is recommended, and testing for other respiratory pathogens should be considered, especially in patients with respiratory illnesses who test negative for SARS-CoV-2. Continue to vaccinate patients 6 months and older against influenza. Influenza vaccine and COVID-19 can be co-administered. Encourage parents and caregivers to keep young children with acute respiratory illnesses out of childcare, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Discourage health care personnel, childcare providers, and staff of long-term care facilities from working while acutely ill, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

• CDPH Health Advisory

September 28, 2021

Advisory

Increases in Availability of Cannabis Products Containing Delta-8 THC

On September 14, 2021, the CDC issued a health advisory notice in response to the increase in availability of enhanced delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products and the rise of serious adverse health events (e.g., vomiting, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness) that occurred after ingesting the enhanced delta-8 THC products. While delta-8 THC naturally contains less THC, the chemical property responsible for creating the “high” feeling that consumers experience when ingesting traditional delta-9 THC products, delta-8 THC products are now being synthetically enhanced or altered by some manufacturers to contain higher levels of THC.

Recently, these practices have led to serious adverse health events, including among pediatric patients younger than 18 years old. These products have not been approved by the FDA. Retailers/consumers are advised to research delta-8 products thoroughly before selling and/or consuming them.

Additional information about the delta-8 and the serious adverse health events can be found below:

• CDC Health Advisory
• FDA 5 Things to Know about Delta-8 THC

September 21, 2021

Advisory

Maintain Vigilance for Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Due to the need for evacuation, individuals from Afghanistan are being resettled in the United States including California. The Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) asks clinicians caring for this vulnerable community to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles, polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases such as mumps, varicella and pertussis among persons recently resettled from Afghanistan. Clinicians are urged to contact the local health department to report suspected cases of these vaccine-preventable diseases.

See advisory for additional details, guidance, and recommendations.

• ACPHD Health Advisory
• Guidance for Clinicians Caring for Individuals Recently Evacuated from Afghanistan (CDC Health Advisory)y

September 15, 2021

Advisory

Health Recommendations for Asylees and Refugees

After recent evacuation, individuals from Afghanistan are being resettled in the United States. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) asks that clinicians remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles, polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases such as mumps, varicella and pertussis among persons in California who were recently in Afghanistan. Clinicians are urged to contact their local health department to report suspected cases of these vaccine-preventable diseases.

• Health Screening Guidelines for Physicians Who Serve Asylees (CDPH)
• Health Recommendations and Considerations for Arrivals from Afghanistan (US Department of Health and Human Services)

August 31, 2021

Advisory

Recent State Orders and All Facilities Letter

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has recently released multiple Health Officer Orders and new/revised All Facility Letters. Please be familiar with the requirements for your facility, staff and patients.

July 20, 2021

Advisory

Guillain-Barré Syndrome after J & J COVID-19 Vaccine

On July 13, 2021, the FDA announced an update to the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine EUA fact sheet to include a warning about Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Based on an analysis of Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting (VAERS) data, there have been 100 preliminary reports of GBS following vaccination with the J & J vaccine. These cases have largely been reported about two weeks after vaccination and mostly in males, many aged 50 years and older.   

Clinicians should inquire about recent J & J COVID-19 vaccination in any patient presenting with signs or symptoms consistent with GBS (i.e. weakness or tingling sensations, especially in the legs or arms, that are worsening and spreading to other parts of the body; difficulty walking or with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing; double vision or inability to move the eyes; difficulty with bladder control or bowel function).

July 08, 2021

Advisory

Excessive Heat Warning for the Bay Area

The National Weather Service has posted an excessive heat warning and temperatures in parts of Alameda County are expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend. Providers are encouraged to remind their clients to stay hydrated and stay indoors, if possible, and monitor for warning signs of health-related illness.

• Heat and Health webpage

July 06, 2021

Advisory

Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis)

On June 30, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory to notify clinicians and caregivers that they, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Minnesota Department of Health are investigating three cases of Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) infections. Symptoms of melioidosis are varied and nonspecific and may include pneumonia, abscess formation, and/or blood infections. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, melioidosis can initially be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis, and proper treatment may be delayed.

June 10, 2021

Advisory

Increased Interseasonal Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Activity in Parts of the Southern United States

On June 10th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory to notify clinicians and caregivers about increased interseasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across parts of the Southern United States. Due to this increased activity, CDC encourages broader testing for RSV among patients presenting with acute respiratory illness who test negative for SARS-CoV-2.

May 28, 2021

Advisory

Myocarditis and Pericarditis after Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Among Adolescents and Young Adults

On May 28th, CDPH issued a Health Advisory about reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis after receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines among adolescents and young adults, which are being investigated by the CDC. COVID-19 immunization is still recommended for persons 12 years of age and older. All cases of myocarditis following receipt of COVID-19 vaccine, as well as other adverse events following vaccination, should be reported promptly to the CDC/FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) https://vaers.hhs.gov/. 

• CDPH CAHAN Alert

May 25, 2021

Advisory

Cases of Myocarditis/Pericarditis after Receipt of mRNA Vaccines

On May 17th, the CDC Vaccine Safety Technical (VaSt) Work Group released a statement on reports of myocarditis following mRNA vaccines. VaST concluded that there are relatively few reports of myocarditis to date and that these cases seem to occur:

• predominantly in adolescents and young adults,
• more often in males than females,
• more often following dose 2 than dose 1, and
• typically within 4 days after vaccination.

Please report cases of myocarditis or pericarditis after vaccination promptly to the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS).

• ACPHD Health Advisory

April 29, 2021

Advisory

Detection and containment of Carbapenemase-producing Acinitobacter Baumanii

The purpose of this joint Health Advisory is to instruct clinicians in Alameda County to test and screen for Carbapenem-resistant Acinitobacter baumanii bacteria.

• ACPHD Health Advisory