Health Officer Clinician Newsletter October 2025

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025 October 23, 2025 Regina Chinsio-Kwong, DO County Health Officer As the seasons shift and cooler weather approaches, October offers a timely opportunity to focus on preventing illness, promoting safety, and protecting our communities. This month is packed with national and global observances that align with our shared mission to support community health. This edition highlights essential steps clinicians can take to support patient health and safety—from flu season readiness and infection control to breast cancer awareness, safe infant sleep, and substance use prevention.

Spotlight on Breast Cancer Awareness October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to: • Encourage routine screenings such as mammograms, especially for patients at higher risk.

• Promote early detection, which significantly improves outcomes.

• Share resources on support services for patients undergoing treatment or survivorship care. 🛡🛡 Prevent Infections, Protect Health October is the perfect time to: • Prepare to have a Safe Halloween! The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Healthychildren.org provides Halloween safety tips to consider!

OC Health Care Agency social media post for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Click for tips to tame your child's sweet tooth.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

•

Get up to date on vaccines: Encourage patients to receive their seasonal flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines, along with other recommended immunizations like pneumococcal, measles, and shingles.

•

Practice and promote hand hygiene: In recognition of Global Handwashing Day (Oct 15) and International Infection Prevention Week (Oct 19–25), reinforce the importance of handwashing and infection control in both clinical and community settings.

•

Raise awareness for HIV prevention: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (Oct 15) is a reminder to promote HIV testing, PrEP, and culturally responsive care.

💤💤 Promote Safe Environments for Children •

Safe Sleep Awareness Month (October) is a time to remind families of the importance of ALL of their baby’s caregivers following the ABCs of safe sleep practices for every nap, every night, every time the baby is sleeping, to reduce the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death) and other sleep-related causes of infant death: • Always place babies to sleep: • Alone, in their own crib or bassinet. Room-share, don’t bed-share.

• On their Backs • In a Crib, bassinet, or pack ’n play. Use a firm, flat sleep surface with no soft bedding, pillows or toys.

• Refer your families to Every Parent OC Safe Sleep to learn more.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025 •

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct 19–25) This is a chance to identify at-risk children and educate families on lead-safe practices.

Providers should: • Inform all families of children 6 months to 6 years of risks and effects of lead exposure at each periodic assessment.

•

Test all children in public supported programs (such as Medi-Cal or WIC (Women, Infants and Children)) for lead at both 12 months and 24 months of age, with catch-up testing of children 24 months to 6 years of age who were not tested at 12 and 24 months.

•

Screen all children for lead risk by asking “Does your child live in, or spend a lot of time in, a place built before 1978 that has peeling or chipped paint, or that has been recently remodeled?” and other individualized risk questions regarding exposure to potential lead sources such as imported pottery or toys, utensils, food, drink or spices, cosmetics or ceremonial items, or things brought home from a family member’s work, and test any children at increased risk.

•

Educate families about preventing lead exposure, including the role of a healthy diet rich in vitamin C, calcium and iron in limiting absorption of lead.

•

See ochealthinfo.com/healthcorner for more information and refer your families to Every Parent OC Lead Poisoning Prevention.

🚫🚫 Support Substance Use Prevention •

Red Ribbon Week (Oct 23–31) promotes a drug-free lifestyle with this year’s theme: “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.” Engage youth and families in conversations about the risks of known illicit substances like fentanyl, cocaine, amphetamines as well as Rx misuse and the dangers of OTC inhalant/substance use/misuse (nitrous oxide, kratom/7-OH, etc.).

•

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (Oct 25) is a great opportunity to reduce misuse and accidental poisonings by encouraging safe disposal of unused medications.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

Early November Observances: One Health Day – November 3, 2025 -

What is One Health?

One Health is the understanding that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. It promotes collaboration across these sectors—locally, statewide, and nationally— to address shared health challenges.

Issues like antimicrobial resistance, climate change, foodborne illnesses, zoonotic diseases, and responses to natural or human-made disasters require coordinated, cross-sector efforts for effective solutions. Learn more here: One Health

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November 13 – World Kindness Day November 14 – World Diabetes Day

1. National Actions, Press Releases and Recent Events related to Public Health October 6, 2025: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director signed off on ACIP’s (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) vaccine recommendations, endorsing COVID-19 vaccination of those 6 months through 64 years as part of shared decision making with an emphasis for those at increased risk and that all those 65 years and older are recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, the ACIP withdrew its recommendation for the use of the combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children less than 4 years of age in favor separate MMR and Varicella vaccines.

Although the federal government has shut down, WIC benefits remain active and families can continue using their cards without disruption. In response to the federal shutdown, Governor Newsom is fast-tracking state funding and deploying the National Guard in support of food banks and the Governor announced the creation of the Governors Public Health Alliance to coordinate public health response among the states in the alliance.

September 26, 2025: CDC expands Listeria outbreak to include more prepared meals September 23, 2025: CDC Report Finds Sharp Rise in Dangerous Drug-Resistant Bacteria A CDC report found a dramatic increase in a dangerous type of drug-resistant bacteria.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

Health and Human Services (HHS) Press Room Topics October 6, 2025 - CDC Immunization Schedule Adopts Individual-Based Decision-Making for COVID-19 and Standalone Vaccination for Chickenpox in Toddlers September 30, 2025 - HHS Doubles AI-Backed Childhood Cancer Research Funding September 30, 2025 - Administration for Community Living Awards $60 Million to Advance Make America Healthy Again Agenda September 29, 2025 - Secretary Kennedy Swears in Dr. Anthony Letai as Director of the National Cancer Institute September 23, 2025 - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Awards More Than $45 Million in Supplemental Funding to Support Young Adult Sober Housing Services • •

Ebola in Southern Congo: World Health Organization (WHO) reports the outbreak is showing signs of containment. More information here.

Listeria Alert: October 6, 2025: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a warning about Hello Fresh meals containing potentially contaminated spinach.

2. State Public Health Updates A. October 8, 2025: Governor Newsom Signs the first in the nation law to ban ultra processed foods from school lunches.

Learn more by signing up for a webinar: October 27 at 12 Noon UC Berkeley Lunch and Learn Shaping California Policy on Ultra-Processed Foods B. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a CAHAN (California Health Alert Network) on October 17, 2025 alerting providers of Community Spread of Clade I Mpox Within California with three unrelated clad 1 mpox cases confirmed in Los Angeles County and Long Beach with no history of recent international travel. See CDCD Mpox section below for more information.

C. CDPH issued a Press Release October 8, 2025 urging the community to Stay Up to Date on Vaccines for Best Protection During the Holidays.

D. CDPH continues to endorse that parents of children under 4 years of age be able to choose either combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella vaccine (MMRV) as a single injection or separate MMR and Varicella vaccine as two injections. These recommendations align with those of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

E. CDPH issued updated 2025-26 guidance for skilled nursing facilities (SNF) on preventing and controlling COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses (Oct 7, 2025) Key Message: • Encourage residents and health care personnel (HCP) to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations to prevent morbidity and mortality from respiratory infections in SNFs. •

Maintain policies for source control masking with well-fitting facemasks or respirators that cover a person's mouth and nose to reduce respiratory virus transmission in health care settings.

•

Initiate prompt testing and treatment of COVID-19 and influenza to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

F. CDPH issued an All Facilities Letter on October 7, 2025 to Skilled Nursing Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities and Hospice Facilities notifying providers about the implementation of AB 48, which strengthens residents’ rights regarding use of psychotherapeutic drugs.

G. CDPH issued an All Facilities letter October 3, 2025 of the upcoming release of California Healthcare Event and Reporting Tool (CalHEART).

Updates to the CalHEART online portal are scheduled to be released October 27, 2025, and contain several enhancements and new features to correspond with current regulations for Adverse Event and Medical Information Breach incident reporting. The scheduled release update also includes changes to the facility access approval process and the new role and process requirement for each facility to designate facility access authorizers.

3. Local Press Releases October 22, 2025 - Bat Found in City of Orange Tests Positive for Rabies

September 29, 2025 - Measles Case in Orange County - More details on page 12 in this newsletter.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

H. Recently Released Reports Orange County Nitrous Oxide Report Now Available The Special Report on Nitrous Oxide Use in Orange County is now published and available at OC Health Care Agency Special Report on Nitrous Oxide.

Misuse of the easily accessible substance is rising locally. Recent accounts from the community regarding the misuse illustrate negative impacts.

Nitrous intoxication has been linked to vehicle accidents in Orange County. More recently, law enforcement arrested a driver who was actively inhaling nitrous oxide behind the wheel and seized nearly 90 canisters of nitrous oxide from the vehicle in August this year.

In local surveys conducted across school staff, law enforcement and health care providers revealed that nitrous oxide is prevalent in the community and use has been linked to neurologic deficits including significant degeneration of the spinal cord. While recreational use of nitrous oxide is known to be illegal, enforcement is difficult. More needs to be done locally to increase awareness of the negative health impacts that can result from use. Clinicians are encouraged to improve their awareness of the issue so that they can appropriately diagnose conditions related to recreational naloxone use and educate patients of the risks and dangers of recreational use and provide or refer cases to appropriate care.

CDC Provisional 2024 STI Surveillance Data Report provides the latest national data on trends of three nationally notifiable STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, including congenital syphilis.

In 2024, there were still more than 2.2 million reported STIs, and compared to a decade ago, overall cases are 13% higher; congenital syphilis is nearly 700% higher.

Other Key Findings: o Chlamydia cases declined for the second year in a row, down 8% since 2023. o Gonorrhea cases declined for the third year in a row, down 10% since 2023. o Congenital syphilis increased for the 12th year in a row, with nearly 4,000 reported cases in 2024. Primary and secondary syphilis cases declined for the second year in a row, down 22% since 2023.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

NACCHO Beyond Our Walls: Leveraging Pharmacies for STI Services and Care The report created by the National Association of County and City Officials (NACCHO) highlights how pharmacies can help expand access to STI testing and treatment. With the support of funding from the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) at the CDC, five local health departments (LHDs) including Chaffee County (Colorado), Allegheny County (Pennsylvania), Linn County (Iowa), Richmond Henrico County (Virginia), and Detroit City (Michigan) were funded to design and implement a collaborative partnership with local pharmacies to expand STI services and care.

The overall goal of the project was to develop models for health departments and pharmacies to collaborate to serve their communities’ needs for STI testing and treatment. Project objectives were to gather information about the operational feasibility and sustainability of expanding STI patient care into pharmacy settings, identify barriers/facilitators to implementation, and describe how the partnerships work.

The project found that pharmacy partnerships are practical and effective for increasing access to STI services, but success depends on strong collaboration with pharmacists, careful process planning, and public outreach to raise awareness.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

State of Obesity Report 2025 The Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) issued its “State of Obesity Report 2025: Better Policies for a Healthier America” which tracks US obesity rates and recommends policy actions to address the nation’s obesity epidemic.

Highlights: Obesity Rates • • •

Adult Obesity Rate: 40.3% nationally (2021–2023), a 32% increase since 1999– 2000.

Youth Obesity Rate: 21.1%, a 52% increase over the same period. The rate has tripled since the 1970s.

States with Adult Obesity ≥35%: Decreased from 23 states in 2023 to 19 states in 2024—the first decline in this metric.

Ultra-Processed Foods - emerging concern (note that California recently passed law to address this in schools!)

•

55% of calories consumed by Americans (ages 1+) came from ultra-processed foods (2021–2023).

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

Federal Policy threats may worsen obesity rates •

• •

The FY2026 federal budget proposal would eliminate a key program in obesity prevention - the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC could worsen food insecurity.

Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy reductions threaten access to obesity treatment.

Climate & Health: The Commonwealth Fund State Scorecard on Climate, Health, and Health Care published a report focusing on impacts of climate change on health. (State Scorecard on Climate and Health | Commonwealth Fund) California Regional reports and adaptation strategies are available at Regions - California Climate Adapation Strategy.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

I. Public Health – Communicable Disease Control Division Updates A. Preparing for This Winter COVID-19 positivity rates have appeared to reach the peak and are now on the decline. Viruses other than COVID-19, Flu and RSV can also circulate during the fall and can cause viral-like illness.

October is the perfect month to focus on reminding the community of all the proactive measures they can take to protect themselves this fall and winter season. This starts with remaining up to date with common winter viruses such as COVID-19, Flu, or RSV as well as other vaccine preventable illnesses such as pertussis, pneumococcal, and measles vaccines!

This also means practicing preventive and proactive measures such as handwashing and mask wearing, staying home when sick, and testing for COVID-19 and flu if you develop symptoms.

Additionally, everyone should stay informed.

Local trends can be found at OC Health Care Agency Respiratory Virus Hub while state trends can be found at CDPH’s Respiratory Virus Hub. Vaccine Recommendations for Immunocompromised On October 17, 2025, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) released vaccination guidance, strongly recommending that all immunocompromised individuals age > 6 months should receive age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, for immunocompromised children and adults and that COVID-19, RSV and influenza vaccines can be given together. Additionally, household members and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals should also be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines to reduce transmission risk. Read more here.

More information vaccine messaging campaigns can be found at CDPH Vaccine Awareness social media toolkits.

Register and attend CDPH’s Immunization Monthly Updates webinar for Providers at: CDPH Immunization Monthly Updates for Providers The next webinar is scheduled for October 24, 2025 at 9 a.m.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

B. Measles Nationally measles activity has been declining. As of October 21st, the CDC reports a total of 1,618 confirmed cases across 42 states. CDPH has reported 22 cases as of October 20th.

On September 29, the HCA issued a press release about a confirmed case in an unvaccinated toddler who recently travelled domestically. The CDC continues to emphasize that providers should include measles in their differential in the appropriate clinical and epidemiologic settings: Healthcare Providers: Stay Alert for Measles Cases.

Local information and resources are available at CDPH Measles Activity and OC Health Care Agency Measles Information.

C. H5N1

Bird flu is still around and continues to affect birds (wild birds, commercial and backyard flocks) and livestock. Updates from the USDA are available here. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published an epidemiological update on October 15, 2025 which reviewed the recent human case identified in Mexico - involving a 23 year old woman who had no travel history or flu vaccination. According to the report, most human cases had direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of people at risk, and appropriate testing of those suspected to have illness remains important. The public is still encouraged to properly cook poultry and eggs and to choose pasteurized milk over raw milk.

More information about Bird flu in California can be found at: CDPH Bird Flu Situation.

The USDA also provides information on how to protect flocks on their Defend the Flock page.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

D. Mpox Recently confirmed Clade 1 Mpox cases in Southern California raise the possibility of local spread. While the risk to the public of getting mpox remains low, the public is reminded the following: •

Get vaccinated - Those at risk are advised to get the two-dose vaccine Jynneos if they haven’t already done so. Vaccination with both doses remains safe and effective and offers the best protection. Those who get exposed to mpox should get they mpox vaccine ASAP and before symptoms develop.

•

Practice protection if sexually active – • Avoid close contact/sex if either individual has a new or unexplained rash/sores, or illness • Reduce number of sexual/close contact partners • Use protection (condoms, gloves during sexual activity) • Do not share items (toothbrush, towels, clothing, bedding, fetish gear, sex toys) • Practice good hygiene - wash hands and all gear, towels, bedding thoroughly after use or sex act • Those who were exposed to someone with mpox should avoid intimate contact for 21 days and monitor for symptoms.

•

Get tested - Those who are exposed, if symptoms develop (rash, fever or swollen lymph nodes).

Clinicians should remain vigilant for people presenting with signs of mpox, test appropriately and notify the HCA Communicable Disease Control Division (CDCD) at 714834-8180 with any suspect cases.

Additional information about mpox can be found at OC Health Care Agency Mpox and CDPH Mpox.

Scan QR Code to for info on mpox vaccination.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

E. Vector-Borne Illnesses While the weather is starting to cool down, vector borne illnesses tend to peak around September and October. This includes illnesses like Dengue and West Nile Virus (WNV). Overall West Nile Virus cases have been up with up to 41% more severe cases and 32% deaths than expected. The American Medical Association is hosting a virtual call Friday, October 24, 2025, at 12 noon Pacific Time to discuss this.

Find out more here.

As of October 17, 2025, 67 human cases have been identified across the state, with 6 WNV-related fatalities. Los Angeles Public Health identified their first human West Nile Virus case in September. Currently, several suspected cases are being investigated in Orange County.

Last week, Los Angeles noted that they are investigating their first case of locally acquired dengue for the 2025 mosquito season. Dengue should be considered in people recently returning from overseas or in areas where localized dengue have been found CDC Dengue Outbreaks.

It is important for everyone to do their part in reducing the mosquito population, avoiding mosquito bites, and seeking care if symptoms develop. Prevention and mosquito control is everyone’s responsibility! Learn more about mosquito control at https://www.ocvector.org/.

West Nile Virus: Symptoms typically start 2-6 days after being bitten - but can also appear anywhere from 2-14 days. Symptoms of severe illness include high fevers, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.

From CDC: CDC WNV Outbreak Communication Toolkit.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

Dengue: One to four individuals with dengue virus infections are symptomatic. One in 20 patients with dengue, progress to severe illness. Illness occurs in 3 phases - febrile, critical, and recovery. Common symptoms can appear 5 to 7 days after a bite and can include fever (biphasic – 2 to 7 days), eye pain, headache, muscle, bone or joint pain, nausea/vomiting, rash that last 2 to 7 days.

From CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel - Dengue

For questions or concerns providers can contact the HCA Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

J. ALERTS/RECALLS Product Alerts/Recalls Related to Excess Lead Levels: As noted, the last full week of October 19-25 is Lead Poisoning Awareness Week!

Unfortunately, there have been several products that have been identified recently with elevated lead levels. See below for details.

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues. The CDPH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend providers: o Advise patients/families to:  Immediately discontinue use of the listed item.  See recall information for refund instructions, if available, or discard it in the trash. o Test children for lead exposure if children used or had contact with the product.

1. Cinnamon Products More cinnamon products have been found to have elevated lead levels! See FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead for more information: Distributor

Retailer(s)

Lot Code(s)

Brand Name(s)

Singh Trading Inc. DBA Roshni Foods

UPC code: 6251136 034139

Roshni

Haitai Inc. USA

UPC code: 6251136 034139

Best by date: BESTBY 020925

HAETAE

Best by date: BESTBY 020925

EUREKA INC. U.S.A. Recall Announcement

SLR Food Distribution, Inc Recall Announcement

Spicy World of USA

Distributed to grocery stores in California and Michigan from 08/24/2024 to 10/6/2025

Batch No.: 06 B:02

Durra

Distributed to retailers located (New Jersey, New York, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Ohio) between 02/15/2024 and 06/28/2025

UPC code: 0 688474 302853

Wise Wife

TAJ SUPERMARKET

AF-CINP/822 Best by date: Best Before: July 2025

Jiva Organics

UPC code: 6251136 034139 Best by date: May 2026

Product Image

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

2. Additional Food Products: Sprout Organics Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach 3.5 oz pouch, lot code 4212, expiration date 10/29/2025. Sold at Walgreens and some independent stores in US South region mostly between September and December 2024. See Sprout Recalls Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach Due to Possible Health Risk.

3. Toys: Evermore Surprise Eggs with Toy Airplane, with yellow, pink or green wrap. The toy airplane contains excess levels of lead. Product was sold at 7Eleven, Horizon, Speedway and Murphy stores nationwide from March 2025-April 2025.

4. Imported Cookware Products that May Leach Lead Multiple imported cookware products have been identified that may leach lead into food when used for cooking or food storage. See FDA Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead for more information about the products and what to do.

Please help share this information with your families and clients and contact the Orange County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) at (714) 567-6220 if you have any questions or concerns.

For additional information and resources, please refer to the OC visit the HCA CLPPP website and the CDPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

K. Foodborne Illness - Multistate Outbreaks Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA

Date

Brand Name(s)

Product Description

Product Type

Recall Reason Description

Company Name

10/17/

Haetae

Ground cinnamon

Food & Beverages

Potential Metal Contaminant Lead

Haitai, Inc

10/17/ 2025

Kenz Henz

Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs

Food & Beverages

Kenz Henz

10/17/ 2025

AquaStar, Best Yet, Waterfront Bistro, Publix

Frozen Raw Shrimp

Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness, Shellfish

10/10/ 2025

Raw Bistro

Frozen Beef Dog Food

10/09/ 2025

Foodynamic Freeze Dried s Pet Treats

Animal & Veterinary, Foodborne Illness, Pet Food, Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness, Pet Food Animal & Veterinary, Foodborne Illness, Food & Beverages,

Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Product may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions whereby they may have become exposed to very low levels of cesium-137 (Cs-137) Potential Foodborne Illness Salmonella

Potential Foodborne Illness – Salmonella

Foodynamics

2025

AquaStar Corp

Raw Bistro Pet Fare

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

10/09/ 2025

Sprouts

10/07/ 2025

Sno Pac/Del Frozen Mar Spinach

10/07/ 2025

10/04/ 2025

10/03/ 2025

Durra

Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Ground cinnamon

Kroger, Basil Pesto Baker’s, City Bowtie Salad Market, and Smoked Dillons, Fred Mozzarella Meyer, Penne Salad Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Payless, Ralphs and Smith’s Giant Eagle Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad

10/03/ 2025

Nature’s Own

Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats

10/02/ 2025

Multiple brand names

Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meals

10/02/ 2025

Scott & Jon's Shrimp Scampi with Linguini

Foodborne Illness Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness

Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria

Sprouts Farmers Market

Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness

Potential to be contaminated with Listeria

Sno Pac Foods, Inc.

Potential Metal Contaminant Lead

Eureka Inc.

Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria

The Kroger Co.

Potential listeria

Giant Eagle, Inc.

Potential Foodborne illness Salmonella Possible Listeria

Best Buy Bones, Inc.

Potential Listeria

Demers Food Group

Food & Beverages,

Contaminants

Spices, Flavors & Salts Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness

Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness Animal & Veterinary, Food & Beverages Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness Food & Beverages,

monocytogenes

monocytogenes

monocytogenes

monocytogenes contamination

monocytogenes contamination

Albertsons Companies

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

10/01/ 2025

Signature

Enoki Mushrooms

10/01/ 2025

Sea Port

09/30/ 2025

Albertsons Companies

Raw Frozen Easy Peel White Shrimp Jumbo size 16/20 Bowtie Pasta Salads and Meals

09/29/ 2025

Tru Fru

09/29/ 2025

Wholesale Fresh Cut Produce Cantaloupe Supply, LLC.

Freeze Dried Fruit snacks

Foodborne Illness Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness

monocytogenes contamination

Product may be contaminated with Listeria

New Age International Inc

Food & Beverages, Contaminan ts

Product May Have Become Contaminated with Cesium137 (Cs-137) Possible Listeria

Sea Port Products Corp

Due to potential presence of metal in the product Potential to be contaminated with Listeria

Georgia Nut Company

Potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead

SLR Food Distributio

Potential Foodborne Illness possible radionuclide (Cesium-137)

Aquastar Corp

Potential

Goot Essa LLC

Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness Food & Beverages,

Contaminants

Food & Beverages, Foodborne Illness, Fruit/Fruit Product Food & Beverages, Contaminan ts, Spices, Flavors & Salts Food & Beverages,

09/26/ 2025

Wise Wife

Cinnamon powder

09/25/ 2025

AquaStar

Shrimp Skewers, Raw Peeled Tail-on Contaminants Shellfish

09/25/ 2025

Goot Essa

Der Mutterschaf Cheese

Food & Beverages, Foodborne

monocytogenes

monocytogenes contamination

Albertsons Companies

Wholesale Produce Supply, LLC.

monocytogenes

contamination contamination

with Listeria

monocytogenes

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

Illness, Cheese/ Cheese Product Food & Beverages,

09/23/ 2025

Sprout Organics

Sweet Potato Apple and Contaminants Spinach, 3.5ounce pouch Frozen shrimp Food &

09/23/ 2025

Kroger

09/23/ 2025

Sand Frozen Bar/Arctic Shrimp Shores/Best Yet/Great American/Fi rst Street

Beverages, Contaminants Shellfish

Food & Beverages,

Contaminants

Shellfish

Potential Metal Contaminant Lead Due to possible radionuclide (Cesium-137) contamination Potential Foodborne Illness possible radionuclide (Cesium-137) contamination

Sprout Organics LAWRENCE WHOLESALE LLC Southwind Foods, LLC

Website Links:

CDC Current Outbreak List | Outbreaks | CDC

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA

Recalls & Public Health Alerts | Food Safety and Inspection Service US Outbreaks September 2025 Home Delivery Meals - Salmonella August 2025 Eggs - Salmonella Outbreak International Outbreaks September 2025: Ebola

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

International Travel Health Notices October Level 1- Rift Valley Fever in Senegal September Level 1- Oropouche in Americas Level 1- Ebola in Democratic Republic of the Congo Level 1- Global Dengue Level 2- Chikungunya in Cuba Level 2- Chikungunya in Region of the Indian Ocean Level 2- Yellow Fever in Columbia August Level 2 - Global Polio July Level 2- Clade II Mpox in Liberia and Sierra Leone L. Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan updates The Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan (OC CHIP) is well underway, with dedicated efforts from each of the six workgroups aligned with our county’s priority areas: Mental Health, Substance Use, Diabetes/Obesity, Housing and Homelessness, Care Navigation, and Economic Disparities.

These collaborative teams—comprising public health professionals, health care providers, community-based organizations, and residents—are actively advancing strategies to address root causes of health inequities and improve population health outcomes. As members of the medical community, your continued engagement, data sharing, and frontline insight are critical to ensuring that our collective work translates into meaningful, sustainable change for all Orange County residents.

To find out more or to participate in a workgroup, email us at occhip@ochca.com. To access the OC CHIP plan please visit: OC Health Improvement Plan | Orange County California Health Care Agency.

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

M. Training and Webinar Opportunities: Webinars • Department of Health Care Services Strengthening Connections with Children and Youth Providers October 24 at 10 a.m.

• California Medical Association—Virtual Grand Rounds The Evolving State of Public Health: Vaccines, Advisory Groups and Other Emerging Issues October 28 at 12 Noon • Association of State and Territorial Health Officials—Weathering the Storm: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response October 29 at 12 Noon • Narrowing the Focus: Optimizing Antibiotic Spectrum through Diagnostics and Stewardship | CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy) November 20 at 9 a.m.

Previously Recorded Webinars/Podcasts • American Medical Association (AMA) Education Hub: Countering Misinformation in the Clinical Setting (and Beyond) • AMA Education Hub: Rebuilding Trust in Public Health and Medicine in a Time of Declining Trust in Science • Frameworks How to Counter Public Health Myths and Elevate Science Now Slides for discussion available here. Recorded in 2024.

• California Medical Association (CMA) On-Demand Webinars: https://www.cmadocs.org/webinars • National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education (NETEC) Podcast: Transmission Interrupted: https://netec.org/podcast/ Flu, RSV, and You: Expert Tips for a Safer 2025 Respiratory Virus Season Recorded September 17, 2025 • Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Offers daily news headlines, and newsletters for specific communicable disease topics Podcast: Osterholm Update Dr. Michael Osterholm discusses the latest infectious disease developments. Link: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/osterholm-update National Association Webinar Webpages • American Public Health Association (APHA) APHA Webinars • CMA Recorded Webinars Virtual Grand Rounds (cmadocs.org) • National Foundation for Infectious Disease Webinars NFID Webinars • Infectious Disease Society of America Public Health Page Public Health (idsociety.org)

OC HCA Health Officer Monthly Newsletter for Orange County Clinicians October 2025

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