California Public Health Officials Issue Plague, Valley Fever Warnings
California public health officials are warning residents about plague and Valley Fever.
Plague Warning
The California Department of Public Health is responding to the first human case of plague reported in the state since 2006, the Los Angeles Times "L.A. Now" reports.
DPH is conducting an environmental evaluation of the Stanislaus National Forest in Yosemite National Park after a child contracted the plague -- an infectious bacterial disease -- while visiting in July. The child, from Los Angeles County, fell ill and was hospitalized after the trip. The child is recovering, and no other family members have reported symptoms.
According to "L.A. Now," DPH is working to investigate the incident in conjunction with:
- CDC;
- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; and
- Park and forest officials.
Meanwhile, the park will issue warnings and advice for preventing exposure to the plague, which is carried by rodents and their fleas (Rocha, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 8/6).
Valley Fever Warning
Meanwhile, DPH on Monday issued a separate warning to make residents aware of Valley Fever, a potentially fatal disease that has grown more prevalent in recent years, the Watsonville Patch reports (Schena, Watsonville Patch, 8/4).
Last year, California saw 2,217 reported cases of the illness (Fresno Bee, 8/4).
In the warning, DPH Director Karen Smith said, "Valley Fever is an ongoing concern in California," adding, "It is important for people living in Valley Fever areas to take steps to avoid breathing in dusty air, such as staying indoors when it is windy" (Watsonville Patch, 8/4).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.