Despite Death Toll Climbing In Hep A Outbreak, Official Sees Reason To Hope It May Be Slowing
Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer, said that last week 10 new cases were reported, which is significantly less than the number of new cases coming in every week just a few months ago.
San Diego Union-Tribune:
Death Toll From San Diego Hepatitis A Outbreak Rises To 19; More Than 500 Cases Confirmed
San Diego’s hepatitis A outbreak added another death Tuesday, pushing the total to 19 as the number of confirmed cases passed 500. Updated numbers released by the county Health and Human Services Agency come as a massive effort around vaccination, sanitation and public education continues to try and stop the largest surge of the viral disease since the vaccine for hepatitis A was approved in the late 1990s. (Sisson, 10/17)
In other news —
Sacramento Bee:
Sacramento Mayor Asks County For $53 Million In Homeless Funds
Facing increasing pressure as the number of homeless people surges, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg asked Sacramento County leaders Tuesday for $53 million to provide services for that population. Steinberg wants to pool the county’s mental health funds – which stem from a state millionaire tax he authored as a legislator – with federal grants obtained by the city to spend a combined $117 million in three years to reduce homelessness. (Branan, 10/17)
KPCC:
LA Officials Struggle With Options For Homeless With Mental Illnesses
Officials in Los Angeles County are looking for ways to get homeless people into treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues, but options for those who refuse help are sticky. (Palta, 10/17)