Source: County News Service

March 31, 2024 (San Diego)—An adult who contracted measles overseas may have exposed others to measles in late March at multiple locations in Encinitas and Carlsbad, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency announced Sunday.

There are measles outbreaks currently in 46 nations and 17 U.S. states.  The Centers for Disease Control recently updated its guidelines for travelers regarding measles.

“Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing, or being in the same room with an infected person,” said Ankita Kadakia, M.D., County deputy public health officer. “Anyone who was at any of the specific locations and at the dates and times listed (see below) should watch for symptoms and call their health care provider if they show any signs of the disease.”

By Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 27, 2024 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego is partnering with UC San Diego to launch Revive & Survive San Diego, a new initiative to help save lives.

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County’s Love Your Heart campaign is celebrating 13 years of supporting San Diegans in understanding the importance of heart health through a variety of ways, including hosting no-cost blood pressure screenings at locations throughout the county and Mexico. 

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Photo: Examples of some recalled products.

Español (Spanish)

February 12, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert warning consumers about a deadly Listeria outbreak tied to queso fresco and cotija cheese products. The outbreak has resulted in 26 illnesses in 11 states, including 8 cases in California, 23 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths.

The cheeses, which have been recalled, include numerous product names and brands. The products include solid and grated cheeses,mealkits,salad dressing, dips, yogurts, saladkits, enchiladas, taco kits, and many more. View a full list of the recalled cheese products:  alert.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 5, 2024 (San Diego) -- We are having a cold spell here and a lot of times during these cold spells, or during the wintertime, we respond to an increased call of natural gas odors in a home. But carbon monoxide is a silent poison. It’s a colorless and odorless gas. You can’t smell it. But there are warning signs if there is a leak in your home.

If you start feeling flu-like symptoms or achy or you just feel very tired, there’s a good chance you may be having carbon monoxide symptoms.  I say that with hesitation because right now is flu season, and we have COVID 19 that’s running and starting to spike a bit. If you start feeling that way, and maybe several people start feeling that way in your house, I would get out of the house, open the house up, air it out and call 911.

However, there are many ways people can prevent these leaks before they happen.

February 5, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

• Haleon to recall batches of some adult cough syrups due to contamination (Reuters)
• Dangers of Marijuana: How high-potency weed & oil can damage the teenage brain  (10 News)
• South America dengue spike prompts vaccination drive as bug spray runs out (Reuters)
• COVID levels are up to 19 times higher than reported, WHO says as it warns of the potential dangers of repeat reinfection: ‘We don’t know everything about this virus’ (MSN)
• The EPA is proposing that 'forever chemicals' be considered hazardous substances(NPR) 

SCIENCE AND TECH

• San Diego researcher lands prestigious scientific award  (KPBS)
• Musk's X aims to hire 100 content moderators in Austin by end of year  (Reuters)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

By Chris Walker, CC BY-NC-ND- 4.0

Photo by Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0

This article originally appeared in Truthout

January 23, 2024 (New Hampshire) -- Nikki Haley, a Republican candidate facing uphill odds against Donald Trump to become the GOP’s 2024 presidential nominee, stated on Sunday that she was fully supportive of a nationwide abortion ban.

Haley, a former United Nations ambassador in the Trump administration who previously served as governor of South Carolina, has tried to portray herself in town halls, debates and other appearances as a “moderate” choice for Republicans. However, although she opposes her former boss’s false claims of election fraud in the 2020 election, her record is decidedly much further to the right than she admits.

During an appearance on Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Haley admitted her views on abortion differ from most Americans.

Haley at first tried to sidestep the issue, claiming that the question was trying to put “fear and judgment” into the American people.

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- The investigation of oyster-linked illnesses by County of San Diego health officials has expanded to include additional oyster harvest locations in Mexico. Health officials are recommending consumers and restaurants throw away any oysters imported from locations in Mexico until further notice. 

The local norovirus outbreak now includes 69 confirmed and probable cases. The severity of the infections in San Diego County has remained mild, with no hospitalizations reported to date. The initial investigations identified 41 probable and confirmed norovirus cases linked to oysters harvested in Sonora, Mexico. The sickened patrons dined at the Fish Shop chain and Carlsbad Aquafarm. Twenty-eight more cases have been added including 20 who ate oysters from other food venues. 

East County News Service