Effective January 1, 2019, California Health & Safety Code Section 1262.5 establishes requirements of general acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals and special hospitals serving homeless patients. 

Although influenza activity is decreasing across the nation, in certain areas, including Sonoma County, activity remains widespread and significantly elevated above baseline. 

Influenza activity within Sonoma County and California is currently low; however, some local healthcare providers are beginning to diagnose influenza.

Consider screening for infectious diseases that are not uncommon in homeless communities such as TB, sexually transmitted infections (Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea), HIV, and Hepatitis A/B/C. Seize the opportunity of a healthcare visit and avoid delaying next steps.

In Sonoma County, suspected accidental fentanyl related deaths have increased (12 in 2018 as of 7/31/18, 5 in 2017, and 3 in 2016). In California, fentanyl deaths increased from 2016 to 2017 by 57%. In 2017, 373 fentanyl deaths and 1,882 opioid overdose deaths were reported in California.

There continues to be an increase in early syphilis cases in Sonoma County, including known transmission within heterosexual networks resulting in cases among women of childbearing age. Rising numbers among women increase the potential for congenital syphilis which can cause devastating outcomes for newborns including stillbirth or infant death.

This is an update to the September 2017 Hepatitis A Outbreak health advisory.

Due to the traumatic events of the October firestorm, many Sonoma County residents are experiencing stress reactions consistent with an exposure to a disaster. We are encouraging all health care providers in the community to be aware of the mental health needs of their patients and to provide appropriate support. Please review the Health Advisory for more information, specific requested actions and resources.

Influenza activity within Sonoma County and California is currently low; however, some local healthcare providers are beginning to diagnose influenza.

Currently, we have no outbreak associated cases of hepatitis A in Sonoma County. However, several California counties (San Diego, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles) are reporting outbreaks of genotype IB strains of hepatitis A virus (HAV) among individuals who are homeless and/or using illicit drugs. Additional California counties, Arizona and Utah are reporting cases associated with the outbreaks.

There is an ongoing national shortage of benzathine penicillin G, the recommended drug for treating primary, secondary and latent syphilis.

Several Northern California counties, including Sonoma County, are experiencing an increase in gastrointestinal illness among students and staff in the school setting.

The California Department of Public Health is investigating an outbreak of foodborne botulism associated with consumption of a nacho cheese sauce served at the Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station in Walnut Grove.

Nearly every week, a person in Sonoma County dies from an accidental drug overdose. Prescription drug use and misuse is a large contributing factor to this problem.