UPDATE:
The County of Imperial countinues to experience issues with its phone system. If you need to contact the following programs, please try the main line first, if you are unable to get through, you can try the alternate number. Thank you for your patience.

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT
Main: 442-265-1444
Alt: 760-336-2257

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Main: 442-265-1888
Alt: 760-996-4098

ANIMAL CONTROL
Main: 442-265-2662
Alt: 442-258-0821

Public Health Officials Prepare to Share California Health Interview Survey Results - 01/07/2019

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced that it would be holding community meetings this month to share the results of the 2016/ 2017 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) with local residents. Local officials will review the results of the data collected and will be available to answer questions from attendees. The meetings will be held in Salton City, Niland and Brawley.
CHIS Community Meeting Flyer - CHIS Community Meeting Flyer (Spanish)

Imperial County Officials Report First Flu-Related Death of the Season - 11/30/2018

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today the first flu-related death of the 2018-19 flu season. The individual who was in the 60-69 age range, had underlying health issues, and was transferred to a San Diego area hospital and later died. Laboratory testing was positive for the influenza A virus. The individual, according to hospital records, had not received a flu shot this flu season.

Health Advisory:  CDC Advises Individuals not to Consume Romaine Lettuce due to E.Coli Infections - 11/21/2018

The Imperial County Public Health Department is providing information regarding the multistate outbreak of E. Coli 0157:H7 infections linked to romaine lettuce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of thirty-two individuals from eleven states have become ill.  The illnesses started on dates ranging from Oct. 8, 2018 to Oct. 31, 2018.  The CDC is advising consumers not to eat any romaine lettuce because no common grower, supplier, distributor, or brand of romaine lettuce has been identified.  No cases have been reported in Imperial County.

Officials Annouce Detection of Cyanobacteria in Salton Sea - 10/16/2018

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today that it is informing the community of the presence of cyanotoxins in the Salton Sea. In recent months, low levels of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, were detected blooming along the northern shore of the Salton Sea in Riverside County. Water testing conducted by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board have confirmed the presence of three cyanotoxins: Anatoxin-a, Saxitoxin and Microcystin at the Desert Shores Harbor of the Salton Sea.

Niland Geyser Official Statement - 10/09/2018

After continual monitoring of the Niland Geyser, located approximately 5 miles northwest of the township of Niland, over the last couple of months, the geyser has now moved an additional 60 feet to the West of the initial mud pot area. UPRR has moved their trains to the alternate track (Shoofly) which they had constructed as a contingency plan, in the event that the geyser migrated from its original location. The trains are now operating on the alternate track and at a slower pace. As the Operational Area coordinator, Imperial County will be proclaiming an emergency for the mentioned area.

Annual Child Safety Seat Inspection Event Scheduled for Saturday September 29th - 09/25/2018

The Imperial County Public Health Department, California Highway Patrol, Burlington Coat Factory and First 5 Imperial will join efforts on Saturday, September 29th to provide child safety information to local families during a Child Safety Seat Inspection Event. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from participating agencies will offer car seat inspections and education.

• Child Safety Seat Inspection Event Flyer
• Child Safety Seat Inspection Event Flyer - Spanish

Niland Geyser Update - Tuesday August 14, 2018: 
Union Pacific Railroad has started the installation work for the Shoo Fly system, a structure that functions as a bypass for a railroad track. Most often these are seen when there are building of structures like grade separations that keep railroad operations intact while construction occurs on the railroad corridor. It’s meant as a temporary structure built to all railroad standards. State Route 111 is open and the trains continue to run on the train track.

Información Actualizada de Esfuerzos en Geiser – martes 14 de agosto del 2018
La compañía de ferrocarril, Union Pacific Railroad ha iniciado la instalacion del sistema de vía temporal (Shoo Fly). La vía temporal es una estructura que funciona como una vía alterna para el tren. Comúnmente estos sistemas se utilizan donde hay estructuras de edificios y mantienen las operaciones del ferrocarril intactas conforme ocurre la construcción en el corredor del ferrocarril. El sistema será una estructura temporal la cual será construida dentro de todas las normas del ferrocarril. La instalacion de la via sera en el lado oeste de la vía actual. La carretera estatal 111 sigue abierta y los trenes siguen corriendo en las vías actuales.

Niland Geyser Update - Thursday July 19, 2018: 
Union Pacific Railroad has reported that it ordered a second rig for a second well. There’s no timeline at this point of when that work will start. The lining of the first well is almost complete. Union Pacific will also start bringing material and start preparing for the installation of a Shoo Fly that will be used as a last resort if the water gets past the sheet pile. A Shoo Fly is a structure that functions as a bypass for a railroad track. Most often these are seen when there are building of structures like grade separations that keep railroad operations intact while construction occurs on the railroad corridor. It’s meant as a temporary structure which is built to all railroad standards. The plan is to install the Shoo Fly west of the current track. Currently, State Route 111 is open and the trains continue to run on the train track.

Información Actualizada de Esfuerzos en Geiser – jueves 19 de julio del 2018
La compañía de ferrocarril, Union Pacific Railroad ha reportado que ordenó un segundo sistema para un segundo pozo de agua subterráneo. En este momento se desconoce cuándo iniciara la obra de trabajo en el segundo pozo. El revestimiento del primer pozo ya casi está terminado. Además, Union Pacific iniciara el traslado de material y el trabajo para la instalación de un sistema de vía temporal (Shoo Fly) la cual se usara como último recurso si el agua llegase a pasar la barrera anteriormente instalada. La vía temporal es una estructura que funciona como una vía alterna para el tren. Comúnmente se utilizan donde hay estructuras de edificios y mantienen las operaciones del ferrocarril intactas conforme ocurre la construcción en el corredor del ferrocarril. Este sistema será una estructura temporal la cual será construida dentro de todas las normas del ferrocarril. El plan es instalar la vía en el lado oeste de la vía actual. La carretera estatal 111 sigue abierta y los trenes siguen corriendo en las vías actuales.

06/27/2018
The County of Imperial made an emergency declaration this morning due to a geyser that is migrating toward and threatening the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) railroad tracks, SR -111, and buried utilities in the area north of Niland. The declaration by the Board of Supervisors will assure that the efforts are expedited so that the geyser does not affect critical transportation and utility infrastructure.  Union Pacific Railroad is the entity leading the effort to mitigate the situation by moving the fluid out of the area and is working closely with officials from the County of Imperial, Cal OES, CalTrans, and the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board. 

Please note that official updated information related to this situation will be provided on the Imperial County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency’s Facebook page.

Geyser Emergency Project Fact Sheet

06/07/2018
The Imperial County Public Health Department is notifying the public that there has been another discharge of untreated sewage into the New River. The discharge occurred yesterday, June 6, 2018. The amount of the discharge is unknown at this time. This is the first discharge of untreated sewage into the New River this year. The discharge was due to a pump failure and has since been fixed. This is a reminder to the public that the New River continues to pose a threat to our environment, our communities, and the people whose work may bring them in contact with the river. The County of Imperial is working closely with federal and state regulators to cooperatively address the sewage issues in Mexicali that continue to impact the New River.  
 
The public is asked to take the following precautions: 

• Avoid swimming or drinking water from the New River
• Avoid contact with the foam generated by the New River
• Do not allow your pets to enter the New River
• Avoid handling/collecting and eating fish/turtles/frogs from the New River   

For more information, please visit:

Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/coloradoriver/

The Imperial Public Health Department Reminds Individuals Not to Consume Romaine Lettuce due to E. Coli Infections - 04/30/2018

The Imperial County Public Health Department is providing additional information regarding the multistate outbreak of E. Coli 0157:H7 infections that have been linked to romaine lettuce. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a total of ninety-four individuals from twenty-two states have become ill. The most recent illness started on April 12, 2018. In California there have been four cases detected in Alameda, Berkeley, Fresno, and Orange. No cases have been reported in Imperial County. Information collected to date indicates that the romaine lettuce is from the Yuma, Arizona area.

Consumers Warned about Certain Cactus Imported from Mexico due to Health Risk - 02/22/2018

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) today warned people not to eat cactus pads, or nopales, imported from Mexico sold at specific retail and wholesale locations around the state due to the presence of unapproved pesticides.

Imperial County Climate Change and Health Profile Report Supports Local Planning Efforts - 01/18/2018

A tool for public health and planning will give local communities an edge to build resilience to a warming climate. A Climate and Health Profile Report (CHPR) was prepared by the California Department of Public Health for Imperial County to highlight the predicted future climate conditions and related effects on health.

The City of Calexico and Response Partners Prepare for an Emergency Incident as Part of the California Statewide Medical and Health Exercise - 11/16/17

The City of Calexico is participating in the California Statewide Medical and Health Exercise (SWMHE) today at the downtown area of the City and Calexico Mission School from 9:00am – 12:00 pm. This functional exercise, based on a multi-site coordinated emergency, will help the community and State to be better prepared for emergencies and incidents of all types and sizes. This is an exercise and not an actual event.

Imperial County Reports Three Human Cases of West Nile Virus this Year - 10/20/17

The Imperial County Public Health Department has received confirmation of three cases of West Nile virus in local residents. Two cases were identified as neuroinvasive illness, the most severe form of West Nile virus (WNV). The onset of symptoms for the three cases occurred from mid-July through late August.

County Prepares to Participate in the California Health Interview Survey this Fall - 08/30/17

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today that the California Health Interview Survey will be administered in Imperial County once again this year. The California Health Interview Survey, or CHIS, is a telephone survey conducted annually on various health topics. The survey interviews households throughout California. It was first conducted in 2001 and is the largest of its kind in the nation.

Danila Vargas Named Interim Director for Imperial County Public Health Department - 08/16/17

Danila Vargas, has been named the Interim Director for the Imperial County Public Health Department after Department Director, Robin Hodgkin was named Interim CEO by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors this morning.

Imperial County Community Linkages Project RFP Addendum #4 - 05/02/17 (Asthma RFP Addendum #4)

The Imperial County Asthma Community Linkages Project Request for Proposal (RFP) is modified as set forth in this Addendum. The original RFP documents remain in full force and effect, except as modified by this Addendum, which is hereby made part of this RFP. Respondent shall take this Addendum into consideration when preparing and submitting required documents.

Notice of Intent to Award - 03/01/17

Appeals or objections to a rejection or award under this process must be submitted in writing within 5 business days of the postmarked notice of award or rejection. Such an appeal or objection must be specific, identifying the nature of the protest or objection, and stating all of the facts that form the basis for the appeal. You must also specify the reason(s) for the appeal or objection citing law, rule, regulation or procedures upon which the appeal is based. Any appeal or objection must be forwarded to the Imperial County Purchasing Department by certified or registered mail or delivered in person, with the applicant obtaining a receipt of delivery.

Imperial County Community Linkages Project RFP Addendum #3 - 02/16/17 (Asthma RFP Addendum #3)

The Imperial County Asthma Community Linkages Project Request for Proposal (RFP) is modified as set forth in this Addendum. The original RFP documents remain in full force and effect, except as modified by this Addendum, which is hereby made part of this RFP. Respondent shall take this Addendum into consideration when preparing and submitting its additional information as required.

Imperial County Community Linkages Project RFP Addendum #2 - 01/4/17 (Asthma RFP Addendum #2)

The Imperial County Asthma Community Linkages Project Request for Proposal (RFP) is modified as set forth in this Addendum. The original RFP documents remain in full force and effect, except as modified by this Addendum, which is hereby made part of this RFP. Respondent shall take this Addendum into consideration when preparing and submitting its additional information as required.

Imperial County Community Linkages Project RFP Addendum #1 - 11/01/16 (Asthma RFP Addendum #1)

The Imperial County Asthma Community Linkages Project Request for Proposal (RFP) is modified as set forth in this Addendum. The original RFP documents remain in full force and effect, except as modified by this Addendum, which is hereby made part of this RFP. Respondent shall take this Addendum into consideration when preparing and submitting its proposal.

Imperial County Community Linkages Project RFP - 9/1/16 (Asthma RFP)

The Imperial County Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Local Health Authority Commission, is soliciting proposals from interested entities to implement or enhance projects or programs designed to reduce the burden of asthma and improve the health and quality of life of Imperial County Medi-Cal recipients with the condition
Imperial County Community Linkages Project RFP 090116
Imperial County Accountable Community for Health Strategic Priorities
Imperial County Community Linkages Project RFP Exhibits 090116
Questions and Answers Imperial County Asthma Community Linkages Project 110816

Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community Survey Findings Released - 7/5/17

El Centro, CA – Retail stores play a vital role in keeping communities and people healthy and our economy strong. The Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community survey provides information about the availability and marketing of healthy and unhealthy products in our local stores, and it is an important way to understand what consumers face – young and old- in the retail environment.

Parents and Caregivers are Warned About the Dangers of Heatstroke as Summer Approaches ;- 5/24/17

The Imperial County Public Health Department, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency joined the El Centro Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) this morning to warn local residents about the dangers of heatstroke. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heatstroke is the number one killer of children, outside of car crashes. That’s why local agencies have joined efforts to attempt to reduce these deaths by reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of heatstroke and leaving children in hot cars.

Untreated Sewage Discharge into New River, Thursday, March 16, 2017

The Imperial County Public Health Department is notifying the public that there has been another discharge of untreated sewage into the New River. The amount of the discharge is 600l/s and started at 4:00am today, Thursday March 16, 2017. This is the third discharge of untreated sewage into the New River this year. This is a reminder to the public that the New River continues to pose a threat to our environment, our communities, and the people whose work may bring them in contact with the river. The County of Imperial is working closely with federal and state regulators to cooperatively address the sewage issues in Mexicali that continue to impact the New River.

The public is asked to take the following precautions:

• Avoid swimming or drinking water from the New River

• Avoid contact with the foam generated by the New River

• Do not allow your pets to enter the New River

• Avoid handling/collecting and eating fish/turtles/frogs from the New River

For more information, please visit:

Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board.

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/coloradoriver/

Public Is Reminded Not to Enter the New River Due to Poor Water Quality - 03/06/17

The Imperial County Public Health Department is reminding the public that the New River continues to pose a threat to our environment, our communities, and the people whose work may bring them in contact with the river. This year, two major releases of untreated sewage have occurred due to infrastructure problems in Mexico. Dr. Stephen Munday, County Health Officer, stated, “Although local and binational efforts have improved New River water quality, the on-going and unpredictable release of untreated sewage requires continued vigilance in avoiding contact with New River water and the river banks.”

Blue-Green Algae Bloom in Salton Sea - 03/02/17

The Imperial County Public Health Department is urging boaters and recreational users to avoid direct contact with or use of waters containing blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in the Salton Sea. A low level of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, has been detected blooming along the northern shore of the Salton Sea in Riverside County.

Smoking Banned in Multi-Unit Housing Nationwide: Some Locals are Ahead of the Game - 02/27/17

On November 29, 2016, the federal government issued a rule banning smoking in all public housing units nationwide, extending a smoke-free environment to nearly a million units. Public housing agencies will have 18 months to bring their buildings into compliance. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful second-hand cigarette smoke”, said Housing Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro.

Imperial County Animal Control Announces Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics - 11/2/16

The Imperial County Public Health Department’s Animal Control office has announced the schedule for the upcoming low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics for 2016-2017. Imperial County Animal Control has been conducting Rabies Vaccination Clinics in Imperial County for over 46 years. The clinics are scheduled from November 5, 2016 through February 26, 2017, at various locations throughout Imperial County. Last year, more than 2,000 county dogs were vaccinated and licensed at clinics offered by Imperial County Animal Control.

CDPH Warns Consumers About Decorative Contact Lenses - 10/24/16

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers about the risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses. “Wearing any kind of contact lens, including decorative lenses, without proper consultation of an eye care professional can cause serious injury,” Dr. Smith said. “The risks include infection, ulcers, decreased vision, cuts or scratches to the surface of the eye, itchiness or redness. If these conditions are left untreated, the injuries can progress rapidly. In severe cases, blindness and eye loss can occur.”

Child Safety Seat Inspection Event scheduled for Saturday September 24th - 9/16/16

The California Highway Patrol, Burlington Coat Factory, Imperial County Children & Families First Commission and the Imperial County Public Health Department will join efforts on Saturday September 24th to provide child safety information to local families during the Child Safety Seat Inspection Event . Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from partnering agencies will be offering car seat inspections and education at no cost to parents and caregivers beginning at 7:30 am in front of Burlington Coat Factory in El Centro.

California Surpasses National Goal to Ensure Californians Living with HIV Have Been Diagnosed - 6/27/16

California Department of Public (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced today that California has surpassed a key goal of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. CDPH data released today indicate that 91 percent of Californians living with HIV in 2014 had been diagnosed. California reaches this benchmark six years ahead of the timeframe set by the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which is to ensure that 90 percent of people living with HIV are diagnosed by 2020. The Strategy was developed by the White House to guide a collective national response to the HIV epidemic.

CDPH Issues Health Advisory for Meningococcal Disease - 6/24/16

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today issued a health advisory related to an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease occurring in Southern California, primarily among adult gay and bisexual men. Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitis and can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections (sepsis). Although rare, meningococcal disease is serious and potentially fatal.

New California Tobacco Laws Go Into Effect - 6/9/16

Effective today, the minimum age of sale for tobacco products in California increases from 18 to 21, and for the first time e-cigarettes are added to the existing definition of tobacco products. California is the second state in the nation, following Hawaii, to raise the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21. “Today marks a significant moment in California history as new tobacco control laws go into effect statewide. This is the first time the Golden State has raised the age of sale for tobacco since the law first took effect 144 years ago,” said Dr. Karen Smith, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) director and state health officer.

Parents and Caregivers are Warned About the Dangers of Heatstroke as Summer Approaches - 5/18/16

The Imperial County Public Health Department, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency joined the El Centro Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol this morning to warn local residents about the dangers of heatstroke. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heatstroke is the number one killer of children, outside of car crashes. That’s why local agencies have joined efforts to attempt to reduce these deaths by reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of heatstroke and leaving children in hot cars.

Public Health Officials Alert Health Care Providers About Fentanyl-Related Deaths - 4/12/16

Imperial County Public Health Department’s Epidemiology Program alerted local healthcare providers this week about drug overdoses and deaths believed to be associated with consumption of an illicitly obtained opioid drug reported in several jurisdictions in California over the past two weeks. Health officials suspect that the overdoses and deaths are linked to a drug that strongly resembles the prescription opioid drug Norco, but actually contained an undetermined amount of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic more potent than morphine. No suspect or confirmed cases have been reported to date in Imperial County.

California Department of Public Health Warns Against Illegally Made Mexican-Style Cheese - 3/17/16

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned the public about the danger of consuming illegally manufactured Mexican-style soft cheeses, often sold by street vendors. “These cheeses are often made with raw, unpasteurized milk and under unsanitary conditions,” said Dr. Smith. “We are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of reported Salmonella cases, particularly in the Hispanic community.”

California Department of Public Health Reminds Public to Guard Against Mosquito Bites - 2/1/16

Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised that although there is no evidence of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in California, people should always take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including removing standing water and wearing insect repellant when necessary.

Asthma Initiative RFP Applicant Assistance Workshop Postponed - 1/13/16

The County of Imperial wishes to inform the public and interested applicants that the Imperial County Asthma Linkages Project Request for Proposals (RFP) Applicant Assistance Workshop previously scheduled for tomorrow, January 14, 2016, has been postponed. As a result, the County will also revise the application due date, which has yet to be determined. The new due date will be announced once it becomes available.

Let’s Get Healthy California Announces Local Innovations to Improve California’s Health Finalists are invited to present at 2016 Innovation Conference - 1/5/16

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced 23 community-based health innovations that advance the Let’s Get Healthy California effort to make California the nation’s healthiest state by 2022. These innovations will be recognized and discussed as part of an Innovation Conference in Sacramento on January 26, 2016.

Norovirus is on the Rise in California - 12/23/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that California is experiencing an increase in norovirus cases, commonly referred to as stomach flu or winter vomiting disease. CDPH has confirmed 32 outbreaks of norovirus in California since Oct. 1, 2015 – likely resulting in hundreds of reported sicknesses in the state. These outbreaks far exceed the number reported at this time in 2014.

State Public Health Officer Urges Travelers to Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases -12/9/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is urging Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites if traveling to Mexico or Latin America, where there have been increased reports of the mosquito-borne diseases chikungunya and dengue. Travelers should also be aware that there is currently transmission of dengue on the Big Island in Hawaii, and precautions against mosquito bites are advised; there are no reports of dengue transmission on the other Hawaiian islands.

CDPH Offers Food Safety Tips for the Holidays - 11/23/15

With the holiday season upon us, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today reminded consumers about the importance of safe food handling to prevent foodborne illness. “Bacterial pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter can be present in foods, such as meat and poultry, and can cause illness due to insufficient cooking, inadequate cooling, and improper food handling practices,” Smith said. “Properly prepared and handled foods can assure us all a safe meal every day of the year.”

CDPH Confirms First Flu Death of the Season - 11/4/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that CDPH has received the first report of an influenza-associated fatality in a person under age 65 for the 2015-2016 flu season. The death occurred in Santa Clara County and serves as a somber reminder that influenza can cause serious illness or death. “As California’s public health officer, I am troubled when the flu turns into loss of life,” Dr. Smith said. “It doesn’t have to. That’s why I urge you to get your flu shot. By getting vaccinated, you can keep yourself healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.”

Don't Wear Decorative Contact Lenses Without Consulting an Eye Care Professional, CDPH Warns - 10/23/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers about the risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses without proper consultation with an eye care professional. Decorative contact lenses are lenses that do not correct vision and are intended to temporarily change the appearance of the eye. Use of these lenses can carry serious risks, including permanent eye injury that may lead to blindness.

CDPH Study Shows Prenatal Vaccination Decreases Severe Illness and Death in Pediatric Pertussis Cases - 10/23/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the results of a CDPH study that shows additional benefits of prenatal pertussis vaccination. Vaccination of pregnant women against pertussis (whooping cough) has been found to prevent whooping cough in their infants, however, no vaccine is 100 percent effective and some infants of vaccinated women develop pertussis.

California Survey Sees Lower Rate of Illegal Tobacco Sales to Minors in 2015 - 10/16/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced today that a survey has found that the California rate of illegal tobacco sales to minors has decreased. According to the 2015 Youth Tobacco Purchase Survey, illegal tobacco sales to minors at retail outlets occurred at a rate of 7.6 percent, compared to last year’s rate of 9 percent.

State Public Health Officer Warns of Invasive Mosquitoes Detected in California - 10/14/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is warning Californians to protect themselves from two invasive mosquito species recently found in California. Both species can transmit infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. This warning comes as two more counties are added to the list of counties where Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) have been detected.

CDPH Warns Consumers With Milk or Soy Allergies Not to Eat Kelley’s Kookies Shortbread and Chocolate Dipped Macadamia - 10/8/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers with allergies to milk and soy not to eat the following bakery items manufactured by Kelley’s Kookies, because they contain undeclared allergens:

• Kelley's Kookies Shortbread (Contains Undeclared Milk)

• Kelley’s Kookies Chocolate Dipped Macadamia (Contains Undeclared Soy)

Now is the Time for a Flu Shot - 10/6/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith urges Californians to get the influenza (flu) vaccine as soon as it becomes available. “Unlike some other infections, a person with influenza may be contagious and infect others before they have or show any symptoms,” said Dr. Smith. “Annual vaccination is the most reliable way to protect against infection and, therefore, stop transmission of influenza to others.”

Imperial County Prepares for Upcoming Flu Season - 9/18/15

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today that it would start administering flu shots on Wednesday October 7th to individuals six months and older. The Department will host a flu clinic at the Department’s Training Center from 8:00 am – noon. Walk-ins for the flu shot will start on Thursday October 8th. Flu shots for seniors will begin Thursday October 1st at regularly scheduled Senior Clinics throughout Imperial County. This year’s flu vaccine will protect against seasonal flu. The cost for receiving the flu shot will be $5.00.

Child Safety Awareness Day This Saturday September 19th 2015 - 9/14/15

The Imperial County Public Health Department, U.S. Border Patrol, California Highway Patrol, Imperial County Children & Families First Commission and the Office of Senator Ben Hueso will join Burlington Coat Factory this Saturday to bring child safety information to local families during the Child Safety Awareness Day event. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from partnering agencies will be offering car seat inspections and education at no cost to parents and caregivers on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 8:00 am in front of Burlington Coat Factory in El Centro.

State Health Officer Urges Health Care Providers to ‘Think Measles’ - 9/4/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is encouraging health care providers and others to consider measles in persons with rash and fever. “Measles continues to circulate in much of the world outside of North and South America, but with Californians returning from trips abroad and tourists from other countries visiting California, we are reminding health care providers to keep measles in mind when they see patients with symptoms of the disease,” Dr. Smith said.

California Department of Public Health Investigates Second Case of Human Plague - 8/18/15

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced that the department has been notified of a presumptive positive case of plague contracted by a recent visitor to California from Georgia. Confirmatory testing is being conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prior to becoming ill, the patient had been vacationing in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite), the Sierra National Forest and surrounding areas in California in early August. CDPH is in contact with Yosemite, CDC and the National Forest Service to assess locations where the patient visited.

Introducing the Let’s Get Healthy California “Innovation Challenge” Improving Community Health and Promoting Health Equity - 8/12/15

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced the Let’s Get Healthy California “Innovation Challenge” to engage and empower people to work together toward improving the health of their community and the state.

Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes Detected in Imperial County - 2/26/15

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today that it has detected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Imperial County. The first field detection was confirmed this month in the southern part of the County - along the border. This particular type of mosquito could cause local transmission of exotic mosquito-borne viral infections. The Department is continuing its active surveillance and will aggressively treat problem areas should they occur.