Public Health News

Riverside County resident tests positive for active TB

rbahhour — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:05:22 +0000

Riverside County resident tests positive for active TB rbahhour Fri, 10/27/2023 - 15:05

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October 27, 2023

Media Contact: Arianne Murphy
RUHS- Public Health
Public Information Specialist
Cell: 951.470.5489
Email: amurphy@ruhealth.org

Angela Meluski
California Baptist University
Phone: 951-343-4474
Email: ameluski@calbaptist.edu

Riverside County resident tests positive for active TB

Riverside County public health officials are contacting members of the public who interacted with an individual who has tested positive for active tuberculosis (TB). The potential exposure period is between September 5 and October 16, 2023. The individual is being treated and is expected to recover.

Among the individual’s affiliations is California Baptist University in Riverside. Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-PH) is working closely with university officials to identify and notify an estimated 150 people who may have had close contact with the individual. The university approximately has 15,580 faculty, staff and students.

These individuals received an electronic notice from Public Health and the university, informing them of the exposure and next steps for testing.

The disease spreads through the air during prolonged, repeated and close contact with someone who is infected with active TB. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. In most cases, people infected with TB have a latent infection that does not progress to active tuberculosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8,300 TB cases were reported in the United States in 2022, which represents 2.5 cases per 100,000 persons.

It is currently unknown where the individual contracted the disease. A contact investigation is ongoing and Public Health is working with and monitoring others who reside or who have close contact with the infected person.

Students, staff and faculty who are not considered at risk were notified of the case and informed that TB testing is only recommended for individuals identified as potentially exposed.

“While the risk of infection is low, it is recommended that individuals who receive the exposure notification letter be tested,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County.

"The testing is quick and can provide peace of mind for both individuals and their families,” Leung said. “Once the test is administered, the individual will need to come back in two days to have it read by a health care worker.”

If the skin test reads positive, the individual will need to get a chest X-ray and follow up with Public Health. Another option for detection is a TB blood test.

Read here for more information about TB symptoms, testing and treatment.

FINAL TB Release- Version-CBU2_0.pdf

Health officials urge awareness of childhood lead poisoning

m.deleon — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 19:10:06 +0000

Health officials urge awareness of childhood lead poisoning m.deleon Tue, 10/24/2023 - 12:10

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October 24, 2023

Media Contact: Arianne Murphy
RUHS- Public Health
Public Information Specialist
Cell: 951.470.5489
Email: amurphy@ruhealth.org

Health officials urge awareness of childhood lead poisoning

Riverside County health officials are urging parents and others to be aware of the dangers present in some everyday items that contain lead and how they can impact the health of young people during Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Oct. 22-28.

“The purpose of this campaign is to remind parents that lead poisoning can be harmful to young children’s health and development. It's important for parents to ask their child’s doctor about blood lead testing,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County. “The test is simple but can make a real difference in the life of a developing child.”

Lead poisoning can seriously affect a child’s brain and nervous system. It can cause learning and behavioral problems. A blood lead test is the only way to identify lead poisoning in children.

In California, children can be exposed to lead by coming in contact with dust containing lead, chipping lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil. If families live or spend time near airports, they may be exposed to lead air pollution from gas in small airplanes. Other sources of lead poisoning include lead dust brought home on parents' work clothes, certain ceramic pottery, painted objects, traditional home remedies, some cosmetics, and imported spices, candies, and other food products.

Additionally, activities that involve lead products such as welding, making stained glass, and handling bullets or fishing sinkers can put children at risk.

Parents and caregivers of young children are invited to learn how to protect their children from this serious environmental disease by visiting the RUHS-Public Health webpage at Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program | Riverside University Health System (ruhealth.org). Background materials are available upon request at 951-358-5481.

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Click here for Spanish version.

Updated Lead Poisoning Press Release.pdf

Know the signs

mlezama360 — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 18:02:33 +0000

Know the signs mlezama360 Fri, 09/08/2023 - 11:02

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Mon, 09/25/2023 - 09:00 - Mon, 04/29/2024 - 19:30

Public Health News

$14.5 Million Grant Will Enhance Overdose Tracking and Prevention Efforts

mlezama360 — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:53:20 +0000

$14.5 Million Grant Will Enhance Overdose Tracking and Prevention Efforts mlezama360 Tue, 09/05/2023 - 10:53

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A $14.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will allow Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS-PH) to expand drug overdose surveillance and better target local prevention efforts.

$14.5 Million Grant Will Enhance Overdose Tracking and Prevention Efforts

Riverside County reports first human cases of West Nile this year

mlezama360 — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 19:05:44 +0000

Riverside County reports first human cases of West Nile this year mlezama360 Thu, 08/10/2023 - 12:05

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Two human cases of West Nile virus – the first in Riverside County this year – were confirmed by Riverside University Health System – Public Health this week, serving as a reminder that residents should take steps to protect against mosquitoes, which transmit the disease

West Nile Cases Press Release_0.pdf

Concerning Syphilis Trends and Updated Guidance on Bicillin-LA Shortage

mlezama360 — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 21:25:34 +0000

Concerning Syphilis Trends and Updated Guidance on Bicillin-LA Shortage mlezama360 Thu, 07/13/2023 - 14:25

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A Middle school student tests positive for active TB; screening clinic planned next week in Palm Springs

m.deleon — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 23:28:31 +0000

A Middle school student tests positive for active TB; screening clinic planned next week in Palm Springs m.deleon Thu, 04/13/2023 - 16:28

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A Middle school student tests positive for active TB; screening clinic planned next week in Palm Springs

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Riverside University Health System - Public Health Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week

m.deleon — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:08:46 +0000

Riverside University Health System - Public Health Recognizes Black Maternal Health Week m.deleon Tue, 04/11/2023 - 14:08

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Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is held April 11-17 of each year and this year marks the 6th annual country-wide celebration. BMHW was started by Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) with a goal to amplify and center the voices of Black mamas.

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Riverside University Health System-Public Health Welcomes the City of Corona to Blue Zones Activate Riverside County Well-Being Initiative

m.deleon — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:19:40 +0000

Riverside University Health System-Public Health Welcomes the City of Corona to Blue Zones Activate Riverside County Well-Being Initiative m.deleon Wed, 01/25/2023 - 14:19

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Riverside University Health System-Public Health Welcomes the City of Corona to Blue Zones Activate Riverside County Well-Being Initiative

COVID test-to-treat clinics available throughout Riverside County

m.deleon — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 18:54:19 +0000

COVID test-to-treat clinics available throughout Riverside County m.deleon Fri, 12/09/2022 - 10:54

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Click here to view.