Tag Archives: county

Essential Information on the Hepatitis A Outbreak in LA County

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Los Angeles County public health officials have reported an outbreak of hepatitis A. This highly contagious liver infection is caused by a virus that can, in rare instances, lead to serious illness.

Typically, there are fewer than 50 cases annually in LA County, but at least 138 individuals were infected in 2024, with cases continuing to rise significantly in 2025. These numbers are incomplete.

Here’s what you should know.

The hepatitis A virus is spread via the oral-fecal route, meaning it can be ingested through food and beverages contaminated with microscopic stool from infected individuals. The virus can also be transmitted through close contact with someone harboring it, even if they show no symptoms.

Certain individuals face a higher risk of contracting hepatitis A due to inadequate access to clean toilets and handwashing facilities. It is more prevalent among travelers, in settings with poor hygiene, among men who have sex with men, and among drug users.

Officials note that many recent cases have appeared in individuals lacking these risk factors. The reasons remain unclear, but Dr. Timothy Brewer, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at UCLA, is increasingly concerned about two issues: food contamination and community transmission.

“In a community with good hygiene and access to drinking water, we shouldn’t see high numbers of infections,” he remarked. “Something is happening, but we aren’t sure what it is.”

Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. Infected individuals may subsequently develop jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools.

One significant challenge in controlling the spread of hepatitis A is that contact tracing can be quite challenging. The virus can incubate for up to seven weeks before symptoms appear, and carriers can transmit it for up to two weeks before they feel ill.

Moreover, many infected individuals do not exhibit severe symptoms, according to Dr. Edward Jones Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California, which means they might not seek medical evaluation, undergo blood tests, or report their cases.

Severe symptoms are predominantly observed in the elderly, those with chronic liver diseases, and individuals with compromised immune systems or HIV. While fatalities from hepatitis A are rare, at least seven deaths have been linked to the outbreak. Officials suspect that the true number of infections is significantly higher than reported, as many individuals likely remain asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that go unrecognized.

There are no specific antiviral treatments for hepatitis A, as the infection typically resolves on its own within weeks without causing permanent liver damage. However, hospitalization might be necessary for some patients.

In rare instances, hepatitis A can lead to acute liver failure, known as fulminant hepatitis, which may necessitate a transplant, stated Dr. Jones Lopez. “It can escalate rapidly. It’s a serious condition.”

If you believe you may be infected, consult your doctor, stay hydrated, and rest adequately.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses given at least six months apart, which provides substantial protection. While children have routinely received this vaccine for the past two decades, many adults over the age of 25 do not get vaccinated unless they belong to a high-risk group.

“Infection can occur anywhere,” warns Dr. Anne Limoyne, a professor of epidemiology at UCLA.

If you have been exposed to someone with the virus but haven’t been vaccinated, a prompt vaccination can prevent infection. Experts suggest that individuals with compromised immune systems may also benefit from receiving immunoglobulins. Practicing good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing with soap and water after using the restroom and before preparing food, is essential for everyone.

Source: www.nytimes.com

New York County Clerk refuses to accept Texas Court filings targeting doctors over abortion medication

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The New York County Clerk recently prevented Texas doctors from taking legal action against New York doctors to provide abortion pills to Texas women.

This groundbreaking decision escalates the interstate abortion conflict to a new level, setting the stage for a legal showdown between states with differing views on abortion rights.

The dispute is expected to reach the Supreme Court, pitting Texas against New York. Texas has almost completely banned abortion. New York, on the other hand, has a Shield Law in place to protect abortion providers who supply medications to patients in other states.

Since the Supreme Court overturned the national abortion right in 2022, eight states, including New York, have implemented the Telehealth Abortion Shield Act. This law prohibits authorities from surrendering abortion providers to other states or complying with legal actions such as subpoenas.

The New York County Clerk’s action marks the first use of the Abortion Shield Act to oppose out-of-state judgments.

Dr. Margaret Daly Carpenter, based in New Paltz, New York, is involved in this case. She collaborates with telehealth abortion organizations to provide abortion medications nationally. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Dr. Carpenter in December for allegedly sending abortion pills to Texan women in violation of the state’s ban.

Dr. Carpenter and her legal team did not appear at a Texas court hearing last month. Consequently, Collin County District Court Judge Brian Gant issued a default ruling, imposing a $113,000 fine on Dr. Carpenter and mandating the sending of abortion pills to Texas.

Citing the New York Shield Act, Ulster County’s Deputy Clerk Taylor Brook refused to process Texas’ motion for enforcing the Collin County order. He also declined to file a subpoena demanding payment of the penalty and compliance with the Texas ruling.

“In accordance with the New York State Shield Act, I reject this submission and any similar future submissions,” Brooke stated in a release. “This decision may lead to additional legal action, and we must refrain from discussing specific case details at this time.”

Texas Attorney General Paxton has vowed to continue his efforts. He criticized New York for not cooperating in enforcing civil judgments against abortion providers who allegedly cross state lines with dangerous drugs.

Legal experts anticipate that Texas may challenge the Shield Act in New York state or federal courts next.

New York Attorney General Letitia James previously issued guidance to courts and officials statewide on adhering to the Shield Act’s requirements and restrictions.

“I commend the Ulster County Clerk for upholding the law,” James declared. “The New York Shield Act safeguards patients and providers from out-of-state attacks on reproductive rights. We must not allow anyone to hinder healthcare professionals from delivering essential care to patients. My office will always stand with New York healthcare providers and the individuals they serve.”

Texas became the first state to take legal action against abortion providers from other states using Shield laws. In a separate case, Louisiana also filed criminal charges against a Shield Act abortion provider earlier this year.

In the recent past, Louisiana officials requested Dr. Carpenter’s extradition, a request that New York Governor Kathy Hochul promptly rejected.

“We will not authorize the extradition request from the Louisiana governor,” affirmed Hochul.

Dr. Carpenter and her legal team have refrained from commenting on the Texas and Louisiana cases. The Abortion Alliance for Telemedicine, an organization co-founded by Dr. Carpenter, issued a statement expressing support for the Shield Act. “The Shield Act is crucial in ensuring access to abortion care regardless of location or financial status,” the coalition emphasized. “It upholds the fundamental right to reproductive healthcare for all individuals.”

The Telemedicine Abortion Shield Act has become a vital tool for advocates of abortion rights. Health providers in states where abortion is legal send over 10,000 abortion medications each month to patients in states with restrictive laws.

The Texas lawsuit against Dr. Carpenter accuses her of providing a 20-year-old woman with mifepristone and misoprostol, standard abortion medications used up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks necessary pregnancy hormones, while misoprostol induces contractions akin to a miscarriage 24-48 hours later.

According to a complaint from the Texas Attorney General’s office, a woman nine weeks pregnant sought emergency care in July due to bleeding. The woman’s partner suspected that the miscarriage was induced by the woman’s mother and found abortion medications provided by Carpenter at their home.

During a court session in Colin County, Ernest C. Garcia from the Texas Attorney General’s Office revealed that the woman’s partner had lodged a complaint.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Experts warn of potential water contamination in Los Angeles County due to wildfires

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Tap water in the Los Angeles area could be unavailable for some time due to concerns about damage to infrastructure and chemicals from wildfires, experts say. At least two water authorities have issued warnings about possible contamination from ongoing fires. Experts are worried about the risks to human health from chemicals and pathogens entering the water system, but accurate assessment may take time.

Residents in Pacific Palisades and neighboring communities have been advised to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, and other purposes due to potential contaminants like benzene entering the water system. The Pasadena Department of Water and Power has also instructed residents to switch to bottled water until further notice following concerns about debris impacting the water quality.

Drinking water systems can become contaminated after wildfires, as seen in past incidents in urban areas. Loss of water pressure in the system can be a sign of contamination, triggering careful analysis of the water quality. Environmental engineers are conducting tests in key areas to determine when the water will be safe to drink again.

While there is concern about potential contamination from flame retardants and ash from burnt materials, experts are mainly focused on monitoring benzene and other harmful chemicals due to their carcinogenic properties. Boiling water does not eliminate these chemicals, so the authorities have rescinded the “boil water” advisory. The testing process for dangerous chemicals can take weeks or even months to complete.

In cases of low contamination levels, flushing water pipes may eliminate the hazard, but in severe cases, pipe replacements might be necessary. Contamination around destroyed buildings poses the highest risk in the water distribution system. It is crucial for authorities to thoroughly assess and address the contamination to ensure public safety.

Source: www.nbcnews.com