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Disease Prevention and Control, San Francisco Department of Public HealthPopulation Health Division SF Department of Public HealthPopulation Health Division SF Department of Public Health

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Health Alerts

The San Francisco Department of Public Health sends out Health Alerts, Advisories, and Updates regarding communicable disease outbreaks, immunization updates, and emerging infectious diseases to San Francisco clinicians.

Clinicians can sign-up or submit updated contact information to receive Health Alerts. All contact information is kept confidential.

Click for disease reporting numbers, lab forms, and legally reportable diseases.

Urgency Level Categories

Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.

Advisory: Provides important information for specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.

Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.

Date of Alert Urgency Subject
03-06-23 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the United States

02-16-23 Alert

Health Alert: Xylazine Identified in Overdose Decedents

12-21-22 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Lower Barriers to Prescribing COVID-19 Therapeutics to Mitigate Impact of COVID-19

12-09-22 Update

Health Update: Expanded Mpox Vaccination Recommendations

11-23-22 Advisory

Health Advisory for SF Providers: Influenza and Respiratory Virus Season 2022–23

10-20-22 Update

Health Update: Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Reduces Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections

10-12-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: MPX Vaccine Eligibility Expansion and Recommendations for MPX Clinical Diagnosis

09-28-22 Update

Health Update for SF Providers: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 2022-23

09-08-22 Update

Health Update:Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters

09-01-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: Polio Vaccination

08-18-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: Intradermal Vaccination with JYNNEOS; Rationale, Policy, and Implementation

08-10-22 Update

Health Update: Monkeypox

07-25-22 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Parechovirus (PeV) Infections in Neonates and Young Infants

07-15-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: Update on Monkeypox Reporting, Testing, Vaccination, and Treatment

07-08-22 Advisory

CDPH Healthcare Provider Health Advisory: Managing Monkeypox Virus Infection in California, Updated June 23, 2022

06-30-22 Update

Health Update: Current Status for Monkeypox Vaccine

06-14-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: Monkeypox Cases in San Francisco

05-27-22 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries

05-24-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: Monkeypox Infections in US Residents Without Travel to Endemic Areas

05-23-22 Advisory

CDPH Advisory: Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries – Enhancing Surveillance in California as of May 20, 2022

CDPH VRDL Orthopox Virus Laboratory Testing Guidance

05-20-22 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries—2022

05-19-22 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Seasonal Influenza Activity is Increasing in California

05-18-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease in Florida Involving Men Who Have Sex with Men-Recommendations for San Francisco

05-17-22 Update

Health Update: Improved Supply and Accessibility of Outpatient COVID-19 Therapeutics

05-09-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: CDC Immunization Schedule Updates, Hepatitis B and C Screening of Adults, and FDA Update to Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Authorization

04-26-22 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology in Children

04-05-22 Update

Health Update: 2nd Boosters of COVID-19 Vaccine

03-17-22 Alert

Health Alert: Overdoses Among Persons Unintentionally Exposed to Fentanyl While Using Cocaine

01-13-22 Update

Health Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Update

01-10-22 Advisory

Health Advisory: Authorization of Paxlovid and Molnupiravir for Oral Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19

12-10-21 Alert

Health Alert: SARS-CoV-2 Virus Variant of Concern B.1.1.529 (Omicron)

12-08-21 Update

Health Update: Influenza and Respiratory Illness 2021–22

11-02-21 Update

Health Update: Booster Doses for COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients

10-05-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: Current Guidance on Booster Doses for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients

09-21-21 Update

Health Update for SF Providers: Influenza Vaccination

09-17-21 Update

Health Update: New CDC Guidelines for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

08-19-21 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Off-Season Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections and Use of Palivizumab

08-18-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for mRNA Vaccine Recipients with Immune Compromise

08-06-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccination Updates

07-20-21 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory – Monkeypox

07-12-21 Update

Health Update: Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines After Reports of Myocarditis

05-28-21 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Myocarditis and Pericarditis after Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Among Adolescents and Young Adults

05-17-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccine Update, Including Expansion of Pfizer Vaccine to Ages 12-15 Years

04-30-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: Resuming Use of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine

04-29-21 Other

Notice of the Health Officer Regarding Health Officer Directive NOS. 2020-08b, 2020-09c, AND 2020-20c

04-22-21 Other

Vax Facts: School and Childcare Immunizations and Filing Medical Exemptions; 2021 ACIP Schedules

04-13-21 Alert

Health Alert: CDC/FDA Recommend Immediate Pause in Use of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine

04-01-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: Rising Rates of HIV and Syphilis Among Women

03-11-21 Advisory

Health Advisory for SF Providers: COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expansion to Persons Under 65 with Qualifying Conditions

03-09-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine: Information for Clinicians and Vaccine Providers

02-24-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: Prioritizing Populations with Structural Barriers to Health in COVID-19 Care Response

02-23-21 Update

Health Advisory for SF Vaccination Providers: Expanding Phase 1b Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine

02-05-21 Alert

Health Alert: Fentanyl Overdoses Among Persons Using Cocaine

02-04-21 Update

Health Update for SF Providers: COVID-19 Vaccine Access and Allocation

01-14-21 Advisory

Health Advisory: Re-admitting patients being discharged from a hospital back to health care or residential facilities

12-30-20 Advisory

Gonorrhea Health Advisory: New Guidelines for Treatment of Gonococcal Infection

12-28-20 Advisory

Advisory: CDPH Health Alert – SARS-CoV-2 Virus Variant Identified in the United Kingdom

12-24-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Becoming a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider: Information for SF Outpatient Providers

12-23-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Approval: Information for Clinicians

12-15-20 Advisory

Health Advisory Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Approval: Information for Clinicians

11-25-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Slowing COVID-19 Community Transmission: Role of Healthcare Providers

11-12-20 Update

Health Update: Influenza and Respiratory Illness 2020-21

11-10-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Priorities for COVID-19 Testing

11-06-20 Advisory

Tuberculosis Health Advisory: Be Vigilant for TB during the COVID-19 Pandemic

09-18-20 Update

Health Update for SF Providers: Influenza, School, and Catch-Up Vaccinations

08-10-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Eye Protection for Health Care Personnel During Moderate-to-Substantial COVID-19 Transmission

06-18-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Required Best Practices for Reopening Ambulatory Care, Including Counseling and Other Healing Arts

06-10-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: COVID-19 Testing for Children in Childcares and Summer Camps

05-18-20 Advisory

CDC Health Update for Health Care Professionals Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

05-15-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Blanket Isolation and Quarantine Directives for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19; Healthcare Provider Responsibilities

05-05-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Expanding COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing to Asymptomatic Frontline or Essential Workers

04-30-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Clinicians Must Report Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cases to Public Health

04-28-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Recommendation to Expand COVID-19 Testing Criteria; and Testing Availability at CityTestSF

04-14-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: COVID-19 Testing Without Prior Approval at the SFDPH Public Health Lab

03-27-20 Advisory

Health Advisory: Prioritizing Testing for COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Infection

03-16-20 Update

CDC Health Update: Health Care Professionals Updated Guidance on Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

03-06-20 Advisory

Updated San Francisco Public Health Laboratory Criteria for Testing Patients Who May Have COVID-19 Infection

02-28-20 Update

CDC Health Update: Updated Clinical and Laboratory Guidance for Managing Patients Who May Have COVID-19 Infection

02-04-20 Update

CDC Health Update: Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Direct Link to the CDC Flowchart to Identify and Assess 2019 Novel Coronavirus

01-23-20 Advisory

Clinical and Laboratory Guidance for Managing Patients Who May Have Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infection

01-21-20 Update

CDC Health Update: Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China

01-13-20 Other

Vax Facts: Pneumococcal Vaccines in Adults Age 65 Years and Older

01-08-20 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology in Wuhan, China

11-14-19 Update

Influenza and Respiratory Illness 2019-2020

10-07-19 Other

Vax Facts: Vaccine Storage During Public Safety Power Shutoffs

10-02-19 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Vaping Associated Pulmonary Injury (VAPI)

09-25-19 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory: Vaping Related Lung Illness: A Summary of the Public Health Risks and Recommendations for the Public

09-18-19 Update

Fentanyl Overdose

08-28-19 Alert

CDPH Health Alert: Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Injury

08-13-19 Alert

CDPH Health Alert: Severe Acute Pulmonary Disease Associated with Cannabis or Cannabidiol Oil Vaping

07-12-19 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory (July 2019): Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Infections Potentially Associated with Exposure to Farm Animal Exhibits at the San Diego County Fair – Update and Recommendations for the Fair Season

06-20-19 Advisory

Nationwide Shortage of Tuberculin Skin Test Antigens: CDC Recommendations for Patient Care and Public Health Practice

06-18-19 Other

Health Advisory Changes: Faxes Ending 06/30/2019

06-18-19 Advisory

FDA Recall of Frozen Mixed Berries Due to Hepatitis A Contamination

05-22-19 Alert

Rising Rates of Syphilis Among Pregnant Women

04-05-19 Other

Vax Facts: Pediatric Immunization Updates – Changes to School Requirements, and Measles Vaccine Before Travel

03-26-19 Other

Vax Facts: CDC Recommends Hepatitis A Vaccine for Persons Experiencing Homelessness

03-05-19 Advisory

Measles

02-21-19 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory (February 2019): Ongoing Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

02-12-19 Other

Important HIV Prevention and Treatment Updates for San Francisco Providers

01-24-19 Other

Vax Facts: Prevent Infant Pertussis – Tdap Dose Every Pregnancy

12-14-18 Update

CDC Health Update (December 2018): Update – Outbreak of Life-threatening Coagulopathy Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids Use

11-01-18 Update

Health Update: Influenza and Respiratory Illness 2018-2019

10-19-18 Advisory

CDPH HAN (October 2018): National Increase in Reports of Suspected Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cases – Request for continued vigilance for case recognition and reporting

10-18-18 Advisory

Health Advisory: Recent Surge in Opioid Overdose Events in San Francisco

08-16-18 Advisory

CDPH Health Advisory (August 2018): Influenza A (H1N2) Variant Virus Confirmed in California Residents With Pig Exposure

08-09-18 Other

Vax Facts: Avoiding Administration Errors With Shingles Vaccine

07-30-18 Advisory

Health Advisory for Traveling to Areas Affected by Wildfire Smoke

For additional information, review the resources below:

Protecting Children From Wildfire Smoke and Ash

Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution

07-12-18 Advisory

CDPH HAN (July 2018): Increase In Cyclosporiasis Cases in the San Francisco Bay Area

06-27-18 Update

Updated Confidential Morbidity Report Form and List of Reportable Diseases

06-22-18 Update

Health Update and CDPH Issue Brief: Hepatitis C Treatment Among People Who Inject Drugs

Both the Health Update and the CDPH Issue Brief are included in the link above.

06-19-18 Advisory

Fentanyl Overdose From Suspected Counterfeit Oxycodone Tablet in San Francisco

06-13-18 Advisory

CDPH HAN (May 31, 2018): Synthetic Cannabinoids and Potential Health Impacts

05-23-18 Alert

CDPH HAN (May 22, 2018): Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

04-05-18 Advisory

Measles in San Francisco Bay Area

02-23-18 Advisory

Possible Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Due to Stimulant Use in San Francisco

01-05-18 Advisory

CDC HAN 409: Seasonal Influenza A(H3N2) Activity and Antiviral Treatment of Patients with Influenza

11-03-17 Advisory

CDC HAN 408: Advice for Providers Treating Patients in or Recently Returned from Hurricane-Affected Areas, Including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

10-31-17 Update

Health Update: Influenza And Respiratory Illness 2017-2018

09-28-17 Advisory

Hepatitis A among Men Who Have Sex with Men, San Francisco

09-06-17 Advisory

Hepatitis A Outbreaks in California; Prevention Recommendations for San Francisco Providers

08-17-17 Update

CDPH HAN (Aug 2, 2017): Updated Guidance for Health Care Providers Caring for Pregnant Women with Possible Zika Virus Exposure

08-07-17 Other

Vax Facts: Increased Dosage Recommended for Intramuscular Immune Globulin for Hepatitis A Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

07-20-17 Advisory

California Department of Public Health HAN: Immunize to Prevent and Control Hepatitis A Outbreaks

07-11-17 Advisory

CDC HAN 404: Patients Receiving Eculizumab (Solaris ®) at High Risk for Invasive Meningoccoal Disease Despite Vaccination

05-09-17 Advisory

Health Advisory: Opioid Overdoses in San Francisco Due to Fentanyl-Containing “Crack” Cocaine

03-29-17 Update

Health Advisory: Zika Virus and Travel

03-13-17 Alert

Two Cases of Accidental Aconite Poisoning from Medicinal Herbs Purchased in San Francisco Chinatown Shop

03-06-17 Advisory

CDC Guidance: Testing Returning China Travelers for Avian Influenza A (H7N9)

11-09-16 Other

Vax Facts: HPV Vaccine 2-Dose Recommendation for Girls and Boys Ages 9-14 Years

11-07-16 Advisory

Health Advisory: Recall of Frozen Strawberries due to Potential Hepatitis A Contamination

10-27-16 Update

Health Update: Influenza and Respiratory Illness 2016-2017

10-17-16 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: CDC Advises Hospitals to Alert Patients at Risk from Contaminated Heater-Cooler Devices Used during Cardiac Surgery

09-20-16 Update

Health Update: Zika Virus

08-19-16 Advisory

CDC HAN 394: Expanded Guidance for Travel and Testing of Pregnant Women Related to Mosquito-borne Zika Virus Transmission in Miami-Dade, Florida

08-01-16 Advisory

CDC HAN 393: Guidance for Travel and Testing of Pregnant Women Related to the Investigation for Local Mosquito-borne Zika Virus Transmission in Florida

07-28-16 Update

Updated Health Advisory: Zika Virus

07-06-16 Other

Vax Facts: FluMist Not Recommended for 2016-17 Influenza Vaccination

06-28-16 Advisory

Health Advisory: Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease involving Men who Have Sex With Men in Southern California; Recommendations for San Francisco

06-15-16 Update

Health Update: Orlando Mass Shooting

06-08-16 Advisory

Health Advisory: Benzathine Penicillin G Shortage

05-13-16 Update

CDPH letter concerning Acute Hepatitis C case definition and reporting requirements

05-03-16 Advisory

Health Advisory: Request to Report Overdoses and Deaths due to Illicitly Obtained Fentanyl

  • OD Alert Flyer

03-31-16 Advisory

Updated Health Advisory: Zika Virus

03-08-16 Advisory

Updated Health Advisory: Zika Virus

02-12-16 Advisory

Updated Health Advisory: Zika Virus

01-26-16 Update

Health Update: Healthy Super Bowl 50

01-22-16 Advisory

Health Advisory: Zika Virus

11-19-15 Update

Health Update: Influenza 2015-2016

10-22-15 Advisory

Severe Opioid Overdoses in San Francisco Caused by Fentanyl-Containing “Xanax” Pill

10-19-15 Other

Vax Facts: Temporary Exemption from the Mercury Free Act: Use of Flu Vaccine in Young Children

09-01-15 Advisory

Legionellosis Outbreak at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County: Be alert for possible Legionellosis in patients associated with San Quentin Prison in August 2015.

As of 8/31/15, there were 6 lab-confirmed cases and an additional 67 patients with suspected Legionellosis undergoing observation/testing.

Please be alert to the possibility of Legionellosis in patients with pneumonia who worked at, visited, or were released from San Quentin prison in August 2015. The incubation period is 2 to 10 days.  If the diagnosis is being considered, please obtain urine antigen and sputum culture for Legionella.

Please report any suspected Legionellosis cases to SFDPH, Communicable Disease Control Unit by calling 415-554-2830.

08-13-15 Advisory

Health Advisory: Spike in Opioid Overdose Cases in San Francisco

06-18-15 Advisory

Health Advisory: Chicago reports invasive meningococcal disease

06-16-15 Advisory

MERS Co-V Health Advisory

06-11-15 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Updated Information and Guidelines for Evaluation of Patients for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Infection

06-08-15 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Ciprofloxacin- and Azithromycin-Nonsusceptible Shigellosis in the United States

06-08-15 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Bird Infections with Highly-Pathogenic Influenza A Viruses

  • SFDPH Avian Influenza Quick Guide for Clinicians

05-13-15 Update

Cryptosporidiosis Update

02-20-15 Advisory

Health Advisory: Ocular Syphilis

02-11-15 Advisory

SFDPH Measles Health Advisory

Updated Measles Quick Guide for Clinicians

01-22-15 Advisory

SFDPH Measles Health Advisory

Updated Measles Quick Guide for Clinicians

01-13-15 Update

CDC Health Update: Treatment of Patients with Influenza with Antiviral Medications

01-13-15 Advisory

CDPH Measles Outbreak Health Advisory

Please contact SFDPH CDCU (415-554-2830) for any suspected measles cases.

12-22-14 Advisory

Increased Shigella Cases; Ciprofloxacin-Resistance Common

12-04-14 Update

Influenza 2014-15 Health Update

12-04-14 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory Regarding the Potential for Circulation of Drifted Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses

12-04-14 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Fatal Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis in an Infant Following Ingestion of Contaminated Dietary Supplement – Connecticut, 2014

11-25-14 Advisory

Updated: Recognizing and Handling Suspect Ebola Cases

10-27-14 Advisory

Recognizing and Handling Suspect Ebola Cases in Outpatient Settings

10-21-14 Advisory

SFDPH and CDC Ebola Virus Disease Health Advisory Update

10-03-14 Advisory

Enterovirus-D68 and Acute Flaccid Paralysis Health Advisory

09-25-14 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Acute Neurologic Illness with Focal Weakness of Unknown Etiology in Children

09-24-14 Advisory

Enterovirus D68 Interim Recommendations for Evaluation, Laboratory Submission, & Infection Control

09-18-14 Advisory

Ebola Virus Disease Health Advisory

08-01-14 Advisory

CDC Health Alert concerning Ebola virus.

CDC Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in U.S. Hospitals

07-08-14 Update

Pertussis Health Update

05-07-14 Advisory

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Interim Recommendations for Evaluation, Infection Control, & Laboratory Submission (updated on 5/20/14)

As of June 12, 2014, the CDC has updated its Interim Guidance for testing for MERS-CoV. Testing criteria have been liberalized for individuals who have been in a healthcare facility in or near the Arabian Peninsula in which healthcare-associated MERS cases have been identified. Click here to learn more about updated testing guidance.

Please contact the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Communicable Disease Control Unit at (415) 554-2830 to discuss MERS testing.

04-04-14 Advisory

Los Angeles County Reports Invasive Meningococcal Disease Among Men Who Have Sex with Men; Recommendations for San Francisco

04-02-14 Advisory

CDPH Measles Health Advisory

02-19-14 Update

Measles Health Update

Measles Quick Guide for Physicians

02-14-14 Update

Potential Measles Exposure on BART: Health Update and Quick Guide

01-08-14 Update

FDA Announced a Brief Temporary Shortage of Liquid form of influenza drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), other formulations still available

This brief temporary shortage only affects the oral suspension formulation intended for small children and others who can’t swallow capsules. It is expected to last from early to mid January according to the FDA. The company expects to have more of the product in mid-January. Oseltamivir remains available in capsules at all three doses (30, 45, and 75 milligrams). Children over 1 year old can be dosed correctly with 30- or 45-mg capsules. For those who can’t swallow capsules, a capsule can be opened and mixed with chocolate syrup or some other liquid as directed by a health professional. Also, professionals can use 75-mg capsules to make a liquid form of the drug. For more information go to the FDA shortages page covering oseltamivir.

01-08-14 Advisory

Health Advisory: Influenza Update

12-24-13

SFDPH Press Release: Hepatitis A in Food Handler in San Francisco

12-17-13 Advisory

Health Advisory: Wound Botulism in SF Injection Drug Users

11-27-13 Advisory

Health Advisory: Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease Associated with Outbreaks at Princeton University and the University of California at Santa Barbara

11-07-13 Advisory

Influenza Health Advisory

09-20-13 Advisory

Meningococcal Disease Advisory

  • 2 Recent Cases of Meningococcal Disease; Important information for residents in the Tenderloin Neighborhood of San Francisco

09-13-13 Alert

Nationwide Tubersol Shortage

  • Tubersol Shortage Report Form
  • School Health Form

08-30-13 Alert

E Coli 0157 Health Alert

08-23-13 Advisory

Updated Influenza A H7N9 Testing

08-15-13 Update

CDC Health Update on MERS-CoV

Updated guidance from CDC states that: 1) testing for MERS-CoV and other respiratory pathogens can be done simultaneously; 2) positive results for another respiratory pathogen should not preclude testing for MERS-CoV; and 3) clusters of patients with severe, unexplained respiratory illness should be considered for MERS-CoV testing. Read the full text of the August 12, 2013 update.

06-11-13 Update

CDC Health Update (HAN)

DC has updated several MERS-CoV evaluation and lab specimen recommendations: 1) the incubation period has been extended to 14 days; 2) the clinical presentation may not initially include respiratory symptoms; 3) co-morbid conditions and immunosuppression may increase risk for infection and/or severe disease; and 4) lower respiratory tract specimens are the highest priority specimens to collect. Read the full text of the June 7, 2013 update.

06-05-13 Advisory

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Interim Recommendations for Evaluation, Infection Control, & Laboratory Submission

06-03-13

SFDPH Press Release: Multi-State Outbreak of Hepatitis A Associated with a Frozen Berry Food Product

05-31-13 Alert

Multi-State Outbreak of Hepatitis A Associated with a Frozen Berry Food Product

05-24-13 Update

Product Recall: Methylprednisolone Acetate Compounded by Main Street Family Pharmacy, Tennessee

FDA recommended on May 24, 2013 that clinicians not administer any products labeled as sterile from the Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC of Newbern, TN. FDA states that 7 adverse events were reported in 2 states (IL and NC) among patients who developed skin and soft tissue infections following IM administration of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) 80 mg/mL in 10 mL vials. For more information, read the FDA News Release.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) states that 2 clinics in CA are known to have received the recalled products (neither of which is located in San Francisco), and recommends that in evaluating infections possibly linked to contaminated injectable products, diagnostic specimens should be sent for bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal cultures, and if possible, also for histopathology. Any positive culture or specimen should be retained and the local health department informed.

In light of this and other product recalls due to contamination of injectable products shipped by compounding pharmacies, SFDPH recommends that medical facilities use caution in ordering any injectable medication products from compounding pharmacies, which may not be inspected or regulated as thoroughly as are pharmaceutical manufacturers.

05-03-13

SFDPH Press Release: Typhoid Fever in Restaurant Worker

05-01-13 Advisory

Avian Influenza A: H7N9 Advisory

04-16-13 Advisory

Additional Cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Men Who Have Sex with Men in New York City; Updated Recommendations for San Francisco

04-12-13 Update

Avian Influenza A: H7N9 Update

04-05-13 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H7N9) Viruses

The purpose of this advisory is to inform and provide guidance to health care providers in the evaluation of patients for novel Influenza A (H7N9) infection. Read the full advisory or go to the CDC Health Alert Network Page for additional advisories or updates. As of April 4, 2013, 14 cases of human infection with a novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus were reported from four different provinces in China. All patients were hospitalized with severe respiratory illness and six persons died. These are the first human infections identified with an avian influenza A (H7N9). All illness onsets were from February 19 – March 31, 2013. No person-to-person transmission or epidemiologic link between any of the cases has been identified. Sources of infections are under investigation.

The CDC is not yet issuing any formal travel advisories. No cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses have been detected in the United States. However, clinicians are reminded to consider influenza as a possible diagnosis when evaluating patients with acute respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, even outside of the typical influenza season. Read the latest updates, case definitions, and guidance from the CDC on their website. In hospitalized patients or others at high risk of severe disease (i.e, age =65 or underlying medical conditions), treatment with oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir should be started as soon as possible, without waiting for laboratory confirmation. Preliminary information indicates the virus is susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors.

Clinicians in San Francisco should implement appropriate infection control recommendations and contact the SFDPH/Communicable Disease Control Unit immediately at (415) 554-2830 to arrange testing for Novel Influenza A(H7N9) for suspected cases with a travel or exposure history.

03-08-13 Advisory

CDC Health Advisory: Updated Guidelines for Evaluation of Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with a Novel Coronavirus

CDC Health Advisory: Updated Guidelines for Evaluation of Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with a Novel Coronavirus

The purpose of this Advisory is to provide guidance to health care providers in the evaluation of patients for novel coronavirus infection. Read the full advisory here or go to the CDC Health Alert Network Page for additional advisories or updates.

CDC does not recommend that anyone change their travel plans because of these cases of the novel coronavirus. CDC recommends that US travelers to countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula monitor their health and see a doctor right away if they develop fever and symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. They should tell the doctor about their recent travel.

UPDATE: As of March 27, 2013, 17 laboratory-confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus have been reported to WHO – from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Among the 17 cases, eleven were fatal. Two of the 17 cases experienced a mild respiratory illness and fully recovered. Read the latest updates, case definitions, and guidance from the CDC. Doctors in San Francisco should contact the SFDPH/Communicable Disease Control Unit immediately at (415) 554-2830 to arrange testing for suspected cases.

03-04-13 Update

CDC Health Update (HAN): Notice to Clinicians: Continued Vigilance Urged for Fungal Infections among Patients Who Received Contaminated Steroid Injections

CDC is still receiving new reports of fungal infections among patients who were given injections of contaminated methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) from NECC. Most of these recent cases have been localized spinal or paraspinal infections in patients, although new cases of meningitis or arachnoiditis also have been reported. CDC is recommending that physicians seeing patients with mild or even baseline symptoms, consider evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if clinically warranted.

Read the full update here, or go to the CDC Health Alert Network Page for more updates.

NOTE: San Francisco Clinicians did not receive any of the contaminated medication.

01-11-13 Advisory

Influenza Health Advisory – contains new Situational Information and updated Anti-Viral Treatment Recommendations

12-06-12

SFDPH Press Release: Consider Vaccination to Prevent Meningitis for Certain San Francisco Men Traveling to New York City

12-03-12 Advisory

New York City Health Department Expands Recommendations for Meningococcal Vaccine for Certain Men Who Have Sex with Men

12-03-12 Update

CDC Health Update (HAN): New England Compounding Center – Additional Contamination Identified

CDC and FDA identified additional microbial contamination in unopened vials of betamethasone, cardioplegia, and triamcinolone solutions distributed and recalled from NECC. Contamination includes bacteria known as Bacillus, and fungal species including Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporiumspecies, and Penicilliumspecies. Healthcare providers should remain alert for the possibility of infections from these medications.

Read the full CDC Health Update, and for updated information go to the FDA website.

11-07-12 Advisory

Influenza Health Advisory

11-01-12 Update

Ameridose Voluntary Recall

Health Care professionals should stop using Ameridose products at this time, and return them to the firm.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a recall of any unexpired Ameridose products remaining in circulation as of October 31, 2012 out of an abundance of caution. As of October 31, the recall is not based on reports of patients with infections associated with any of Ameridose’s products. Therefore, at this time, the FDA is also recommending that health care professionals to not need to follow up with patients who received Ameridose products.

Please refer to the following websites for more information about the recall as information may be updated during the investigation:

Ameridose Issues Recall of All Products
FDA reports voluntary recall of all Ameridose drug products
Ameridose News Webpage

10-17-12 Advisory

Influenza Health Advisory

10-09-12 Alert

NECC Recall and Meningitis

09-24-12 Update

West Nile Virus Health Update

09-07-12 Update

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Health Update

06-12-12 Update

Pertussis

  • Quick Guide for Clinicians

10-17-11 Advisory

Influenza Health Advisory

03-17-11 Advisory

Radiation Health Advisory

10-06-10 Advisory

Influenza Health Advisory

08-04-10 Update

Pertussis

Quick Guide for Clinicians

06-24-10 Update

Pertussis

Pertussis Situation Update
Quick Guide for Clinicians

05-06-10 Alert

Rubella Health Alert

02-22-10 Alert

Measles Health Alert

Measles Flyer from the California Department of Public Health
Lab Form
Measles FAQs

02-19-10 Advisory

H1N1 Swine Influenza A Health Advisory

Home Page – Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine) Flu

02-05-10 Advisory

H1N1 Swine Influenza A Health Advisory

01-21-10 Advisory

H1N1 Swine Influenza A Health Advisory

10-26-09 Advisory

H1N1 Swine Influenza A Health Advisory

(Updated 10/30: Infection Control Precautions for Health Care Settings)

10-21-09 Advisory

H1N1 Swine Influenza A Health Advisory

07-06-09 Advisory

Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine) Virus Health Advisory (Testing and Infection Control sections updated October 13, 2009)

06-24-09 Alert

Health Alert: Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine) Virus Health Alert

06-02-09 Advisory

Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine) Virus Surveillance, Testing, Reporting, Antiviral Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis, and Infection Control Precautions

05-18-09 Alert

Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine) Virus: Surveillance, Testing, Reporting, Antiviral Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis, and Infection Control Precautions

05-12-09 Alert

Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine) Virus: Surveillance, Testing, Reporting,

Antiviral Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis, and Infection Control Precautions

05-04-09 Alert

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Surveillance, Testing, Reporting, Antiviral

Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis, and Infection Control Precautions

05-01-09 Alert

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Surveillance, Testing, Reporting, Antiviral

Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis, and Infection Control Precautions

04-29-09 Alert

Swine Influenza Health Alert – Surveillance, Testing, Reporting and Antiviral Treatment

04-27-09 Alert

Swine Influenza Health Alert – Instructions for Surveillance, Testing, and Reporting

04-24-09 Alert

Swine Influenza Health Alert

01-30-09 Alert

Measles Health Alert

Information for Persons Potentially Exposed to Measles
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Measles

01-22-09 Advisory

Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications During the 2008-2009 Influenza Season

10-30-08 Advisory

Seasonal Influenza Health Advisory

10-27-08 Advisory

Syphilis in San Francisco

10-14-08 Update

MRSA and Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Treatment Guidelines

10-03-08 Update

Limited Supply of Rabies Vaccine – Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Available with Public Health Approval

  • What You and Your Physician Should Know About Rabies
  • How to Order Rabies Vaccine and Human Rabies Immune Globulin (Updated April 2, 2009)
  • Press Release: City Health Officials Issue Bat and Rabies Warning (Oct. 2, 2008)

07-17-08 Advisory

Another Measles Case in San Francisco

  • Measles Flyer from California Department of Public Health
  • Laboratory Form
  • Measles FAQs

05-08-08 Alert

Measles Case in San Francisco

01-28-08 Update

Botulism Health Update and Rabid Bats found in San Francisco

  • Botulism Information and Resources
  • Rabies Information and Resources

01-18-08 Advisory

Community Associated Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in San Francisco

MRSA Information and Resources

11-15-07 Advisory

Seasonal and Avian Influenza Health Advisory and Directions to MRSA Resources

  • Influenza disease reporting and control resources

08-27-07 Update

Changes in California Disease Reporting Regulations

List of Legally Reportable Diseases and Conditions

08-14-07 Alert

Wound Botulism Cases in Injection Drug Users

11-30-06 Advisory

Seasonal and Avian Influenza Health Advisory

10-26-06 Update

N. meningitidis Surveillance & Annual Report on Communicable Diseases in SF

  • Update of Results of N. meningitidis Surveillance in California
  • Annual Report of Communicable Diseases in San Francisco 2004-2005

08-07-06 Advisory

Contaminated Oysters Responsible for Cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

06-02-06 Alert

Wound Botulism Cases in Injection Drug Users

05-09-06 Update

West Nile Virus: Recognition, Testing, Reporting Procedures, Surveillance Activities

12-12-05 Update

Rabies Prophylaxis for Potential Bat Exposures

11-17-05 Alert

Cluster of Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections in Injection Drug Users

Frequently Asked Questions: Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections

11-08-05 Advisory

Seasonal and Avian Influenza Health Advisory

10-31-05 Advisory

Environmental Detection of F. tularensis

09-09-05 Advisory

Communicable Disease Management for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees

04-01-05 Update

West Nile Virus, Reporting & Testing

02-24-05 Update

Meningococcal Disease, Enhanced Surveillance & Testing & New Conjugate Vaccine

12-22-04 Alert

Lymphogranuloma Vernereum (LGV) Infection in San Francisco

11-29-04 Alert

Cases of Wound Botulism in Injection Drug Users

11-09-04 Alert

Cases of Wound Botulism in Injection Drug Users

11-03-04 Advisory

Influenza Health Advisory

08-03-04 Alert

Cluster of Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infection in Injection Drug Users

02-09-04 Advisory

Updated Recommendations for Avian Influenza and SARS

01-23-04 Advisory

Enhanced Surveillance for SARS and Avian Influenza

03-18-03 Advisory

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

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CMR Forms

Medical providers: download the Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR) form to report a communicable disease

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Medical Provider Health Alerts

March 06, 2023

CDC Health Advisory: Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the United States

February 16, 2023

Health Alert: Xylazine Identified in Overdose Decedents

December 21, 2022

CDPH Health Advisory: Lower Barriers to Prescribing COVID-19 Therapeutics to Mitigate Impact of COVID-19

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