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Office of STIs and HCV Dear Colleague Letters, Health Alerts and Recommendations, All Facility Letters, and Funding Opportunities

Office of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Office of STIs and HCV Dear Colleague Letters, Health Alerts and Recommendations, All Facility Letters, and Funding Opportunities

This Office of STIs and HCV webpage lists current and archived CDPH Dear Colleague Letters (DCLs), California Health Alert Network (CAHANs), All Facility Letters (AFLs), Health Alerts, Advisories, and Updates, and other notices relevant to STI prevention partner organizations and local programs. For all general questions, please email stdcb@cdph.ca.gov.

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DCLs, CAHANs, AFLs, Recommendations
Funding Announcements

In-Kind Opportunity for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) Point of Care Machines, Test Cartridges, and Supplies
February 17, 2026 – CDPH is offering a one-time opportunity for local health jurisdictions (LHJs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to request in-kind support for rapid HCV RNA testing technology in the form of Cepheid GeneXpert Xpress machines, HCV rapid test cartridges, and supplies. This in-kind support is made possible through a one-time $1 million authorization from AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) rebate funds in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 state budget.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Allocations - Five-Year Funding Beginning Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27
November 13, 2025 - This memo details updates to existing State General Fund Allocations to local health jurisdictions (LHJs) to support STI prevention and control activities.
Letter of Intent to Award Funds - Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Workforce Development Grant (ADAP Rebate Funds) (FY 2025-2026 - FY 2029-2030)
July 29, 2025 - This letter announces the intent to award funds to Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) through the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Workforce Development Grant. Funded by the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Rebate Fund, this grant will maintain the disease investigation workforce across 61 LHJs and ensure the continuation of essential services to prevent and control HIV, STIs, HCV, and mpox.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Allocations – Fiscal Year 2024-24 and 2025–26 Funding for LHJs
October 24, 2023 – This memo details funding updates to existing State General Fund allocations to local health jurisdictions (LHJs) to support sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control activities.
Extension of DIS Workforce Supplemental Grant Funding
October 6, 2023 – This memo informs recipients of the DIS Workforce supplemental grant funding that an extension has been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Second Extension of Congenital Syphilis Prevention Funding (2019–2026)
October 5, 2023 - This memo informs recipients of the Congenital Syphilis Prevention funding (Fresno, Kern, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus) that an additional extension has been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Second Extension of Congenital Syphilis Prevention Funding (2021–2026)
October 5, 2023 - This memo informs additional recipients of the Congenital Syphilis Prevention funding (Long Beach, Riverside, Sacramento) that an additional extension has been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Funding Opportunity for Emergency Department Syphilis/HIV/HCV Screening
August 18, 2023 – This Request for Application is to provide funding and technical assistance to emergency departments (EDs) to establish or grow routine opt-out testing, treatment, and navigator linkage to care for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis c virus (HCV).
Flexible Use of Federal and State Funds for Monkeypox (Mpox) Response
April 24, 2023 - This letter is to inform local health jurisdictions (LHJs) that receive federal or state funds from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Control Branch or CDPH Office of AIDS (OA) about which of these existing resources can be used to support local mpox response efforts.

MPXV Clade I Update: Recommendations for California Health Care Providers

December 11, 2023 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is issuing this California Health Alert Network (CAHAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and local health departments (LHD) about the occurrence, geographic spread, and sexually associated human-to-human transmission of Clade I Monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Increase in Mpox Cases in California: Updates on Identification, Laboratory Testing, Management and Treatment, and Vaccination for Mpox

October 31, 2023 - The California Department of Public Health has noticed recent increases in mpox cases and encourages providers to consider mpox in their differential diagnoses, test persons with suspected mpox, treat mpox, and offer vaccine to populations at increased risk to prevent severe mpox disease and reduce the number of new infections.

Clinical Recommendations for Male Partner Treatment to Prevent Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis (PDF)

November 12, 2025 - This Dear Colleague Letter addresses male partner treatment to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. CDPH recommends that clinicians consider offering concurrent partner therapy for male partners of cisgender women with confirmed BV recurrence in ongoing monogamous relationships.
Community Spread of Clade I Mpox Within California
October 17, 2025 - Reports on three new cases of clade I mpox that indicate community transmission. This Health Advisory includes recommendations for commercial laboratory specimen handling, local reporting, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination, health care infection control, and home isolation for patients while mpox testing results are pending.
Recent Rise of Mpox Cases in California and the Bay Area
August 26, 2025 - This Health Advisory informs health care providers of a recent increase in cases of clade II mpox in California. It includes an up-to-date overview of mpox clinical recognition, testing, and treatment as well as updated CDPH mpox vaccination recommendations.
Update on Bicillin® L-A Shortage: Drug Recall, Inventory Review, and Clinical Guidance
July 21, 2025 - This Health Update provides new information for health care providers on the previous Extension of Long-Acting Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin® L-A) Shortage Health Advisory released on March 18, 2024. There is a voluntary recall for select lots of Bicillin ® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) and limited availability of the drug for the treatment of syphilis.
HIPAA Privacy Rule Letter (PDF)
May 12, 2025 - This letter from CDPH clarifies legally mandated reporting requirements and allowable disclosures, including public health exemptions from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records, and relevant provisions of state law.
First Case of Clade I Mpox Case Confirmed in California and the United States in a Returning Traveler
November 19, 2024 - This Health Advisory informs health care providers that the first case of mpox infection from clade I monkeypox virus (MPVX) in the United States was detected in California.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Updates Syphilis Screening Recommendations
October 14, 2024 – This Health Update informs health care providers about updated syphilis screening recommendations in response to rising syphilis and congenital syphilis (CS) rates in the state.
Updated Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Pregnant Persons and Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children (PDF)
August 19, 2024 – This Dear Colleague Letter informs health care providers about new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for Hepatitis C testing among perinatally exposed infants and children.
Update on Clade I Mpox Geographical Spread in Africa: Recommendations for California Health Care Providers
August 12, 2024 – This Health Update informs health care providers about mpox infections, from clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV), continuing to increase in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). CDEC has recently confirmed the spread of clade I MPXV to neighboring countries.
Powdered Benzathine Benzylpenicillin (Extencilline®) for the Treatment of Syphilis (PDF)
January 26, 2024 – This Dear Colleague Letter informs health care providers about the use of powdered benzathine benzylpenicillin (Extencilline®) for the treatment of syphilis.
Increase in Mpox Cases in California: Updates on Identification, Laboratory Testing, Management and Treatment, and Vaccination for Mpox
October 30, 2023 – This Health Advisory informs health care providers on how to recognize mpox, collect appropriate specimens, and provide treatment.
Special Considerations for the Treatment of Syphilis using Alternative Therapies in Non-pregnant Persons (PDF)
September 12, 2023 – This Dear Colleague Letter provides health care providers guidance regarding the use of alternative syphilis treatment regimens for non-pregnant persons in the setting of Bicillin® L-A supply shortages.
Bicillin L-A (Benzathine Penicillin G) Shortage
June 1, 2023 - This Health Advisory informs health care providers about California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines for prioritization and conservation of shortage drugs.
Preventing the Resurgence of Mpox Cases in California (PDF)
May 30, 2023 – This Dear Colleague Letter reminds health care providers to remain vigilant in mpox prevention, recognition, and testing during the 2023 spring and summer seasons as people gather for festivals and events.
Updates on Identification, Laboratory Testing, Management and Treatment, and Vaccination for Mpox Virus Infection in California
April 4, 2023 - This Health Advisory provides updates to information and recommendations about severe mpox, including recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) interim clinical treatment considerations for severe mpox.
Increasing Cases of Congenital Syphilis and Syphilis Among Females in the Central Coast Region of California (PDF)
April 1, 2023 – This Health Alert draws attention to the increase in congenital syphilis (CS) and early syphilis cases among females of childbearing age in the central coast region, and to suggest strategies for decreasing cases moving forward.
Guidance for Safe Specimen Collection From Monkeypox (mpox) Lesions: Reminder to NOT De-roof Lesions and NOT Use Sharps
October 5, 2022 - This Health Advisory reminds health care providers of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to reduce risk of mpox (formerly monkeypox) virus transmission to health care personnel (HCP) during collection of specimens from lesions for laboratory diagnosis of mpox virus.
Update for Clinicians on Monkeypox in People with HIV, Children and Adolescents, and People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding (CDC)
May 15, 2023 – This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Update alerts health care providers to clinical considerations for preventing, diagnosing, and managing mpox (formerly monkeypox) in people with HIV, children, adolescents, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Update for Clinicians on Testing and Treatment for Monkeypox
July 28, 2022 – This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Update alerts health care providers on commercial testing capability, collecting clinical specimens for testing, and using TPOXX® (tecovirimat) for treating mpox (formerly monkeypox).
Health Care Provider Health Advisory: Managing Monkeypox Virus Infection in California
June 23, 2022 – This Health Alert providers updated information for health care providers in the evaluation and management of suspected mpox cases.
Updated Case-finding Guidance: Monkeypox Outbreak—United States (CDC)
June 14, 2022 - This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Update alerts health care providers to clinical presentations of mpox (formerly monkeypox) seen in the United States and to provide updated, expanded case definitions intended to encourage testing for mpox among persons presenting for care with relevant history, signs, and symptoms.
Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries- Enhancing Surveillance in California as of May 20, 2022
May 20, 2022 – This Health Advisory provides health care providers a situation summary, recommendations for the evaluation of a suspected mpox (formerly monkeypox) case and treatment, and considerations for infection control and treatment and management.
Opt-Out ED HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, and Syphilis Screening (PDF)
March 28, 2022 – This Dear Colleague Letter provides recommendations for emergency departments (ED) to consider implementing routine opt-out testing for syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis C.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Week 2022 (PDF)
March 21, 2022 – This Dear Colleague Letter provides information and resources about Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Week.
Increasing Cases of Congenital Syphilis and Syphilis Among Females in Northern California (PDF)
October 2021 – This Health Alert provides recommendations based on Expanded Syphilis Screening Guidelines for the Prevention of Congenital Syphilis (CS).
Updated Sexually Transmitted Infection Treatment Guidelines (PDF)
August 8, 2021 – This Dear Colleague Letter provides current evidence-based diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations, and serves as a source of clinical guidance for managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Recommendations for Extragenital Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening (PDF)
February 20, 2019 – This Dear Colleague Letter provides recommendations for sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings to include all exposed anatomical sites to effectively detect and treat disease.