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CDPH News Releases 2015

December 31, 2015 - The health advisory regarding Dungeness and rock crabs caught along the coast between the Santa Barbara/Ventura County Line and Latitude 35Ā° 40' N (near Piedras Blancas Light Station, in San Luis Obispo County) is being lifted ...

December 23, 2015 - 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 ...
 
CDPH Fines Los Angeles County Facility in Death of Resident
December 15, 2015 - CDPH today announced that Colonial Gardens Nursing Home, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and a $100,000 fine from the State of California.

December 15, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding anyone who hasnā€™t yet received a flu vaccine to do so in time for the holidays.

December 14, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today offered residents of Santa Clara, Fresno and Madera counties ...
 
CDPH Updates Warning about Shellfish from Humboldt and Del Norte Counties
December 9, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today updated the warning regarding certain seafood caught in Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
 
State Public Health Officer Urges Travelers to Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases
December 9, 2015 - 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 ...

CDPH Offers Food Safety Tips for the Holidays
November 23, 2015 - 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 ...
 
CDPH Updates Warning about Certain Seafood Caught along the Northern and Central California Coastline
November 13, 2016 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is updating its warning to consumers regarding certain seafood caught along the California coastline that may contain high levels of domoic acid.
 
CDPH Confirms First Flu Death of an Infant this Season
November 6, 2015 - 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 the age of one year ...
 
November 6, 2015 - CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced Californiaā€™s in-hospital breastfeeding initiation rates are on the rise according to annual California In-hospital breastfeeding data published by CDPH.

November 4, 2015 - 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.

November 3, 2015 - CDPH today advised consumers not to eat Dungeness and Rock crabs caught in waters between the Oregon border and the southern Santa Barbara County line, due to the detection of dangerous levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin.
 
State Public Health Officer Offers Tips for a Safe Halloween
October 29, 2015 - CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding everyone that simple steps can help everyone stay safe during Halloween.

Sport-Harvested Mussel Quarantine Lifted along Parts of the California Coast
October 28, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced the annual quarantine on mussels gathered by sport harvesters

CDPH Study Shows Prenatal Vaccination Decreases Severe Illness and Death in Pediatric Pertussis Cases
October 23, 2015 - 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.

Donā€™t Wear Decorative Contact Lenses Without Consulting an Eye Care Professional, CDPH Warns
October 23, 2015 - 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 ...

California Survey Sees Lower Rate of Illegal Tobacco Sales to Minors in 2015
October 16, 2015 - 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.

October 15, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers with allergies to peanuts, soy, or wheat not to eat the following items ...

October 14, 2015 - 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.

October 14, 2015 - CDPH today announced that Oakpark Healthcare Center, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and a $75,000 fine from the State of California.

Office of Health Equity Deputy Director Named a 2015 ā€œUp and Comerā€ by Modern HealthCare
October 13, 2015 - CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that CDPH Office of Health Equity (OHE) Deputy Director Jahmal Miller has been named a 2015 ā€œUp and Comerā€ by Modern HealthCare.

October 8, 2015 - 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 Kelleyā€™s Kookies ...

October 6, 2016 - 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.

September 18, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised residents of recently burned areas to use caution ...
 
CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat One Specific Lot of organicgirl Brand Baby Spinach
September 11, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers not to eat a specific lot of organicgirl brand baby spinach after CDPH ...

September 9, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding everyone to protect themselves when temperatures are very high as is expected the rest of this week in most of the state.

September 4, 2015 -(CDPH) State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned people not to eat garden cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce because these cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella.

September 4, 2015 - 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.

September 3, 2015 - California Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the formation of the San Diego County Promotores Coalition (SDCPC) ...

CDPH Awarded CDC Grant to Prevent Opioid Overdoses
September 2, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the department has been awarded more than $3,700,000 over four years to enhance ...
 
CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Bivalve Shellfish Caught in Humboldt or Del Norte Counties
August 26, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised consumers not to eat recreationally harvested bivalve shellfish (mussels and clams) from Humboldt or Del Norte counties.

August 24, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that CDPH is accepting proposals for projects that will help reduce mental health disparities across the state.
 
California Department of Public Health Releases Health Equity Strategic Plan
August 20, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Office of Health Equity (OHE) today released a strategic plan, Portrait of Promise: The California Statewide Plan to Promote Health and Mental Health Equity ...
 
California Department of Public Health Investigates Second Case of Human Plague
August 18, 2015 - 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 ...
 
California Department of Public Health and Yosemite National Park Take Preventive Measures in Plague Investigation
August 14, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that the department, working closely with Yosemite National Park, successfully reduced the risk of ...

Introducing the Letā€™s Get Healthy California ā€œInnovation Challengeā€ Improving Community Health and Promoting Health Equity
August 12, 2015 - The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced the Letā€™s Get Healthy California ā€œInnovation Challengeā€ ...

Get Your Children Up-to-Date on Vaccinations Before Back-to-School
August 6, 2015 - California Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith reminds parents to make sure that their children are up-to-date on required vaccinations before the school year begins.

California Department of Public Health Investigates Human Plague Case
August 6, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the department is investigating a case of human plague in California ...

State Health Officer Warns About Dangers of Valley Fever
August 4, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is warning Californians to be aware of a potentially fatal infectious disease known as Valley Fever.

CDPH Celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
August 3, 2015 - CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today reminds us that breastfeeding is the first step to a healthy life and forms a lasting bond between mother and child.

Public Health Urges Prenatal Immunization to Combat Pertussis Risk
August 3, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned parents about the continued dangers of pertussis (whooping cough).

CDPH Fines Alameda County Facility in Death of Resident
July 28, 2015 - CDPH today announced that Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., a skilled nursing facility in Alameda County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and a $100,000 fine from the State of California.
 
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Partners for Breakthrough for Sharing Cancer Data
July 27, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced today that the Department is participating in a historic pilot project ...

CDPH Confirms First Human West Nile Virus Death of 2015
July 20, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced the first confirmed death in California due to West Nile virus (WNV).

Syphilis Cases Increase Among Women in California
July 13, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced today that California has seen an increase in syphilis cases among women, pregnant women and newborns over the past two years.

West Nile Virus Activity Increases Throughout California
July 8, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that the level of West Nile virus (WNV) activity is on the rise throughout the state.

CDPH Updates Warning about Certain Seafood Caught in Monterey, Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara Counties
July 3, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is updating its warning to consumers regarding certain seafood caught in ...

State Health Officer Warns of the Dangers of Excessive Heat
July 1, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding everyone to stay cool and hydrated as temperatures around the state continue to climb.

CDPH Fines Los Angeles County Facility in Death of Resident
June 30, 2015 - CDPH director and state health officer Dr. Karen L. Smith today announced that Glendora Grand, Inc., a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation.
 
CDPH Warns Consumers of Undeclared Allergens in Spinach Dip Manufactured by La Mexicana Food Products
June 25, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers with allergies to milk not to eat Spinach Dip manufactured by La Mexicana Food Products.

California Experiences Another Significant Drop in Adolescent Births
June 16, 2015 - Californiaā€™s adolescent birth rate has continued to decline to a record-low of 23.2 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19, announced CDPH director and state health officer Dr. Karen Smith.

The California Department of Public Health Continues Efforts to Protect California from Potential Spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
June 15, 2015 - Since the emergence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been working with ...
 
CDPH Updates Warning about Certain Seafood Caught in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties
June 8, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is updating its warning to consumers regarding certain seafood caught in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties due to dangerous levels of a naturally occurring toxin.

June 8, 2015 - As temperatures begin to warm up throughout the state, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Karen Smith advises California residents to prepare themselves for what could be a very hot, dry summer.

CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Santa Barbara Smokehouse Cold-Smoked Salmon
June 5, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Karen Smith warned consumers today not to eat certain batch codes of Santa Barbara Smokehouseā€™s cold-smoked salmon ... .
 
CDPH Warns Not to Eat Certain Seafood Caught in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties
June 1, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat recreationally harvested mussels and clams, commercially or recreationally caught anchovy and sardines

May 28, 2015 - Doctor Karen Smith, state health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers with allergies to wheat, milk, and soy not to eat ...

May 21, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Karen Smith today announced that CDPH is investigating a cluster of Salmonella cases that has so far sickened 31 California residents in six counties.

May 20, 2015 - CDPH issued penalties today to 12 California hospitals after investigations found the facilitiesā€™ noncompliance with licensing requirements caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury or death to patients.

May 6, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced the release of the California Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Curriculum for Grades 4 and 5. This release coincides with National Bike to School Day.

May 6, 2015 - Magnolia Gardens Convalescent Hospital, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and a $60,000 fine from the State of California.

April 28, 2015 - The annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels gathered along the California coast begins May 1, announced Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer.

April 24, 2015 - Seton Medical Center, a skilled nursing facility in San Mateo County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and a $100,000 fine from the State of California announced CDPH.

Measles Outbreak That Began in December Now Over
April, 17, 2015 - The California measles outbreak that began in December 2014 is over, it was announced today by Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer.

April 8, 2015 - It was a record-breaking year for West Nile virus activity in 2014 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced today.

April 6, 2015 - California has shown improvement in reducing infant mortality, AIDS, cancers and coronary heart disease, according to a new report on public health indicators released today by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

March 24, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today warned consumers that the consumption of unpasteurized (raw) dairy products may cause serious illness.

March 23, 2014 - CDPH will premiere a series of television, digital, and outdoor ads in a new campaign called ā€œWake Up,ā€ as part of its educational effort to inform the public about the dangers of e-cigarettes.
 
CDPH Warns People Not to Eat Five Varieties of Trader Joeā€™s Brand Walnuts Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
March 18, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Acting State Health Officer Dr. James Watt today warned people not to eat five varieties of Trader Joeā€™s brand raw walnuts because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

New Reports on Healthcare Associated Infections & Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Released
March 13, 2015 - CDPH today released the Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) in California Hospitals Annual Report for 2013 and Influenza Vaccination among Health Care Personnel in California Hospitals for the 2013-14 respiratory influenza season.

March 11, 2015 - Country Villa Terrace Nursing Center, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under State law, and an $80,000 fine from the State of California announced CDPH.

Mosquito-Borne Disease Activity in Mexico and Latin America
February 27, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging the public to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases if traveling to Mexico or Latin America.

Recommendation: Protect Against Measles before International Travel
February 17, 2015 - With the spring holidays approaching in the next weeks, many Californians are heading to the Philippines or other countries where measles outbreaks are occurring or measles circulates in the population.
 
CDPH Problem Gambling Summit Emphasizes the Signs of Problem Gambling
February 11, 2015 - The California Department of Public Healthā€™s (CDPH) Office of Problem Gamblingā€™s (OPG) sixth annual training summit will focus on recognizing the signs of problem gambling, and how it affects gamblers and their families.

February 11, 2015 - CDPH issued 10 penalties today to 10 California hospitals along with fines totaling $700,000.
 
CDPH Lifts Warning about Certain Seafood from Ventura County
February 6, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is lifting the health advisory that warned consumers not ...

CDPH Warns of Undeclared Allergens in Pasta, Spreads and Wraps Manufactured by Hasta Be Pasta
February 3, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today warned consumers with allergies to milk, soy or egg not to eat the following pasta dishes, spreads, or wraps because they contain milk, soy and egg allergens ...
 
California Department of Public Health Confirms Patient at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center has Tested Negative for Ebola
January 30, 2015 - Dr. Gil Chavez, State Epidemiologist and Deputy Director, Center for Infectious Diseases, 
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today confirmed ...
 
CDPH, Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services and UC Davis Medical Center - Sacramento Confirm Patient at Hospital has Tested Negative for Ebola
January 30, 2015 - State and local public health and hospital officials have confirmed that the patient transported by specialized ambulance and admitted to UC Davis Medical Center early Thursday ...

State Health Officer Issues Health Advisory and New E-Cigarette Report
January 28, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) director and state health officer Dr. Ron Chapman today issued a Health Advisory and the ā€œState Health Officerā€™s Report on E-Cigarettes: A Community Health Threat,ā€ warning ...
 
Moratorium Lifted on New Grocery Stores for Women, Infants and Children Program
January 23, 2015 - The moratorium for stores to apply for authorization in the California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program will be lifted effective February 1, 2015 ...

California Department of Public Health Confirms 59 Cases of Measles
January 21, 2015 - Dr. Ron Chapman, director of CDPH and state health officer, announced today that local public health officials have confirmed a total of 59 cases of measles in California residents since the end of December 2014.

CDPH Fines Los Angeles County Facility in Death of Resident
January 20, 2015 - Maclay Healthcare Center, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $75,000 fine from the State of California.

January 14, 2015 - Help for problem gambling is just a text message away, thanks to new text support-services from the California Department of Public Healthā€™s (CDPH) Office of Problem Gambling and the California Council on Problem Gambling.

January 12, 2015 - The California Department of Public Health today announced a 30 day public comment period for the California Reducing Disparities Project draft Strategic Plan.

California Department of Public Health Announces First Influenza Death This Season
January 9, 2015 - Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, announced today the first confirmed influenza death of a person under the age of 65 reported for the 2014-2015 season.

CDPH Warns Not to Eat Certain Santa Barbara Smokehouseā€™s Cold-Smoked Salmon
January 9, 2015 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman warned consumers today not to eat certain Santa Barbara Smokehouse cold-smoked salmon products

California Department of Public Health Confirms Measles Cases
January 7, 2015 - CDPH has been notified of seven confirmed cases of measles in patients from five different locations within California it was reported today by Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer.

CDPH Fines Los Angeles County Facility in Death of Resident
January 6, 2015 - Paramount Meadows Nursing Center, a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles County, has received a Class ā€œAAā€ citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $75,000 fine from the State of California.
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