header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
July 15
1891 - R.E. Nickel publishes area's first newspaper, The Acton Rooster [story]
Acton Rooster


The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) reports that there have been eight cases of meningococcal disease confirmed this year, including one death. Recent cases serve as reminder of the importance of preventing this serious infectious disease. Public Health reminds residents, especially those with increased risk, to stay up-to-date on the recommended meningococcal vaccine to help prevent invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).

For the most recent person with IMD, who is a teenager, Public Health is conducting an investigation and working with affected communities to identify close contacts who will be provided preventive antibiotics and vaccination. The ages of the 2017 cases range from 12-75 years old, including several recent cases among teenagers. The majority of cases this year are caused by meningococci identified as “serogroup B.” In 2016, a total of 20 IMD cases occurred among Los Angeles County residents with the majority of cases caused by serogroup C.

“Staying current with vaccination recommendations is important to help protect against serious diseases such as invasive meningococcal disease,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for all children ages 11-12 with a second dose of vaccine at 16 years old. In addition, all persons who are HIV positive, college students, workers in medical labs, all gay or bisexual men (men who have sex with men), and all persons older than 2 months with certain medical conditions that make them less able to fight off disease are recommended for vaccination.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all preteens and teens be vaccinated against meningococcus A, C, W and Y (Menactra or Menveo). A second type of vaccine (Bexsero and Trumenba) is available which adds protection against serogroup B.

Contact your health care provider for information about meningococcal vaccine. If you have had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis, please contact Public Health at (310) 998-3204 on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekdays during normal business hours.

IMD is spread by direct contact with the secretions of someone who carries the meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat. Limiting activities that spread saliva, can decrease the risk of infection. Don’t share drinks, utensils, food, or toothbrushes. Don’t have multiple kissing partners. Don’t share things you smoke, like cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes and hookahs. In addition, good hygiene including frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes can help reduce risk of this and other infectious diseases.

Public Health clinics provide vaccines for all people at higher-risk for IMD, regardless of health insurance status. Those who do not have a regular health care provider or health insurance that covers vaccines can call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 for referrals to providers offering vaccines at no-cost or a reduced cost.

Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious disease that can lead to swelling in the brain and spinal cord, loss of a limb, deafness, brain damage or even death. Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis. The illness most people are familiar with is meningitis. It can be spread to others through the respiratory secretions of people who carry the bacteria without symptoms in their nose and throat. Meningococcal disease can start with flu-like symptoms, and progress to high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion and rash. People who experience these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

For more information about meningococcal disease and immunization recommendations visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/mening.htm, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip, and www.shotsforschool.org

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about the Department of Public Health and the work we do, please visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs by calling 213-240-8144 or emailing media@ph.lacounty.gov.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

No Comments

    Leave a Comment


    LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEADLINES
    Monday, Jul 14, 2025
    The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released the results of the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count on Monday, july 14.
    Monday, Jul 14, 2025
    Caltrans has announced overnight lane reductions are scheduled on northbound and southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) between Lake Hughes Road and two miles north of Templin Highway starting Monday, July 14 for pavement rehabilitation.
    Monday, Jul 14, 2025
    Among several important issues to be presented at the regular board meeting on July 15, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider Support for State and Federal Legislation Enhancing Accountability During Immigration Enforcement.
    Saturday, Jul 12, 2025
    The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is reporting increased occurrences of an alleged property tax scam, in which taxpayers are being sent phony property tax bills that look like real bills.
    Thursday, Jul 10, 2025
    The California Department of Transportation has announced overnight closures along Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass for k-rail installation.

    Keep Up With Our Facebook
    Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
    1891 - R.E. Nickel publishes area's first newspaper, The Acton Rooster [story]
    Acton Rooster
    The city of Santa Clarita invites local artisans and crafters to apply Makers Marketplace, returning as part of the annual Light Up Main Street, presented by DrinkPAK, on Saturday, Nov. 15.
    City Now Accepting Vendor Applications for Makers Marketplace
    The city of Santa Clarita has announced the official opening of its 40th park, William S. Hart Park, now under full city ownership and open to the public.
    William S. Hart Park Officially Opens as City’s 40th Park
    The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released the results of the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count on Monday, july 14.
    L.A. County Homelessness Shows Decline for Second Consecutive Year
    Finally Family Homes a Santa Clarita Valley nonprofit which offers support to young adults transitioning out of foster care, will host a Southern Gospel Brunch fundraiser on Saturday, July 19 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
    July 19: Southern Gospel Brunch Fundraiser for Finally Family Homes
    This fall, the College of the Canyons Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center Spotlight Series will feature a diverse lineup of talented musicians and performers spanning the genres of swing, pop rock and magic.
    Performing Arts Center Announces 2025-2026 Spotlight Series
    True Barre is hosting "Summer Shred," a high-energy community shredding and fitness event 8 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Aug. 3.
    Aug. 3: ‘Summer Shred’ Event at True Barre
    California Credit Union Foundation has awarded a grant to La Mesa Junior High School in Santa Clarita through its Spring 2025 Teacher Grant Program. The grant, given to La Mesa Junior High School Teacher Kamalinphol Punpanichgul, will be used to fund a sumo robot challenge for robotics students.
    California Credit Union Foundation Awards Grant to Santa Clarita Teacher
    The Latino Business Alliance will host a Café con Leche, 9-10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at Southern California Edison, 25625 Rye Canyon Road, Valencia, CA 91355.
    Aug 5: Latino Business Alliance Café con Leche
    The Small Business Development Center hosted by College of the Canyons will offer a free webinar, "Financial Fitness: Why is the Balance Sheet so Important for My Small Business?" on Tuesday, July 15 from 10-11:30 a.m.
    July 15: SBDC Webinar on Financial Fitness
    As summer unfolds in Santa Clarita, our city comes alive with opportunities that spark curiosity, creativity and community.
    Ken Striplin | A Summer of Discovery, Connection in Santa Clarita
    The city of Santa Clarita Film Office has released the list of eight productions filming in the Santa Clarita Valley for the week of Monday, July 14 to Saturday, July 19.
    July 14-19: Eight Productions Filming in SCV
    Caltrans has announced overnight lane reductions are scheduled on northbound and southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) between Lake Hughes Road and two miles north of Templin Highway starting Monday, July 14 for pavement rehabilitation.
    July 14-16: Castaic Area I-5 Lane Reductions
    Among several important issues to be presented at the regular board meeting on July 15, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider Support for State and Federal Legislation Enhancing Accountability During Immigration Enforcement.
    July 15: Supervisors to Consider Support of Law Enforcement Identification
    1769 - Portolá party sets out from San Diego; first Europeans to "discover" Santa Clarita Valley 3½ weeks later [story]
    Gaspar de Portola
    1884 - Hardison & Stewart start drilling Star No. 1 oil well in Pico Canyon; later form Union Oil Co. [story]
    Lyman Stewart
    The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is reporting increased occurrences of an alleged property tax scam, in which taxpayers are being sent phony property tax bills that look like real bills.
    Scam Alert: Beware of Phony L.A. County Property Tax Bills
    The Santa Clarita Artists Association invites all fine artists to apply to its inaugural Old Town Newhall Fine Art Festival. The festival will be held Oct. 11-12.
    Call for Artists: Old Town Newhall Fine Art Festival
    The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a business meeting Wednesday, July 16, beginning at 5 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 3 p.m.
    July 16: COC Board to Accept Report on COC Foundation Gifts 2023-24
    The city of Santa Clarita has officially signed off on the walk-thru/hand over of William S. Hart Park, said officials from Supervisor Katheryn Barger's office in a statement released on Friday, July 11.
    July 14: Hart Park Officially Transfers to City of Santa Clarita Control
    Scarlet Hope Southern California invites the Santa Clarita Valley community to its inaugural Brunch & Bloom fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m.
    Aug. 24: Brunch & Bloom ‘A Fundraising Event’
    The city of Santa Clarita and SantaClaritaArts.com is seeking speakers and proposals for the Fourth Annual Business for Artists Conference.
    Fourth Annual Business for Artists Conference Seeks Speakers
    To alleviate parking and make it easier for residents and visitors to explore Santa Clarita’s Premier Arts and Entertainment District in Old Town Newhall, the city has launched the free Summer Shuttle Service Pilot Program.
    Free Old Town Newhall Weekend Shuttle Launched
    The city of Santa Clarita has announced the release of the seventh episode of Santa Clarita Voices, the city’s official podcast, that highlights the stories, experiences and conversations from city leaders and unique members of the Santa Clarita community.
    Santa Clarita Voices Episode Seven Podcast Available Now
    SCVNews.com