Addressing the Dangers of Increased E-Cigarette Use Among Youth: A Call to Action

In this article, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) and authors from local medical societies ask clinicians to help curb the rising use of electronic cigarette products (e-cigarettes) among youth in LA County. Action steps include: supporting local tobacco control policy adoption and implementation, asking youth during clinical encounters about their use of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, and offering cessation treatment options.  READ MORE

What’s New in HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis? 2-1-1 Dosing and More

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is the use of antiretroviral medication to prevent acquisition of HIV infection. This article summarizes PrEP 2-1-1, a new off-label, on-demand dosing regimen for men who have sex with men (MSM) with infrequent sexual exposures. In addition, there is a brief update on tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (Descovy™), which was recently recommended for FDA approval as PrEP for MSM and transgender women who have sex with men.   READ MORE

Preventing Flea-borne Typhus in LA County

LA County has experienced a record number of cases of flea-borne typhus in recent years. As we are currently in peak typhus season, it is important for clinicians to counsel patients on how to reduce exposure to infected fleas and to promptly diagnose, treat, and report typhus.   READ MORE

Preventing Influenza in LA County: Time to Start Immunizing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released this season's influenza vaccine recommendations and health care providers are asked to begin immunizing now. This brief summarizes key points from the CDC’s recommendations and provides information from DPH, including an update on the recently expanded health officer order for annual influenza vaccination or masking of health care personnel.   READ MORE

Resources for Providers and Patients

View recent releases from DPH: a vaping FAQ for patients, an updated perinatal hepatitis B prevention website for providers and patients, a new website for patients and providers outlining safe practices related to aesthetic treatments, and a flyer to help patients prepare for and cope with emergencies and disasters.  VIEW RESOURCES

• Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Disease: View the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Health Update (8/28/19) for the most recent state guidance plus information on reporting suspect cases in LA County. LAHAN

LA County DPH Guidance

• The LA County Health Officer Order for Annual Immunization Programs for Healthcare Personnel or Masking of Healthcare Personnel during the Influenza Season: The Order has been updated for the 2019-2020 influenza season and future influenza seasons to include emergency medical services (EMS) provider agencies. Health Officer Order
• Updated Syphilis in Women and Congenital Syphilis: This 2-page clinical practice alert has been updated with final LA County 2018 congenital syphilis numbers and includes DPH syphilis screening recommendations for women who can become pregnant as well as other syphilis resources. Clinic Practice Alert

Recently Released Data Briefs and Reports

• Tobacco Use Among High School Students: An infographic and report highlighting recent data regarding tobacco use among high school students in LA County including prevalence of use of various tobacco products such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Infographic  Report
• Annual Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report: Includes LA County syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia case counts and rates for 2017. Report
• Health Equity Implications of Retail Cannabis Regulation in LA County: Describes health equity implications of regulatory decisions regarding cannabis and includes information about cannabis-related emergency department visits, cannabis-impaired driving, youth perceptions of harm, and access to medicinal cannabis. Health Impact Assessment

Trainings and Meetings
Continuing Medical Education Opportunities

• Valley Fever Symposium: September 28, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm in Santa Clarita. Learn from experts about the latest in coccidioidomycosis trends, diagnosis, and treatment, plus sessions on occupational health and coccidioidomycosis in pets. Free CME available. Flyer
• TB Continuing Education Series for Health Professionals: October 4, 9:00 am - 11:30 am in Commerce. The topic is “Viral Hepatitis and TB Coinfection” plus a TB case discussion. Free CME available. Contact Clarissa Torres or call 213-745-1737 for more information.
• Integrating Substance Use, Mental Health, and Primary Care Services Statewide Conference: October 23-24 in Universal City. See conference website to register online and view the full conference agenda which includes several plenary sessions and many diverse thematic tracks. CME available. Conference Website

Trainings

• 2019-2020 Influenza Vaccination Update: Offered on multiple dates between September 24-October 30 as live webinars or in-person trainings in Willowbrook or Downtown LA. Topics addressed in the 90-minute training include changes to ACIP’s flu recommendations, the influenza immunization health officer order, and the standards for adult immunization practices. Free CEs available. Flyer

Coalition Meetings

• Immunization Coalition of Los Angeles County: October 10, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm in Downtown LA, featuring the following presentations: “Overview of Hepatitis A Outbreak Response and Influenza Surveillance in LA County" and “Vaccinating on the Street: Lessons Learned with Short-Dated Pneumococcal Vaccine.” Meeting Information
• Coalition to End TB Meeting: November 14, 9:30 am - 11:00 am in Los Angeles. The meeting will include a discussion of World TB Day and a presentation regarding new approaches to laboratory testing. Contact Clarissa Torres or call 213-745-1737 for more information.

Rx for Prevention, 2019
September;9(3).

Published: September 23, 2019