CDPH in the News, August 2014

CDPH in the News

California’s Healthcare Associated Infections Map
from govtech.com

The California Department of Public Health’s Healthcare Associated Infections map provides an intuitive and informative online tool to the state’s hospitals, health providers, and residents. The map collects information on common infections and from surgical procedures from each of the Golden State?s over 400 hospitals and overlays the information on a map of the state.

New health regulations put Santa Ynez water in short supply
from the Santa Maria Sun

It turns out more than just three years of drought can significantly affect water supplies in a community. The Santa Ynez Water Conservation District is saying a new California Department of Public Health regulation will severely restrain its ability to provide water to its customers.

Sysco Settles California Investigations, Reiterates Its Commitment to Food Safety
from CNN Money

Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) has agreed to settle with the State of California all claims related to its past use of drop sites in the state. The $19.4 million settlement includes a payment of $15 million in penalties, $3.3 million to fund four California Department of Public Health investigator positions for five years, a $1 million donation to food banks across California, and $127,000 in costs.

California’s pertussis epidemic escalates, health officials report
from the Los Angeles Times

California’s pertussis epidemic has escalated, state health officials said Friday, with 4,558 cases reported this year as of Tuesday – 1,100 of those in the last two weeks. "We are off to a really bad start in 2014," Dr. Gil Chavez, state epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health, said during a phone call with reporters Friday.

Rabid rabid skunk found in Long Beach infected with bat variant
from the Orange County Breeze

The California Department of Public Health confirmed today that the rabid skunk found last week in Long Beach was infected with a rabies virus variant from the Mexican-free-tailed bat. While bats in the area have tested positive for rabies in past years, this was the first confirmed case of rabies in a skunk in Los Angeles County since 1979. Mexican-free-tailed bats are very common in Southern California, and are the species of bats that most commonly carry rabies in the state.

California Diabetes Program Audit Approved
from Rocklin and Roseville Today

Assemblywoman Beth Gaines (R-Roseville) received approval yesterday for an audit of the California Department of Public Health’s implementation of the California Diabetes Program (CDP). The request received unanimous support from the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC). The request comes at a time when CDP funds, initially appropriated to directly address diabetes, have been used to fund one of many existing smoking cessation programs, also known as Medi-Cal Incentives to Quit Smoking (MIQS). These programs provide free nicotine patches and 20 dollar gift cards to various convenience stores, simply by calling a toll-free number and giving a Medi-Cal number.