Public Health Highlights

San Joaquin County Public Health Services Annual Report - 2019

Public Health Services (PHS) works to protect, promote and improve health and well-being for all who live, work, and play in San Joaquin County. The Annual Report for 2019 provides a snapshot of the work and services provided this past year. It reviews selected data and program information, highlights successes and challenges, and presents the Strategic Plan - Annual Workplan Year 3, July 2019-June 2020, Mid-Year Report - December 2019.


To read the full Annual Report, click here.

For additional data reports, click here.

For PHS programs and services,  click here.

More People are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage with Expanded Medi-Cal

Access to healthcare coverage has changed. Now with Expanded Medi-Cal more people are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage.

  • Income limits have been increased
  • Asset test has been removed
  • Anyone can apply (you don't need to be pregnant, have children, or be disabled to qualify)
Click here for more information in English and Spanish.

Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program

 

The Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) was established to provide a voluntary medical marijuana identification card issuance and registry program for qualified patients and their caregivers.

For more information, click here.

Weekly Update: San Joaquin County Respiratory Illness (Influenza) Report

Below is the latest information available regarding respiratory illnesses reported to San Joaquin County Public Health Services (as of February 22, 2020):

Overview

  •  Flu activity is elevated in San Joaquin County; it is also elevated at the statewide and national levels.
  •  There have been twelve confirmed deaths this flu season compared to eleven deaths last season over the same time period (Table 1).
  •  In week 8, the majority of influenza positive specimens were influenza A/H1N1, followed by influenza B (Figure 2). 

West Nile Virus is Here

West Nile virus (WNV) infection can cause serious disease. WNV is a seasonal health risk in California and San Joaquin County that flares up with the warm weather in late spring or summer and continues into the fall.

Birds are carriers of West Nile virus; a mosquito becomes infected by biting an infected bird. Infected mosquitos can spread the virus to humans, horses, and birds. The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

Additional Resources:

Residents are encouraged to report dead birds by filling out a report online at www.westnile.ca.gov or by calling toll-free 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

Be Aware and Prepare, Valley Fever is Here!

Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis or "cocci" for short) is an infection caused by a fungus somewhat like yeast or mildew that lives in the soil of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. In California, "cocci" predominates in the San Joaquin Valley. Since 2014, San Joaquin County has seen significant increases in reported cases of Valley Fever each year. The highest rates in San Joaquin County are in the Tracy area.

Valley Fever is a respiratory disease that can be devastating. Learning about Valley Fever can help you and your doctor recognize the symptoms early. The disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially if you are unaware of it.The best way to reduce the risk is to avoid breathing in dirt or dust in places where Valley Fever is common.

Keep Your Risk of Infection Low by:

When it is windy and the air is dusty, especially during dust storms:

  • Stay inside and keep windows and doors closed.
  • While driving, keep car windows shut and use “recirculating” air conditioning if available.
  • If you must be outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask or respirator (available at drug and hardware stores).
When working or playing in areas with open dirt:
  • Wet down soil before disturbing it to reduce dust.
  • Consider wearing an N95 mask.

Additional Resources:

Zika Virus


Current CDC Zika Virus Updates

Click on the links below for specific topics regarding the Zika Virus:

Zika Virus

Zika & Travel

Zika Virus Prevention Information

Zika & Pregnant Women

For more information on Zika virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses:

Cannabis – Know the Laws, Facts and Resources

 Along with the California Department of Public Health, San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) is committed to providing you with the facts you need to make safe and informed choices. By sharing science-based information, PHS is working to increase awareness about cannabis and how it affects our bodies, minds and health.

The video below, Let's Talk Cannabis gives you facts and tips about the new adult-use marijuana law in California. Watch this video to learn more.


Click on the links below for specific topics regarding Cannabis:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Marijuana & Public Health (En Español)

San Joaquin County Cannabis Policy Project website

First 5 San Joaquin, Marijuana Use and Pregnancy (En Español)

Weed Free Baby Campaign

Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program

Image of Medical Marijuana ID CardThe Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) was established to provide a voluntary medical marijuana identification card issuance and registry program for qualified patients and their caregivers.

For more information, click here.

San Joaquin County Public Health Services Annual Report - 2018

Public Health Services (PHS) works to protect, promote and improve health and well-being for all who live, work, and play in San Joaquin County. The Annual Report for 2018 provides a snapshot of the work and services provided this past year. It reviews selected data and program information, highlights successes and challenges, and presents a few of the main issues to address during 2019.


To read the full Annual Report, click here.

For additional data reports, click here.

For PHS programs and services, click here.

More People are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage with Expanded Medi-Cal

Access to healthcare coverage has changed. Now with Expanded Medi-Cal more people are eligible for Medi-Cal coverage.

  • Income limits have been increased
  • Asset test has been removed
  • Anyone can apply (you don't need to be pregnant, have children, or be disabled to qualify)
Click here for more information in English and Spanish.