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)
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).
What to Know and Do about Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes
Additional Resources:
- CDPH- Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes Brochure
- CDC – Help Control Mosquitoes that Spread Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika Viruses
- San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District http://sjmosquito.org/ & phone numbers (209) 982-4675 or 1-800-300-4675
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:
- San Joaquin County Public Health Services West Nile virus page
- San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District website
- California West Nile virus Website
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) West Nile virus page
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) West Nile virus page
- CDC West Nile Virus Fact Sheet (downloadable pdf)
- CDPH Vector-Borne Disease Section WNV brochures:
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).
- Wet down soil before disturbing it to reduce dust.
- Consider wearing an N95 mask.
Additional Resources:
- What you need to know about Valley Fever In San Joaquin County and California brochure (En Español)
- Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) Data Sheet for San Joaquin County (pdf)
- Department of Public Health (CDPH)/Coccidioidomycosis website
- CDPH Valley Fever Fact Sheet (En Español)
- CDPH Valley Fever – General Population flyer (En Español)
- CDPH Occupational Health Branch/Preventing Work-Related Valley Fever website
- CDPH Valley Fever - Occupational Health, Work-Related flyer (En Español)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) website
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Coccidioidomycosis website
Zika Virus
Current CDC Zika Virus Updates
Click on the links below for specific topics regarding the Zika Virus:
Zika Virus Prevention Information
For more information on Zika virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses:
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Zika virus information webpage, https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Zika.aspx
- San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District website, http://sjmosquito.org/
- CDPH News Release reminder to guard against mosquito bites
- Public Health Reports First Confirmed Zika Virus Case Acquired Through Sexual Transmission in California
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)
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.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)