Public
Health
Warning

Previous Food/Product Recalls

• Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts - A comprehensive, up-to-date list of all food and product recalls from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

• Posted 8/10/10: Recall of Ground Beef Products from Valley Meat Company 

• Posted 2/1/09: Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter: Salmonella Typhimurium

• Posted 8/13/08: Salmonellosis Outbreak: jalapeño and serrano peppers

• List of Lead Product Recalls and Lead Related News

• Posted 6/25/08: Recall of Imported Chinese Candy

• Posted 6/10/08: Salmonellosis Outbreak: Tomatoes

• Posted 4/18/08: Recall of Chacatrozo Mexican Candy

• Posted 4/16/08: Recall of Malt-o-Meal Cereals

• Posted 3/28/08: Recall of Dulces Yosi MEGAPACK Chewing Gum

• Posted 3/20/08: Recall of Kowalke Alfalfa Sprouts

• Posted 3/3/08:   Recall of Cosmos Alfalfa Sprouts

• Posted 2/8/08:   Expanded Recall of Canned Beans, Vegetables (Institutional Size)

• Posted 2/7/08:   Recall of Bibi Rainbow, Tamanzela and Tarritos Mexican Candy

• Posted 2/1/08:   Recall of Olivier Dip at Williams-Sonoma Stores

• Posted 1/25/08: Recall of Canned Beans (Institutional Size Cans)

• Posted 1/19/08: Recall of INDY Mini Dedos Spicy and Sour Candy

• Posted 11/02/07: Recall of Metromint Bottled Flavored Water

• Posted 11/02/07: Recall of Jeno's and Totino's Frozen Meat Pizzas

• Posted 10/17/07: Recall of Frozen Ground Beef from J&B Meats

• Posted 10/11/07: Recall of Certain Brands of Pot Pies

• Posted 10/11/07: Recall of American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties

• Posted 10/5/07:   Expanded Recall of Soy Deli Brand Tofu Products

• Posted 9/27/07:   Recall of Frozen Ground Beef from Topps Meat Company

• Posted 9/26/07:   Recall of Organic Pastures Grade A Raw Cream

• Posted 9/26/07:   Recall of Soy Deli Brand Tofu Products

• Posted 8/31/07:   Recall of INDY Dedos Spicy and Sour Candies

• Posted 8/30/07:   Recall of Bagged Fresh Spinach

• Posted 8/24/07:   Recall of Mexican Candies

• Posted 8/23/07:   Recall of Bagged Baby Carrots

• Posted 7/30/07:   Recall of Fresh Ginger from China

• Posted 7/24/07:   Recall of Hot Dog Chili Sauce, Corned Beef Hash, Chili Beans

• Posted 7/21/07:   Recall of Trader Joe's Brand Diced Yellow Onions

• Posted 5/25/07:   Voluntary Recall of Complete® Moistureplus™ Multipurpose Solution

• Posted 5/25/07:   Recall of "Salad Cosmo" Brand Alfalfa Sprouts

• Posted 5/25/07:   Recall of Monkfish

• Posted 5/26/07:   Recall of “MARANATHA SESAME TAHINI” and “365 ORGANIC      EVERYDAY VALUE SESAME TAHINI”

List of Lead Product Recalls and Lead Related News

Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4 infections in Germany

View Public Health Advisory

Update on Annual Local Influenza Activity

Since January 18, 2011, four cases of lab-confirmed influenza have been identified in Santa Cruz County. The first case, typed as 2009 seasonal H1N1 influenza, was found in a hospitalized patient who subsequently expired. Two cases, typed as H3 (strain type pending), are part of a large respiratory outbreak in a local congregate living facility. The fourth case, which is rapid screen positive and PCR pending, is also a part of the outbreak.

Public Health Advisory: Update on Annual Local Influenza Activity

Kawasaki Syndrome

The CDPH Division of Communicable Disease Control (DCDC) was recently notified by a local health department that a pediatric cardiology group had recently consulted on seven children with Kawasaki Syndrome (AKA Kawasaki Disease) in the San Francisco Bay Area. DCDC is working with several Bay Area counties to determine whether there are increases in KS cases in these counties. The County of Santa Cruz public health department would like you to be aware that cases of Kawasaki Syndrome have been noted in the Bay Area. Cases may also be occurring in surrounding communities.

Posted 1/4/11: Kawasaki Syndrome Health Advisory

Information Regarding Radioactivity from Japanese Nuclear Reactors

Posted 3/17/11: In a statement released this morning, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) stated that there is no risk expected to California or its residents as a result of the situation in Japan. Both agencies will continue to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to actively monitor the situation. 

It is not recommended that residents take potassium iodide tablets as a precautionary measure. The tablets can be a danger to people with allergies to iodine, shellfish or who have thyroid problems. Taken inappropriately, the tablets can have serious side effects including abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding. 

• Residents may call the California Department of Public Health hotline with specific questions concerning this incident. The number is 916-341-3947.
• Information on radiation is also available at http://www.cdc.gov/
• For updated information on monitoring, response and relief efforts in California and Japan, please visit the CalEMA website at http://www.calema.ca.gov/

View Public Health Update: English - Spanish

Radiation Information:

• US EPA Air Monitoring
• US Food and Drug Administration
• Bay Area Air Quality Management  District
• California Department of Public Health

Press Release

Santa Cruz/Lockheed Fire UPDATE

Public
Health
Advisory

Posted 10/21/08:  Davenport Cr6 Updates

Public
Health
Advisory

Posted 9/18/08 (For Health Care Providers): Rabies Vaccine Shortage and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Algorithm

Public
Health
Advisory

Posted 8/26/08 (For Health Care Providers): Local Increase in Salmonella Infections

Public
Health
Advisory

West Nile Virus

• Posted 8/6/08: West Nile Virus Detected in Scotts Valley Bird
• Posted 9/24/07: Application of Mosquito control granules in Watsonville on 
  8/23/07 and 9/26/07
• Posted 7/18/07: West Nile Virus Detected in Santa Cruz Bird
• Posted 7/18/07: Application of Mosquito Control Granules in Watsonville

Click here for more information about West Nile Virus

Public
Health
Advisory

Foodborne Illness Outbreak

• Posted 11/17/07 (Press Release): Foodborne Illness Outbreak
• Posted 11/16/07 (Advisory): Information on Large Foodborne Illness Outbreak

Public
Health
Advisory

Light Brown Apple Moth Spraying

• Posted 1/23/08: John Laird Statement on 2008 LBAM Plans
• Posted 11/9/07 (For Medical Providers): Confidential Report of Known or Suspected Pesticide-Related Illness Form (including CDFA Claim Form)
• Posted 11/2/07: Light Brown Apple Moth Spraying Update

Public
Health
Advisory

Posted 6/21/08: Trabing Fire Public Health Advisory

Public
Health
Advisory

The Summit Fire has deposited large amounts of ash and burned residential structures in and outside of the areas of the wildfires.  The residual ash condition will continue for several weeks, even after the wildfires are extinguished.  To better inform County residents of possible dangers from contact with the ash, County Public Health is providing this advisory for the safe handling and disposal procedures for ash involved debris.

Click here to view or print Advice on Safe Ash Cleanup

Summit Fire Information

Public
Health
Advisory

To prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures are extremely high, the Public Health Department has compiled these recommendations. These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.

Posted 5/13/08: Prevention of Heat Related Illness

CDC Information about Extreme Heat

Public
Health
Alert

Heat Advisory Information

• Heat Preparedness Information
• Preventing Summer Heat Injuries

Public
Health
Warning

Mussel Quarantine in Effect

Baby Food Warning

Local Public Health Officials Warn Against Consumption of Certain Brands of Baby Foods

Peanut Butter Warning

Local Public Health Officials Warn Against Consumption of Certain Brands of Peanut Butter

Wild Mushroom Warning

Local Public Health Officials Warn Against Consumption of Wild Mushrooms

Public
Health
Alert

Raw Milk E.coli Alert

• Sept. 29, 2006 Public Health Alert: 
  Raw milk, raw cream, and raw colostrum produced by Organic Pastures of Fresno County were recalled Friday, September 22

Sept. 14, 2006

Public
Health
Alert

Spinach E. coli Health Alert

• Oct. 30, 2006 Public Health Advisory: 
  E. coli outbreak associated with tainted spinach appears to be over
• Sept. 18, 2006 Public Health Advisory: 
  New Information on E. coli Outbreak Associated with Spinach
• Sept. 16, 2006 Public Health Advisory:
  Local Public Health Response to E. coli Outbreak Associated with Fresh, Bagged Spinach
• Sept. 15, 2006 Public Health Advisory: 
  The State Health Department advises consumers not to eat fresh, bagged spinach because it may be a possible cause of a multistate E. coli outbreak.
• Sept. 14, 2006 Dept. of Health Advisory: California Dept. of Health Warning

Public
Health
Alert

West Nile Virus Update

• August 30, 2006 Public Health Alert: 
  West Nile Virus (WNV) detected in birds from Santa Cruz County

Click here for more information about West Nile Virus

Avian Influenza Updates

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY for all Santa Cruz County Physicians: 
Enhanced Surveillance for Seasonal and Avian Influenza (H5N1)

Click here for more information about Avian/Bird Influenza

Prop 63 (Mental Health Services Act) Planning Process

• Community Supports and Services Plan Adopted

• Enhanced Surveillance for Seasonal and Avian Influenza (H5N1)
• Infection Control recommendations for avian influenza (H5N1) suspect cases
• Algorithm for submittal of specimens for suspect avian influenza cases
• Screening Form for suspect avian (H5N1) influenza

Change to Reportable Disease List
Change to Reportable Disease List - for Labs