Tag

Oregon Health Authority

All articles tagged with #oregon health authority

health1 year ago

Oregon's First Human Avian Flu Case Sparks Thanksgiving Concerns

Oregon has reported its first human case of avian flu in Clackamas County, with health officials confirming the risk to the public is low and no evidence of person-to-person transmission. The infected individual, who worked on a poultry farm, experienced mild symptoms and recovered after treatment with oseltamivir. The outbreak has affected 150,000 birds on the farm, impacting the poultry industry and egg prices. Health authorities are monitoring the situation and advising precautions to prevent further spread.

health1 year ago

"Challenges in Tracking Methamphetamine Overdoses Amid Fentanyl Focus"

The Oregon Health Authority reports a significant increase in unintentional methamphetamine overdose deaths, with more than half involving other substances, including fentanyl. While Deschutes County has lower overdose numbers compared to the rest of the state, officials emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant. Tracking meth overdoses proves challenging due to the drug's frequent mixture with other substances and its delayed effects. Unlike opioids, meth overdoses cannot be reversed with Narcan. Long-term methamphetamine use can lead to severe health issues, and using it with other drugs can result in unpredictable effects. Deschutes County Health advises using Narcan in case of a stimulant overdose, as it may help if other substances are involved.

health2 years ago

"Rising Respiratory Illnesses Pose Triple Threat During Holiday Season"

Oregon health experts are warning of a "triple threat" of viruses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV, ahead of the holiday season. They recommend basic preventive measures such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching the face. Wearing masks in large gatherings and ensuring good air circulation can also help prevent the spread of viruses. The Oregon Health Authority has urged parents to take precautions due to a shortage of RSV vaccines for infants. It is advised to get tested for COVID-19, especially if spending the holidays with vulnerable individuals.

health2 years ago

"Oregon Health Authority Urges Immediate MPOX Vaccinations as Cases Surge"

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging people to protect themselves against mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, as the state has seen an increase in cases over the past three months. Seventeen cases were reported between July and October, prompting OHA to distribute a statewide advisory to healthcare providers recommending they consider mpox when evaluating patients with symptoms. OHA emphasizes the availability of a safe and effective vaccine against mpox and encourages vaccination. The virus primarily spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact, and symptoms can include flu-like symptoms, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. OHA provides resources for more information and vaccination clinic locations.

health2 years ago

Experts advise on ending Covid isolation.

Health officials in Oregon have relaxed their isolation guidance for Covid-19 patients, suggesting that people stay home only until they've gone without spiking a fever for 24 hours and are generally feeling better. This is a break from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that people stay home for a five-day period and stay away from household members. Covid-related hospitalizations are down in Oregon, and wastewater surveillance indicates spread is either holding steady or decreasing. The current recommendation to isolate for five days is a "hangover" from when the CDC moved from a 10-day isolation recommendation to five days in late 2022.

health2 years ago

The Spread of Candida Auris in US Healthcare Systems.

The fungal pathogen Candida auris, which is often multidrug-resistant, has been reported in more than half of the states in the US, with cases rising from 53 in 2016 to 1,471 in 2021. However, the Oregon Health Authority has reported only a few cases, thanks to early detection and reporting to local health authorities. Candida auris is a form of yeast that can be deadly to hospital and nursing home patients, and some strains are resistant to all three classes of antibiotic drugs used to treat fungal infections.

healthcare2 years ago

State warnings ignored as Legacy closes Mount Hood birth center.

Legacy Health will close the maternity department at Mount Hood Medical Center despite warnings from state regulators that the closure would violate the terms of the Gresham hospital’s operating license. The hospital chain says it doesn’t have the staff to keep the Mount Hood birth center open and would divert patients in labor to its Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland or other hospitals in the region. The plan to close the birth center has drawn fierce criticism from elected officials, including the Multnomah County commissioners and Oregon lawmakers representing districts in the eastern part of the county served by the hospital.