San Luis Obispo County has seen an increase in tuberculosis cases, with 10 reported in 2023 and many carrying over into 2024. Health officials are particularly concerned about latent tuberculosis, which can stay dormant in individuals for years or decades before showing symptoms. The majority of cases are in northern San Luis Obispo County, and officials advise testing for those who may have been exposed, especially if they have been out of the country. Symptoms of active tuberculosis include severe coughing, night sweats, fever, and weight loss.
The National Weather Service confirmed that two tornadoes, both registering as EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, touched down in San Luis Obispo County, the first in nearly 20 years. The first tornado hit near Los Osos, causing intermittent damage along its path, while the second touched down in Grover Beach, toppling trees and causing damage to businesses. These are the first confirmed tornadoes in the county since 2004 and are believed to be the most powerful to touch down since at least 1950.
The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in Grover Beach, uprooting trees and causing damage. This marks the first tornado in San Luis Obispo County since 2004.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties, warning of minor roadway flooding, shallow rockslides, and mudslides until 5:00 p.m. Residents are urged to stay away from flood-prone areas, and can find updates on the Your News Channel Weather App.
Strong winds in San Luis Obispo County have caused power outages affecting over 5,000 PG&E customers, with more outages likely as the winds continue. Emergency officials have ordered a Shelter-in-Place due to energized downed powerlines in certain areas, and residents are advised to stay indoors until an all-clear is given.
Heavy rain in the Central Coast led to multiple reports of downed trees and power lines, with incidents in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The California Highway Patrol and Caltrans responded to a downed utility pole on Highway 166, while the Santa Barbara County Fire Department assisted with a fallen tree at a condo complex. San Luis Obispo County activated its Emergency Operations Center, and Pacific Gas and Electric reported power outages for over 27,800 customers. Residents are urged to call PG&E directly for assistance.
Significant power outages are affecting areas in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, with over 6,000 PG&E customers without power in Nipomo and more than 1,400 customers affected east of Los Olivos. The outages are being attributed to the weather, and PG&E crews are working to assess and address the situation during the storm.
Two cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in San Luis Obispo County, with one case being acquired locally, marking the first time. Health officials state that the risk to the public remains low, but urge residents to take precautions such as using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to prevent further spread. West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and while most people do not experience symptoms, those over 50 or with certain medical conditions are at higher risk.
Cases of syphilis are increasing in San Luis Obispo County, with 99 cases diagnosed in 2022 compared to 65 cases in 2021. The rise in cases coincides with a nationwide shortage of Bicillin L-A, the recommended treatment for syphilis in pregnant individuals and infants. Health officials are uncertain about the cause of the increase in cases. Syphilis can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including complications for unborn babies. The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is urging prevention, testing, and providing low-cost options for treatment and education.
A suspected norovirus outbreak has sickened about 80 customers at a restaurant in northern San Luis Obispo County, with public health officials monitoring the situation. Norovirus symptoms are similar to the stomach flu, but you recover much faster. Most people who are infected can recover at home, but there are warning signs to look out for, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Norovirus can stay on objects and surfaces and still infect people for days, even weeks.
Public health officials are investigating a suspected norovirus outbreak in northern San Luis Obispo County, which appears to be linked to a restaurant. The health department is waiting for test results to confirm the cause of the outbreak. Norovirus has been circulating at higher levels this year and is a common but contagious disease that can spread quickly. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.
San Luis Obispo County residents aged 65 and above and those with certain immune compromising conditions can now receive a second bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, which protects against current variants of COVID-19. The updated vaccine has replaced the original monovalent formula and is available as a single dose for those who have not yet been vaccinated. The CDC recommends those who have not received a bivalent booster to do so now. The updated vaccine is available from pharmacies, pediatricians, and other doctor's offices and Public Health clinics.
Lopez Lake in San Luis Obispo County, California, has spilled over for the first time in 25 years due to heavy rains this year, reaching 100% capacity and causing an evacuation warning for parts of Oceano near the Arroyo Grande Creek. The excess water travels down the spillway to the creek, which provides drinking water to some local communities.
