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Santa Clara County

All articles tagged with #santa clara county

weather19 days ago

Lick Observatory Closes After 114 mph Winds Cause Major Damage

Severe winds reaching 114 mph caused significant damage to Lick Observatory near San Jose, including the collapse of a shutter section and structural beams, leading to a temporary closure for repairs. The historic telescope remains undamaged, but its lenses and electrical systems are vulnerable to rain. The university is assessing the damage and planning restoration efforts, marking the most serious wind-related damage in the observatory's 137-year history.

health1 year ago

Invasive Mosquitoes Detected Across Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County officials have identified the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito in six locations, including four in San Jose. Known for aggressive daytime biting, this mosquito can transmit diseases like dengue and Zika. The county urges residents to eliminate standing water and cooperate with inspections to prevent the mosquito from establishing a permanent presence. Efforts include larvicide spraying and public education on protective measures. The mosquito's spread is linked to climate change, and its presence is noted in 19 California counties.

public-health1 year ago

Santa Clara County Intensifies Efforts to Eradicate Dangerous Mosquitoes

Santa Clara County officials will spray an East San Jose neighborhood with a bacterial pesticide next week to eradicate invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like Zika and dengue. The treatment targets mosquito larvae and is safe for humans and wildlife. The county plans multiple sprayings over the next few months to control the mosquito population, which poses a low but significant health risk. Residents are advised to eliminate standing water and use insect repellents to protect against bites.

health1 year ago

Invasive Disease-Spreading Mosquitoes Detected in Santa Clara County

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, known for transmitting deadly viruses, have been found in Santa Clara County, prompting vector control measures. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water on their properties to prevent mosquito breeding. The mosquitoes, which prefer humans and are aggressive day-biters, can spread diseases like Zika and dengue. The county is implementing eradication plans and specialized traps in the affected area, while urging residents to report sightings and take preventive measures.

labor-relations1 year ago

"Santa Clara County Nurses Stage Massive 3-Day Strike"

Thousands of nurses from Santa Clara County's public hospitals, including Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, O'Connor, and St. Louise, are on a three-day strike over wage increases and concerns about relocating nurses for temporary assignments. The union and county have reached a tentative agreement on workplace safety but remain at an impasse over pay raises and the "floating" policy. The county has brought in about 1,000 travel nurses to cover for the striking nurses, costing over $20 million, while facing a $250 million shortfall going into the next fiscal year.

healthcare1 year ago

"Potential Impact of East San Jose Trauma Center Closure on County Hospital System"

The closure of the trauma center at Regional Medical Center in East San Jose, owned by HCA Healthcare, has raised concerns about the strain it will place on the Santa Clara County public hospital system, particularly impacting vulnerable residents. County doctors fear a surge in trauma patients being admitted to the ill-equipped Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, potentially breaking the county medical system. Residents are mobilizing to address the lack of communication and potential impact on East San Jose residents, while HCA Healthcare cites financial strain and regulatory requirements as reasons for the closures.

health1 year ago

"Tuberculosis Cases Surge in Santa Clara County"

Santa Clara County Public Health Department reported a 19% increase in new tuberculosis diagnoses in 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating a widely dispersed and increasing community health risk for the contagious illness. Officials suspect that delayed access to healthcare during the pandemic may have contributed to the spike, and are urging at-risk residents to seek TB testing and treatment.

health2 years ago

"Free Narcan by Mail: Santa Clara County's Lifesaving Initiative"

Santa Clara County is providing free Narcan, the opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray, by mail to residents in an effort to combat the opioid crisis. The county has fulfilled nearly 60 requests for Narcan since December and is also offering in-person trainings at several county clinics. The mail-order program aims to make the medication and training more accessible to residents, addressing concerns about stigma and providing a convenient alternative to obtaining Narcan.

health2 years ago

Surge in Respiratory Illnesses Hits Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County in California is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including RSV, influenza, and COVID-19. Wastewater readings have shown a significant increase in RSV concentration, prompting health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated. Hospitalizations for RSV have tripled in the past two weeks compared to mid-October. The county is encouraging vaccinations against COVID-19, flu, and RSV, especially for vulnerable populations such as young babies and older adults. The high levels of respiratory illnesses are concerning, particularly during the holiday season, and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing masks indoors and in crowded places.

agriculture2 years ago

Oriental Fruit Flies Prompt Quarantine in Santa Clara County

Portions of Santa Clara County, including Santa Clara, Cupertino, Milpitas, San Jose, and Sunnyvale, are under quarantine due to the discovery of eight oriental fruit flies. The quarantine is expected to last until June of next year, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture will treat the area with bait to control the flies. Residents are advised not to move homegrown fruits or vegetables outside the quarantine area and can dispose of them in regular trash bins. The oriental fruit fly is an invasive pest that poses a threat to California's agricultural industry, with crops valued at $19.3 billion in 2020.

agriculture2 years ago

Invasive Oriental Fruit Fly Detected in Santa Clara County

Agriculture officials in California are working to eradicate the oriental fruit fly, a non-native bug that poses a threat to the state's crops. The fly, which is native to Asia, has been found in Santa Clara County and has the potential to cause billions of dollars in damage to fruits and vegetables. Officials are treating the affected areas with bait and pesticide, and are urging people not to move infested fruit to prevent the spread of the fly. Bringing fruit from outside the state into California is strongly discouraged to prevent further infestations.

health2 years ago

Surge in COVID-19 cases hits San Mateo and Santa Clara counties

Wastewater testing in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties indicates a rise in COVID-19 cases along the Peninsula. The data shows an increase in virus concentrations, particularly the XBB strains, which are descendants of the highly transmissible omicron variant. While hospitalizations have slightly increased, they are nowhere near the levels seen last year. The public is urged to stay updated on vaccinations, get the new COVID vaccine formulation when available, and continue indoor masking, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.

health2 years ago

Surge in COVID-19 cases hits San Mateo and Santa Clara counties

Wastewater testing in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties indicates a rise in COVID-19 cases along the Peninsula. The data shows an increase in virus concentrations, particularly the XBB strains, which are descendants of the highly transmissible omicron variant. While hospitalizations have slightly increased, they are nowhere near the levels seen last year. The public is urged to stay updated on vaccinations, get the new COVID vaccine formulation when available, and continue indoor masking, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.