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In this issue: |
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Oregon health officials are concerned about a sharp increase in cases of pertussis (whooping cough) and are encouraging vaccination against the disease, especially for pregnant people who should be vaccinated during the third trimester to protect their newborns after birth. Once babies turn 2 months old, they should begin receiving their childhood tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine series, or DTaP.
As of yesterday, May 29, 178 pertussis cases have been reported to OHA in 2024 from nine counties. That’s a 770% increase from the 20 cases reported by that date in 2023. However, the 2024 numbers are roughly in line with those seen during similar time frames in the immediate pre-pandemic years, including 2019, when there were 93 cases, and 2018, which saw 248 cases by this time. Pertussis is cyclical, and cases typically peak every three to five years.
“Our concern is with how quickly we jumped to such a high number of pertussis cases, which tell us that the disease is doing what it does best: spreading fast and taking a greater toll on undervaccinated persons,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., OHA’s medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations.
Young infants, even healthy ones, are particularly vulnerable to serious illness or death from pertussis. Among 16 infants reported to have pertussis in Oregon this year, only one mother had been vaccinated against pertussis during pregnancy.
After age 10, people should receive one dose of Tdap in their lifetime (with the exception of pregnant people, noted above).
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Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) have temporarily banned mussel harvesting along Oregon’s coast between Seal Rock State Park (just south of Newport) and the Washington border after an outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) last weekend.
At least 20 people who consumed recreationally harvested mussels collected last weekend at three coastal locations in Tillamook and Clatsop counties became ill. Some were hospitalized.
“If you have any mussels gathered since Saturday from beaches within the area of coastline that ODFW and ODA have closed to harvesting – that you are preparing for a meal or keeping in the freezer for a later time – throw them out now and do not feed them to pets,” said Emilio DeBess, epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. “And if you have eaten any of these mussels and are feeling ill, see a doctor right away.”
Symptoms of PSP include numbness of the mouth and lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat. PSP is the most common and most severe form of shellfish poisoning. Humans and pets can become ill by eating shellfish contaminated with the naturally occurring biotoxin, including scallops, mussels, clams, oysters and cockles, as well as some fish and crabs.
ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice a month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening the closed stretch of coast requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. Stay informed about Oregon’s recreational shellfish biotoxin closures here, or by calling 800-448-2474.
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If you’re planning to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for next month’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca (June 14-19), make sure you’re vaccinated against meningococcal disease, a rare but potentially fatal disease that spreads through respiratory droplets. KSA requires all visitors have a certificate showing they received the “quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccination” no more than five years before arrival in the Kingdom, and no less than 10 days before arrival.
On May 20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert for travelers to KSA, citing several cases of meningococcal disease among travelers to Mecca earlier this year. The Hajj typically attracts around 2.5 million people from around the globe each year.
In the United States, the CDC routinely recommends a series of meningococcal vaccines for adolescents, with boosters recommended for adults at high risk of meningococcal disease, including travelers to certain countries such as Saudi Arabia.
MenACWY vaccination for travelers to KSA is covered at no cost by most commercial insurance plans at in-network providers. Check with your insurer for coverage details. MenACWY is also covered at no cost by Medicare Part D and Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). It is available at most retail pharmacies, as well as local health departments where it’s free for people under 19 without insurance, or who are American Indian or Alaska Native. Additionally, insured or uninsured adults should be able to receive travel vaccines at a local health department for lower cost than they would at retail or specialty travel clinics.
OHA recommends anyone making the Hajj journey also be up to date on their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. More information about meningococcal disease in Saudi Arabia, including vaccination requirements, can be found here.
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Health notes |
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OHA issued a public health advisory yesterday for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Tolovana State Park in Clatsop County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems should use extra caution, as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria. Visitors should also avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and should stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean.
For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website or call 971-673-0482 or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).
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OHA answers your questions |
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Questions are answered by experts at OHA and other state agencies or community partners.
Q: How do I find out if I am one of the people who was taken off Medicaid, and how do I get back on? – Theresa, Portland
A: If you’re wondering about the status of your Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) coverage, you can check via your online account at ONE.Oregon.Gov or call 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. You can also visit or call your local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office, or visit a community partner for free, in-person help.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency declared by the federal government, everyone with OHP coverage kept that coverage even if they were no longer eligible. Since the public health emergency ended in April 2023, however, Oregon has been reviewing OHP memberships to determine who is still eligible. This process is complete for more than 90% of members. The remaining members will receive renewal notices by September. So far, 82% of OHP members have kept/renewed their coverage—the 3rd highest Medicaid renewal rate in the country.
For the 240,000 people whose OHP ended during the last year, free help is available figuring out other coverage options. Many people will have access to employer coverage or Medicare, and others will qualify for financial help via the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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If you need mental health support for any reason, help is out there.
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