As local RSV hospitalizations increase use precautions

San Luis Obispo County is experiencing an increase in pediatric illnesses and hospitalizations due to respiratory viruses, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

Health officials urge community members, particularly older adults and parents of young children, to take precautions as RSV and other respiratory viruses begin to circulate at higher levels locally.

“While RSV circulates every year, we are seeing an impact that is earlier and more severe than usual and our hospitals are beginning to feel the strain,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “Older adults and people who spend time with young children should take precautions: wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and consider masking in crowded places. No matter your age, stay home if you’re sick, even if you test negative for COVID-19. And please, take advantage of the vaccines we have to protect against flu and COVID-19: this reduces your own risk and also helps lift some weight from our local nurses, doctors, and EMS teams as they care for an influx of patients.”

Shellfish toxins detected in San Luis Obispo County mussels

Dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins have been detected in mussels from Humboldt and San Luis Obispo counties. The naturally occurring PSP toxins can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, or scallops from Humboldt and San Luis Obispo counties.

This shellfish safety notification is in addition to the annual mussel quarantine. The annual quarantine applies to all species of mussels harvested for human consumption along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31.

Public Health Department offers sack-to-school COVID-19 safety tips

With students, teachers, and staff fast returning to school this month, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is offering back-to-school tips on how to stay as safe as possible from COVID-19 during the school year.

“The most important thing every student and teacher can do to keep our school environments healthy is to stay home if you are sick,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “Taking that step, along with other simple precautions, can help support a safe, healthy environment for in-person learning and social connection. It also helps ensure that schools do not fuel a surge in COVID-19 across the community.”

SLO County Covid deaths surpass 500

COVID-19 is blamed for the death of more than 500 people in San Luis Obispo County, and the number of cases keeps going up slowly. The virus is said to be responsible for the death of four more people in SLO County, ranging in age from their 70s to their 90s. 

This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in SLO County to 501. This milestone comes at a time when the California Department of Public Health says that COVID-19 has killed more than 90,000 people in California and more than 1 million people in the US.

“My heart goes out to all of those who are grieving the loss of a loved one as our world continues to grapple with this pandemic,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “I urge all of us in SLO County to honor these lives by protecting yourself, your family, and our community from more pain caused by this disease.”

Vaccines, including boosters, are available at no charge for everyone age five and older at pharmacies, some doctors’ offices, and Public Health clinics. COVID-19 Test to Treat sites—which offer testing, on-the-spot medical consultation and treatment—have expanded to 12 locations countywide. Treatment is also available by prescription at pharmacies across SLO County.  

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit slopublichealth.org/COVID19 or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. Phone assistance is available at (805) 781-5500 Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The bright spot today is that vaccines and treatment are more easily available than ever before,” said Dr. Borenstein. “Now is the time to protect yourself with the vaccine and a booster, if you haven’t already. If you start to experience any symptoms, test without delay—effective treatment is available for people at high risk but it needs to be started within five days of the first symptoms.”