Alerts and Advisories

Current and historical health alerts & advisories by disease, then date.

2024

HEALTH ADVISORY

2023

HEALTH ADVISORY

HEALTH ADVISORY

2022

HEALTH ADVISORY

HEALTH ADVISORY

HEALTH ADVISORY

2020

HEALTH ADVISORY

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019–nCoV) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in more than a thousand confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more.

While CDC considers this is a very serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk to the general public in the U.S. is considered low at this time.

What You Can Do

  • Anyone who recently traveled to China, who experiences fever, cough, or other acute illness should contact a health care provider as soon as possible and mention your recent travel. Please call ahead and inform the health care provider about your travel history.
  • Review CDC’s Travel Health Notices if you are planning to travel to China.
  • It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. Take steps to avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases by:
    • Covering your cough.
    • Staying home if you are sick.
    • Washing your hands.

What CPH and FCPH are Doing

  • Participating in frequent calls with the Ohio Department of Health and monitoring all information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Sending information to healthcare providers in our area with current recommendations for screening and testing for 2019–nCoV, as well as to EMS providers regarding proper protection procedures.
  • Sharing messaging with partners and the public as it becomes available.

CPH and FCPH are prepared to respond if a case is identified in our areas. At this time, there are no cases in Ohio.

2019

HEALTH ALERT 

Severe Pulmonary Disease Associated with “Vaping”

Summary and Action Items

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several states are investigating the occurrence of severe pulmonary disease among people who report “vaping.”
  • The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has received six reports of patients experiencing serious respiratory symptoms following e-cigarette or vaping product use. Those reports are being investigated.
  • ODH is requesting that this alert be distributed to all health care providers in your jurisdiction.
  • ODH is requesting health care providers who are seeing patients with suspected serious pulmonary illness of unclear etiology and who vape report these suspected cases to complete the below form and fax it to (614) 525-8890 by the close of the next business day following patient presentation.

Background

Multiple states across the country have reported clusters of patients experiencing severe respiratory disease after using e-cigarette or vapor products. As of August 21, 2019, 153 possible cases have been reported across 16 states. CDC’s clinician outreach and communication activity (COCA) document is attached.

Potential Exposures

Patients have reported vaping in the weeks to months prior to illness. Many have acknowledged recent use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products; however, no specific product has been identified by all cases, nor has any product been conclusively linked to this clinical syndrome. An investigation has been initiated with interviews of patients to further study the issue.

Symptoms and Imaging

Patients present with respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Symptoms worsen over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. Other symptoms may include fever, anorexia, pleuritic chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chest radiographs show bilateral opacities, typically in the lower lobes and CT imaging of the chest shows diffuse ground glass opacities, often with subpleural sparing. Evaluation for infectious etiologies were negative in all patients. Some patients had progressive respiratory compromise requiring endotracheal intubation but subsequently improved with systemic steroids.

Management

At this time, it is unknown what is causing or contributing to the symptoms. Infectious etiologies should be ruled out. Aggressive supportive care is warranted, and in severe cases, it is recommended that pulmonary and critical care specialists are consulted. If an e-cigarette or vaping product is suspected as a possible etiology of a patient’s illness, it is important to inquire about the type of product and where the product was obtained and if samples of the product are available for possible analysis.

Prevention

At this time, it is unknown what product(s) or chemicals may be linked to these illnesses.

ODH and LHD Response

LHDs who hear about suspect cases should notify ODH for follow up information. ODH will gather information from LHDs about cases within Ohio to look for common exposures and more information on products and chemicals linked to illnesses.

Contact

Please report all suspected cases by completing the ODH Clinician form. Please report these suspect cases by the close of the next business day following patient presentation.  To locate a local health department, please visit https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/lhdinformationsystem/Directory/GetMyLHD.

For additional information, clinicians can contact their local health department or the Ohio Department of Health, Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program.

Kirtana Ramadugu, MPH
Tobacco Epidemiologist
Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program
Ohio Department of Health
614-644-0743
Kirtana.ramadugu@odh.ohio.gov

Courtney Dewart, PhD, MPH, RN
CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
Bureau of Infectious Diseases
Assigned to Ohio Department of Health
614-644-8784
Courtney.dewart@odh.ohio.gov

CDC Health Advisory – Severe Pulmonary Disease Associated with Using E-Cigarette Products
ODH Director’s Journal Entry
ODH Health Alert – Severe Pulmonary Disease Associated with E-Cigarettes or Vaping
Public Health Alert – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health (October 4, 2019)
ODH Clinician Report Form– Severe Respiratory Disease Associated with Vaping
Public Health Alert – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health (August 23, 2019)
CDC Clinical Outreach and Communication Activity (released 8/16/2019)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 704 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 22 states from January 1 to April 26, 2019. These outbreaks have been linked to travelers who brought measles back from other countries such as Israel, Ukraine, and the Philippines, where large measles outbreaks are occurring. Ohio does not have any cases at this time.

More details in the Health Advisory below.

Adult Measles Vaccination Guidance (May 31, 2019)

Provider Letter (May 31, 2019)

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(May 2, 2019)

Resources
CDC
ODH

2018

With 109 confirmed hepatitis A cases reported in Columbus and Franklin County between January and November 2018, Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health continue investigation of and response to the largest hepatitis A outbreak in our community since 1999. 73 of 109 cases are linked to the Ohio statewide hepatitis A outbreak among people with history of homelessness, incarceration, injection and non-injection drug use, as well as men who have sex with men.

More details in the Health Advisory below.

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(November 29, 2018)

Because you are an important public health partner, we wanted to share an update on Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) and guidance for health care providers.

AFM is a rare but serious condition which affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, with sudden onset of limb weakness, facial droop, dysphagia and dysarthria. Potential etiologies of AFM include viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating with state and local health departments, as well as health care providers, to investigate suspected cases of AFM. During 2018, 62 confirmed cases have been reported in 22 states, including four in Ohio. No cases have been confirmed yet this year in Columbus and Franklin County.

More details in the Health Advisory below.

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(October 22, 2018)

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and affected local health departments are investigating an increased number of hepatitis A cases in Ohio. On June 22, 2018 ODH declared a statewide community outbreak of hepatitis A after observing an increase in cases linked to certain risk factors. Ohio is reporting 119 hepatitis A cases associated with the outbreak so far this year — almost double the number of cases reported during all of last year. Hepatitis A outbreaks are occurring in several states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and West Virginia. To date, there have been no cases linked to the outbreak in Franklin County.

More details in the Health Advisory below. 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(July 16, 2018)

Because you are an important public health partner, we wanted to give you an update on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and share some new guidance for healthcare providers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises health care providers in the U.S. to obtain travel history from all patients seeking care. Providers should promptly isolate patients who have symptoms compatible with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and a recent (within 21 days) history of travel to the affected areas in Equateur Province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), pending diagnostic testing. Providers should also consider other infectious disease risks that are much more common in returning travelers, including malaria.

Healthcare providers who suspect Ebola should isolate the patient and report immediately to the Infectious Disease Reporting System (IDRS) at 614-525-8888.

Between April 4 and May 27, 2018, 54 Ebola cases, including 25 deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the public health risk to be very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the international level. Currently, the outbreak does not meet criteria of an international public health emergency. WHO advises against restriction of travel to DRC based upon currently available information, but continues to closely monitor the situation.

Learn more about Ebola at https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease

Ebola Message 

Because you are an important public health partner, we wanted to bring you up to date on the newly confirmed Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is the 9th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976. The DRC Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is coordinating outbreak response, including isolation of cases, enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and ring vaccination.

Between April 4 and May 13, 2018, 39 Ebola cases, including 19 deaths, have been reported in DRC. WHO considers the public health risk to be high at the national level, moderate at the regional level, and low at the international level. At present, the outbreak does not meet criteria of an international public health emergency. WHO advises against restriction of travel to DRC based upon currently available information, but continues to closely monitor the situation.
Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health have convened a multidisciplinary group to ensure situational awareness and prepare for response to any potential suspected Ebola cases should they occur.

Healthcare providers who suspect Ebola should isolate the patient and report immediately to the Infectious Disease Reporting System (IDRS) at 614-525-8888.

Learn more about Ebola at https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease

Ebola Message 

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is coordinationg with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a multi-state outbreak of vitamin K-dependent antagonist coagulopathy associated with synthetic cannabinoids use. CDC reported that laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of brodifacoum in at least 30 patients and at least 7 synthetic cannabinoid product samples. 

There are currently no known cases in Ohio.

Health Advisory 
Case Questionnaire
Case Definition
Suspected Syntheitic Cannabinoid Coagulopathy Case Form

2017

Ohio Department of Health Laboratory (ODHL) is now able to perform both Zika virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology immunoglobulin M (IgM). Therefore the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Specimen Submission Form no longer needs to be completed. Instead the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Microbiology Specimen Form and Mosquito-Borne Illness Case Investigation Form must be completed. 

Contact the Franklin County & Columbus Infectious Disease Reporting System (IDRS) via phone at 614-525-8888 to report suspected Zika cases and ensure prompt processing of specimens. 

Zika Testing Guidance 
CDC Guidance on Caring for Infants and Children with Possible Zika Virus Infection
CDC Guidance to Prevent Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus
CDC Zika Information for Healthcare Providers
CDC General Zika Information

Early syphilis (primary, secondary, early latent) is rising in Franklin County. Between 2013 and 2016, early syphilis rates increased by ~80%. The rate among men is 59.1/100,000 compared to women at 9.8/100,000.

There have been 2 congenital syphilis cases in 2017.

There is currently a national shortage of Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A®).

More details in the Health Advisory below. 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(May 30, 2017)

A measles outbreak primarily among unvaccinated children in Minnesota is currently under investigation. 58 of 68 cases are among the Somali community in Minnesota. Because of close connections between the Somali communities in Minnesota and Ohio, Columbus Pubic Health and Franklin County Public Health are conducting enhanced outreach to the Somali community to encourage protection with Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

More details in the Health Advisory below.

Public Health Advisory– Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(May 25, 2017)
Collection and Submission of Suspected Measles Specimens

January 28, 2017 is the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is typically associated with increased travel to and from China. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends enhanced surveillance for Influenza A H7N9 in individuals with recent travel to China. Healthcare providers and public health partners should consider influenza A H7N9 virus infection as a possible etiology among travelers returning from China with severe respiratory illness, especially if they have history of exposure to poultry.

More details in the Health Advisory below.

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(January 31, 2017)

Between August and December of 2016, three active cases of Molecular Genotype Cluster OH_0020 TB have been identified in Franklin County. Over the past fourteen years, forty-two Franklin County cases of TB have been linked to this genotype. The majority of cases in this cluster are US-born adults and have a history of homelessness, incarceration, and/or excessive alcohol use.

More details in the Health Advisory below.

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(January 24, 2017)

2016

Ohio Department of Health Laboratory (ODHL) is now able to perform both Zika virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology immunoglobulin M (IgM). Therefore the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Specimen Submission Form no longer needs to be completed. Instead the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Microbiology Specimen Form and Mosquito-Borne Illness Case Investigation Form must be completed. 

Contact the Franklin County & Columbus Infectious Disease Reporting System (IDRS) via phone at 614-525-8888 to report suspected Zika cases and ensure prompt processing of specimens.

More details in the Health Advisories linked below.

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(November 8, 2016)

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(October 24, 2016) 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(August 23, 2016) 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(August 2, 2016)

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(July 18, 2016)

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(June 6, 2016) 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(May 11, 2016) 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(May 3, 2016) 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(April 18, 2016) 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(March 29, 2016)

Public Health Advisory– Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(March 17, 2016)

Public Health Advisory– Columbus Public health and Franklin County Public Health 
(February 26, 2016)

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public health and Franklin County Public Health 
(February 23, 2016)

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public health and Franklin County Public Health 
(February 12, 2016)

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(February 11, 2016) 

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(January 26, 2016)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising hospitals to notify patients who underwent open-heart (open-chest) surgery involving a Stöckert 3T heater-cooler that the device was potentially contaminated, possibly putting patients at risk for a life threatening infection. New information indicates that these devices, manufactured by LivaNova PLC (formerly Sorin Group Deutschland GmbH), were likely contaminated with the rare bacteria Mycobacterium chimaeraduring manufacturing. Hospitals should advise potentially exposed patients to seek medical care if they are experiencing symptoms such as night sweats, muscle aches, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or unexplained fever. In addition, hospitals that use or have used this device are strongly encouraged to make and execute a plan to communicate with potentially exposed patients and to increase awareness among healthcare providers.

More details about this advisory can be found at: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00397.asp

A community outbreak of cryptosporidiosis is currently under investigation by Columbus Public Health (CPH), Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) and Delaware General Health District (DGHD). 107 cases have been reported during 2016, while the average incidence since 2006 at this time of year is 18 cases. Most cases had exposure at multiple water venues, including pools, water parks and splash pads. Cases have also been reported among child care attendees and providers.

More details in the Health Advisory linked below.

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health
(August 11, 2016)

The first outbreak in Ohio of extremely drug resistant (XDR) shigellosis among men who have sex with men (MSM) is currently under investigation by Columbus Public Health (CPH) and Franklin County Public Health (FCPH). 9 MSM have been diagnosed with shigellosis resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. Further susceptibility testing at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that the Shigella sonnei isolates also have decreased susceptibility to azithromycin (DSA). Onset of illness is September 24, 2015 – December 9, 2015.

More details in the Health Advisory linked below.

Public Health Advisory – Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health 
(January 11, 2016)

Dear Central Ohio Area Physicians,

The Ebola response for Columbus and Franklin County is coming to a close. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) declared Guinea free of Ebola virus transmission on December 29, 2015 and no longer recommends screening patients or monitoring travelers. Columbus Public Health (CPH) will complete the 21-day monitoring of our two final travelers on January 15, 2016. Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) has already completed monitoring of its travelers. Since October 2014, 550 travelers have been monitored within Columbus and Franklin County: 476 by CPH and 74 by FCPH.

CPH and FCPH appreciate our partners for their efforts to screen, monitor, transport and provide care as part of our local response. Our healthcare providers and first responders rose to the challenge to protect our residents. The Ebola epidemic in West Africa has been one of the most challenging public health emergencies in recent times. Our collective efforts and lessons learned will benefit us in the future.

More details about the outbreak are available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/

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