Hepatitis A outbreak declared in LA County
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
The Brief
The outbreak is due to increased cases and elevated virus levels in wastewater.
In 2024, 165 cases were reported, tripling the 2023 figures.
Despite higher risks among unhoused individuals, recent cases in 2025 mostly involve people without travel or housing risk factors.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has declared a community-wide outbreak of hepatitis A due to a significant increase in cases and elevated virus levels in local wastewater.
What we know
In 2024, LA County reported 165 hepatitis A cases, three times the number from 2023.
In 2025, 29 cases have been confirmed, mostly among individuals without travel or housing risk factors.
SUGGESTED: Michael Bolton details brain cancer battle in new interview
The increase in cases correlates with higher hepatitis A concentrations in wastewater.
What they're saying
Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, stated, "The ongoing increase in hepatitis A cases signals that quick action is needed to protect public health. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe, effective, and offers long-term protection."
Residents are urged to get vaccinated and practice regular handwashing, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
What's next
Public Health is actively monitoring and investigating suspect cases, collaborating with healthcare providers and organizations serving the homeless to promote vaccination and awareness.
Free hepatitis A vaccines are offered through mobile units to those experiencing homelessness.
SUGGESTED: Dog detects woman's breast cancer before doctors: 'He knew all along'
Residents are encouraged to check their vaccination status and seek vaccination if unvaccinated or at high risk.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
It spreads through ingestion of contaminated objects, food, or drinks.
SUGGESTED: New blood test unveiled to enhance detection of common cancers
Vaccination is the best preventive measure, and immune globulin may be recommended for certain individuals after exposure.
For more information, residents can contact the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473.
The Source
Information for this story is from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Does the 4-2-1 Method Actually Deliver? Here's How You Can Structure Your Workouts for Real Results.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." TIKTOK MIGHT BE entertaining—more than two billion global users can't be all wrong—but it's also one of the greatest compendia of misguided and dangerous fitness advice ever created. After all, it's the birthplace of dry scooping, the land of wildly impractical fitness gear, and the home of workout plans so extreme that they can harm your physical and mental health (we're looking at you, 75 Hard Challenge). But every once in a while, the algorithm surfaces a real, solid fitness trend—a nugget of exercise wisdom so effective that it deserves to go viral. Most recently, that jewel is the 4-2-1 Method. What Is the 4-2-1 Method? The 4-2-1 Method is actually very simple. The trend describes a system for structuring your weekly workouts (i.e., a training split) that is as simple as it is effective. Each week consists of four days of strength training, two days of cardio, and one day of mobility. The program's goal is to maximize muscle building while dialing up fat burning to help you sculpt a fitter, more defined physique as quickly as possible. As much as fitness influencers like to believe they're finding new ways to work out, this type of training split is not new. Trainers and coaches have been using it for decades to maximize gains and performance in their clients and athletes. What makes it fresh and exciting today is its explosion on TikTok, which has presented this structure to the masses with some novel twists to keep things interesting. For a social media platform that typically deals in absurd and harmful fitness trends, the 4-2-1 Method is a pleasant surprise. If you do the math, you'll note that the 4-2-1 Method has you doing something every day of the week, with only a single day designated for recovery/mobility. That means it's tough, and better suited to veterans than newbies—but that shouldn't worry you. If you follow the programming advice in the next section, the 4-2-1 Method can give you consistent gains with enough recovery time to minimize your risk of overtraining. How to Crush the 4-2-1 Method Before we get into the four days of strength training, let's first discuss the two days of cardio. These workouts should skew towards 30 to 40 minutes of low-intensity steady-state (LISS) training (e.g., distance running, rowing, swimming, cycling). Your goal should be to maintain a pace that's challenging, but still conversational for the whole workout (if you can only gasp out a few words at a time, you're going too fast and need to dial it back). If your fitness level is high, you can make one of those cardio sessions HIIT—but start with LISS. This approach will allow you to crank up your calorie furnace and improve your cardiovascular fitness while still allowing you to recover sufficiently between strength workouts to attack them with intensity. That last part is key—your cardio sessions need to break up your strength training. Trying to plow through four straight days of strength workouts followed by two days of cardio will short-shrift your muscular gains. In practice, that means your workout week might look something like this: Monday: Strength Tuesday: Strength Wednesday: Cardio Thursday: Strength Friday: Strength Saturday: Cardio Sunday: Mobility What should you do on your strength days? That's where the fun comes in, because your choices abound. One of our favorite options is a push/pull/legs/total body split, in which you devote one day to pushing exercises, one day to pulling exercises, one day to leg exercises, and a final day to a total body workout. Another strong choice is to alternate between upper body and lower body days. Check out How to Build a Comprehensive Workout Plan for more training split ideas. That brings us to the final element of the 4-2-1 Method: mobility day. This final 'workout' of your week is a workout in name only. You should feel challenged as you run through a series of exercises that push your range of motion and boost your suppleness, but you should not feel like you're 'working out.' In other words, this session should leave you relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for another week of 4-2-1. These mobility exercises are a great place to start. So is yoga. How to Find the Right Balance for You If a seven-day-a-week fitness plan sounds a bit too intense (because you're bouncing back from an injury or just beginning your fitness journey, for example)—extend it out to eight, nine, or 10 days by weaving in one or two or three days of rest. Indeed, inject as many as you need to feel like you're able to perform at your peak and push your limits during each 4-2-1 cycle. That said, it's also important to push yourself out of your comfort zone. As you become stronger, reach for heavier weights, perform more advanced exercise variations, and generally tweak your routine to constantly challenge yourself. That strategy (known as progressive overload) is the key to consistent gains, fewer plateaus, and your strongest, leanest, fittest body ever. You Might Also Like The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Experts Reveal 22 Weird Symptoms Women Over 40 Experience—and What They Mean
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." As you get older, your body changes. And you might start to experience unexpected symptoms. Sure, thinning hair and hot flashes are par for the course during your menopause years. But what if you suddenly have trouble sleeping or start feeling cold all the time? How do you know if what you're experiencing is no big deal—or worth mentioning to your doctor, stat? Sometimes, these symptoms are just signs of getting older. Aging offers all kinds of upsides, but it sneaks in some pesky surprises as well. Other times, they may signal a more serious health condition and warrant additional testing to understand what's going on. Here, experts share 22 weird health symptoms women over 40 often experience. They also decode exactly what those symptoms mean, so you know what next steps to take if you relate to anything on the Gain After 40, your metabolism tends to slow down about 5% every decade. This makes it harder to lose weight and easier to gain weight—meaning you have to be more intentional about diet and exercise. 'As your metabolism changes, your portion size and activity level play a much more significant factor in weight maintenance and weight loss,' explains Jessica Shepherd, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN. 'The decrease in estrogen during menopause causes changes in metabolism, hormone maintenance, and heart health.'Exhaustion Feeling tired is nothing new. But as you age, you may get worn out faster. This is often due to hormonal changes from menopause, but since it's associated with a range of other health conditions, it's worth mentioning to your doctor. In the meantime, do what you can to get enough sleep. Taz Bhatia, M.D., a board-certified integrative medicine physician and women's health expert, recommends 7 hours a night at least 5 nights a week. 'Consistent sleep is a key factor in rejuvenating and replenishing the body,' she Pain Aches and pains happen, especially as you age. But if you experience pain in your chest, neck, jaw, upper stomach, or back—especially with fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath—talk to your doctor. These could be signs of cardiovascular disease. 'This is the most common cause of death in American women,' says Kecia Gaither, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN and women's health expert. She recommends getting routine cardiovascular exams to catch the condition Sex Drive Many women in their 40s experience a low sex drive. And everything from hormonal changes to vaginal dryness could be the cause. Often, the solution is as simple as using an estrogen cream. But be sure to mention the symptom to your doctor, especially if it's impacting your quality of Breasts When you turn 40, it's time to start getting routine mammograms. But be on the lookout for common breast cancer symptoms between annual exams. 'Breast and cervical cancer are the two most common cancers affecting women,' Dr. Gaither says. While it's often normal to have swollen breasts before your period, breast swelling, pain, dimpling, or discharge can also be signs of breast The older you get, the more likely you are to develop high blood pressure, or hypertension. The condition often presents without any symptoms. But in some cases, you may experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath. Be sure to flag any of these symptoms to your doctor, in addition to getting your blood pressure checked at your annual Sleeping Struggling with insomnia? You're not alone. One study found that 20% of women aged 40-59 had trouble sleeping at least four nights a week. The culprit was thought to be menopause, because night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings can all affect your sleep Cramps Bloating, gas, and stomach cramps can occur for a variety of reasons. But if they start getting more common in your 40s, it's probably because of—you guessed it—hormones. If you often experience digestive issues or stomach cramps when you're on your period, you may experience the same thing during menopause. But since abdominal cramps are linked with many other health conditions, it's worth mentioning the symptom to your Constantly If you constantly find yourself chugging water and running to the bathroom, you may want to mention it to a doctor. Increased thirst and urination can be signs of diabetes, especially if you're experiencing fatigue and weakness too. As you age, your risk of developing type II diabetes increases, and being overweight makes the condition more likely, says Dr. Hair Hair loss is mainly hereditary for both men and women, but hormones can play a role as well. Menopause often causes your estrogen levels to drop, making your hair thin, fall out, or take on a new texture. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned. They may be able to recommend a supplement or some other kind of Periods Although it sounds counterintuitive, heavy periods are actually a sign of menopause. Your fluctuating hormones can throw off your menstrual schedule, causing some of your periods to be heavier and last longer than Cold All the Time If you're sweating less and struggling to stay warm, bring it up with your doctor—these could be signs of thyroid dysfunction. 'Thyroid dysfunction is the most common hormonal imbalance in women,' Dr. Shepherd explains. Other symptoms include dry skin, thinning hair, fatigue, and weight Swings Women often deal with mood swings from puberty. But as menopause creeps up, the hormonal changes—and emotions that accompany them—can feel unbearable. Dr. Bhatia says learning how to manage stress is essential to maintaining your quality of life. 'Stress drives cortisol, which drives disease,' she says. 'Managing stress … is a skill that everyone needs to learn and practice to stay healthy.'Vaginal Dryness Caused by low levels of estrogen, vaginal dryness is incredibly common during middle age. If the dryness is bothering you, talk to your doctor. They can help you avoid products that cause irritation, and they may even recommend a prescription estrogen or Depression If you're feeling worried, upset, or unlike yourself, mention it to your doctor. Your symptoms may be the result of hormonal changes during menopause, or they could signal a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression. Other conditions, like Alzheimer's, can also cause you to feel anxious or depressed, Dr. Gaither Bones Women tend to lose bone density over time, which can lead to osteoporosis—a condition where your bones become weak and brittle. This makes your bones fragile and easy to break. And since osteoporosis often progresses without symptoms, a fracture or break may be the first sign you have Fog If you're struggling to concentrate and generally feeling out of it, you may have menopause to thank. But because brain fog is associated with a range of health conditions, it's worth mentioning your brain fog to your doctor—especially if it's Seeing or Hearing As you get older, you may not see or hear as well as you used to. That doesn't necessarily mean anything dire, but it's still worth mentioning to your doctor. Getting your sight and hearing checked annually is a great way to adapt to your changing needs and set yourself up for Between Periods Spotting between periods isn't unusual during menopause. But it can also be a sign of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women. Other symptoms of cervical cancer include pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, and unusual discharge. Dr. Shepherd, Dr. Bhatia, and Dr. Gaither all recommend getting routine pap smears. And be sure to mention anything unusual to your Flashes Suddenly feeling your skin flush, your palms get sweaty, and your face turn red is never fun. But hot flashes are a very normal part of menopause. About 75% of women experience them. And in some cases, they can cause your heart to race or make you feel dizzy. If your hot flashes last more than a few minutes or you consistently feel overheated, talk to your doctor—trouble cooling down can be a symptom of thyroid or Constipation While the occasional bout of diarrhea or constipation is probably nothing to worry about, experiencing either for more than a few days can be a sign of colorectal cancer. Since routine colonoscopies aren't usually recommended until you turn 50, it's worth mentioning concerning GI symptoms to your doctor any time you experience Sick All the Time If you feel like you're getting sick more than usual, you may not be imagining it. Our immune systems tend to grow weaker as we age, making us more likely to catch common colds and other infections. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50 Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Kennedy Fires Two Top Aides in Health Department Shake-Up
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired two of his top aides this week, shaking up his leadership team at the Department of Health and Human Services amid an aggressive effort to reshape public health policy. The firings included Heather Flick Melanson, his chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, his deputy chief of staff for policy, according to two people familiar with the matter. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the personnel changes. The reason for the ousters, which were first reported by CNN, was not immediately clear. In recent weeks, Mr. Kennedy has pushed ahead with a plan to fire about 20,000 staff members from the health department and pare down 28 divisions to 15 — all amid court challenges. His pressure campaign to rid the nation's food supply of synthetic dyes has produced some results. Under Mr. Kennedy, the department has also taken a series of actions around vaccines that have chipped away at public confidence in the efficacy and safety of the shots. He fired all 17 members of a federal vaccine policy board that makes influential decisions on the availability of the shots. At least three of the people Mr. Kennedy selected to replace the experts he ousted have taken part in lawsuits casting doubt on the safety or efficacy of vaccines. In its first meeting, the new panel voted to rescind recommendations for flu vaccines that contain the ingredient thimerosal, which Mr. Kennedy has long linked to harms. Mr. Kennedy also continued an about-face he has made since his confirmation hearings, when he sought to assure lawmakers he was not 'anti-vaccine' despite a long history of questioning immunizations. In a recent appearance on Tucker Carlson's podcast, Mr. Kennedy repeated the claim that vaccines introduced since 1986 'were ushered in without safety studies.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
