Outbreaks of Syphilis/Staph Infections/HIV Demand Stepped up Prevention and Outreach by Los Angeles County Public Health Officials
LOS ANGELES -- Outbreaks of a highly contagious Staph infection known as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in the L.A. County Jail system and among men who have sex with men (MSM), and an ongoing and escalating outbreak of syphilis, a highly transmissible yet readily curable sexually transmitted disease (also prevalent among men who have sex with men), continue to wreak havoc with Los Angeles County's public health system.
Many of these infections have been identified in individuals who also have HIV, and underscore a need for a stepped up, aggressive response from county public health officials and leaders.
Meeting today at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors hearing to discuss the problem are Michael Weinstein, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) president; Dr. Paul DenOuden, AHF physician; Terri Ford, AHF director of advocacy; Karen Mall, AHF director of prevention and testing; and Cesar Portillo, AHF chief of public affairs.
Source: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
