The Office of Public Health Providers (OPHP) provides news, updates, and other information for health professionals on disasters and other topics related to public health preparedness.

Influenza deaths in 2018-2019 season rise to as much as 54,800 in the US

April 12, 2019

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimate that between 32,900 and 54,800 deaths have occurred in the United States as a result of influenza during the 2018-2019 flu season. CDC’s weekly influenza surveillance reports that there may have been over 40 million flu infections this season, with up to 18.8 million flu-related medical visits and around half a million flu-related hospitalizations. For more information, visit the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm.

CDC reports on public health risk communications and reactions following errant warning of missile threat in Hawaii

February 22, 2019

CDC’sMorbidity and Mortality Weekly Report(MMWR) provided an analysis of social media reactions to the missile warning residents and visitors in Hawaii received on January 13, 2018, that turned out to be a “false alarm.” The report underscores the challenges of effective health-related risk communication during times of emergency. For more information, visit the MMWR at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6807a2.htm?s_cid=mm6807a2_e.

US Geological Survey, Hawaii Department of Health, and other agencies provide health guidelines for children living in volcano-impacted areas

May 9, 2018

The US Geological Survey (USGS), Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), Hawaii County, and other federal and local agencies have come together to provide important health information related to so-called “vog” (short for “volcanic smog”), the gases and particulate matter emitted from volcanic eruptions that can affect nearby communities. The Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard, which provides useful information for both laypeople and practitioners, can be found at vog.ivhhn.org. More information can also be found here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/files/2018/05/18-041-Vog-Dashboard-info-advice-on-volcanic-health-hazards.pdf.

Last reviewed April 2019