Health Alerts

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an increase in domestic measles cases advisory. Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease where one infected person can infect up to 9 out of 10 susceptible close contacts. In light of the recent increase in cases, the Student Health Center would like to emphasize the following key messages:

• Measles cases are increasing in the U.S., with ongoing outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and New Jersey, along with continued increased international activity. Most cases are among children and adolescents who were not vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, resulting in hospitalizations and the first reported measles death in a decade in an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas. So far this year, three measles cases have been confirmed among California residents living outside of Los Angeles County, including 1 case that traveled through LAX.
• The MMR vaccine is offered at the Student Health Center free of charge as part of your Thrive Wellness Program. Up-to-date measles vaccines (MMR or MMRV) or evidence of immunity are required by the university to protect the students and the community, especially those who are unable to be vaccinated due to health issues. To prevent measles outbreaks, a vaccination rate of 95% or higher is needed.
• Watch for the signs of measles, especially if you've traveled recently, and contact the Student Health Center or your health care provider immediately if you experience the following: high fever (104) that spikes quickly, febrile rash - a rash that occurs with fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and red watery eyes, especially if you are not immunized. It is important that you immediately isolate, wear a mask, and call the Student Health Center or your healthcare office first - do NOT show up in person before alerting the healthcare office of your symptoms - so you can receive the proper instructions and manage the potential spread of illness.

Read more about measles:
• Who’s at Risk, How it Spreads, and More
• Images 
• California Department of Public Health Website 
• Immunization Recommendation

In our ongoing efforts to support your health and wellbeing during the wildfires, the Student Health Center is highlighting the following resources available to students:

Pepperdine Resources:

• The Student Health and Counseling Centers are open M - F, 8 AM - 5 PM, to address both physical and mental health needs.
• The Timely Care app may be accessed 24/7 for virtual health and counseling appointments.
• The Student Care Team stands ready to assist students with fire-related losses or needs.
• N95 Masks are available for pick up at the HAWC, the Payson Library circulation desk, and the Student Affairs front desk free of charge.
• The University Emergency Information Website is updated regularly to keep students informed with current fire related information.
• President's Briefing Recap - Palisades Fire highlights information pertaining to the effects of the fire on the Pepperdine Community and available resources.

LA County Resources:

• Fire safety and health resources, including information on the local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers, are available on the Public Health website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Wildfire/
• A comprehensive list of information related to active wildfires and services provided by the County of Los Angeles is available at www.lacounty.gov/emergency
• Department of Mental Health Wildfire Disaster Mental Health Resources 

During Southern California's cooler months, including September - May, strong winds are a seasonal occurrence living in and around the Santa Monica Mountain range. These Santa Ana Winds flow westward toward the coast, bringing dry desert air toward the Malibu coastal region. The National Weather Services notes that these strong winds can cause major property damage and increase wildfire risk because of the dryness of the winds and the speed at which they can spread a flame across the landscape.

During a strong wind advisory, students are advised to:

• Stay indoors to avoid exposure to irritants that can aggravate asthma and cause eye irritation.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Flying debris and downed trees or electrical lines can cause injury or start a fire. If you see something that causes a hazard please report it to DPS 310.506.4441 and/or 911 as appropriate.
• Prepare. Keep devices and portable chargers fully charged in the event of power outages.
• Stay informed. Make sure you're signed up for Pepperdine's Everbridge notification system for university-specific emergency response instructions and information

Additional resources to reference during a strong wind advisory:

• For University Guidelines during a wind advisory, visit Pepperdine's Emergency Information Site - Severe Winds
• For an overview of University emergency information and communication resources, visit the University Emergency Information website
• The LiveSafe App, available at the Apple App Store & Google Play, connects to 911 or DPS. Using the LiveSafe App also allows Public Safety to locate you during an emergency accurately.
• To sign up for LA County emergency alerts, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/
• For the most up-to-date wind advisories, visit the National Weather Service
• For current air quality ratings, visit AirNow.gov