See the important talking points below:  

• Ebola risk in California is low. There are no U.S. cases, and strong returning travel screening measures are in place. 
• Ebola does not spread through the air. It requires direct contact with body fluids from a sick person. 
• Most tick bites do not cause illness, but some ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease. 
• Ticks are active year-round in San Mateo County. Residents can prevent tickborne illnesses by wearing light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks, using EPA-approved repellents, staying on center trails, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. 
• A nationwide recall has been issued for Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula after several infants were diagnosed with infant botulism. Parents and caregivers should stop using this formula right away and watch their infants for symptoms such as poor feeding, trouble swallowing, or loss of head control.

Ebola Bundibugyo Virus                     

The Ebola Bundibugyo virus is one of several viruses in the Ebola virus family that can cause Ebola disease. It was first discovered in the Bundibugyo District in western Uganda in 2007, which is how it got its name. Since then, small outbreaks have occurred in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus is found only in parts of Central and East Africa and does not naturally exist in the United States. There have never been any cases of Bundibugyo Ebola in California or anywhere in the United States.

Scientists believe the virus likely comes from bats, which can carry Ebola viruses without getting sick. People can become infected through direct contact with infected animals or through contact with the body fluids of someone who is sick with Ebola. Like other Ebola viruses, Bundibugyo does not spread through the air, and people are only contagious after symptoms begin. 

Because this virus does not circulate in the U.S., the risk to the public in San Mateo County remains very low. Public health agencies, including CDC and WHO, continue to monitor the current outbreak very closely and support response efforts in the affected regions of Africa. 

Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment  ​​

Symptoms usually appear 2–21 days after exposure. They are often mild at the beginning but become more serious over time. 

Early symptoms (“dry” symptoms): 

• Fever 
• Chills 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle or joint pain 
• Headache 

Later symptoms (“wet” symptoms): 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Stomach pain 
• Rash 
• Red eyes 
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising (less common) 

People who develop symptoms and recently traveled to an affected area should contact their doctor right away. 

Key Prevention Step 

• Travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda will be monitored by the Public Health Department for 21 days and should contact their doctor right away if symptoms appear.

  Treatment for Ebola Bundibugyo 

  Currently there is no approved vaccine or specific medicine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. People who get sick are treated with supportive care, which helps the body fight the infection and improves the chance of survival. 

  For other Ebola species, such as Zaire ebolavirus, vaccines and treatments do exist but they do not work for Bundibugyo. Scientists continue to study new tools that may help in future outbreaks. 

Infant Formula Recall & Infant Botulism Safety Alert   

 A nationwide recall has been issued for Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula after a small number of infants in the U.S. were diagnosed with infant botulism, a rare but serious illness. As of June 13, three infants from California, Pennsylvania, and Washington have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

• Do not use any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.
  • Unopened cans should be thrown away or returned
  • Opened cans should be labeled “DO NOT USE” and stored separately for one month in case testing is needed
• Wash bottles, scoops, and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher
• Watch your baby for symptoms for 30 days after their last use of this formula

• Poor feeding
• Trouble swallowing
• Loss of head control
• Weak facial expression or decreased muscle tone (your baby may look unusually “floppy,” less alert, or have a weaker smile or movements than usual)

Symptoms can take several weeks to appear.

Why This Matters
Infant botulism is rare, but early recognition and treatment are important. The recall is nationwide, and FDA does not expect any formula shortages as a result.

Preventing Tick-borne Illnesses 

Ticks are active year-round in San Mateo County, especially in tall grass, brush, and wooded trails. Most tick bites do not lead to illness, but a few ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease. The best protection is avoiding tick bites and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. 

Protect Yourself Outdoors 

• Treat clothing with permethrin (not for skin)
  (Permethrin is an insecticide used to treat clothing and gear/equipment; it protects you by killing ticks on contact and should never be applied directly to skin. For example, you can spray permethrin on hiking pants, socks, shoes, or a backpack and let them fully dry before wearing or using them) 

• Use EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin 
• Wear long sleeves and long pants; tuck pants into socks
• Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks are easier to see  
• Stay on center trails and avoid tall grass or brush

After You Come Indoors 

• Do a full body tick check, especially behind ears, under arms, around the waist, and behind knees 
• Do not forget to check children, pets, and gear
• Shower soon after being outdoors

If You Find a Tick 

• Remove it with fine tipped tweezers, pulling straight up
• Wash the bite area with soap and water
• Removing a tick within 24–48 hours greatly lowers the chance of illness

Seek medical care if you develop a rash, fever, or flulike symptoms within 30 days of a tick bite. 

If You Find a Tick on a Pet

• Use fine‑tipped tweezers or a tick tool to pull the tick straight out
• Check your pet for additional ticks
• Contact your veterinarian if you’re unsure the tick was fully removed or if your pet seems unwell

See the resources below:

• https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/index.html 
• https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/EbolaVirusDisease.aspx 
• Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program | California Department of Public Health
• https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-powdered-infant-formula-june-2026
• https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-june-2026/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/index.html 
• https://www.smcmvcd.org/preventing-tick-bites 
• https://www.smcmvcd.org/tick-check
• Tick Removal - San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District

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