Dr. Vivien Pacold reports she's been seeing eyelid styes on her young patients in Cathedral City all week. She's not sure if it's the wind, dirty hands rubbing on the eyes, or old makeup going bad in this heat. But handwashing, staying out of the wind, redirecting air conditioning vents away from your eyes, and checking the expiration of old makeup can help prevent these infections.
Pneumonia among all age groups is popping up in Rancho Mirage. Dr. Arturo Quintanilla's office has also been getting lots of calls about the whooping cough epidemic in California, and if they've been immunized.
Ear infections, both internal and external, are the most common complaint among Dr. Andrew Cyrus' patients in Palm Desert. Strep throat is also going around, and so is gastroenteritis.
Heat related illnesses are an issue in Indio. Physician's Assistant Mitch Claire tells us weakness, diarrhea, numbness and dizziness are all symptoms. Staying cool and drinking plenty of fluids are the only way to avoid this. He's also seeing a viral cough with sore throat that must be treated symptomatically.
At the Mecca clinic, Dr. Randolph Gibbs has seen several cases of acute bronchitis with wheezing, but no confirmed cases of whooping cough. He's also noticed an increased incidence of spider bites among those who work outside. Several patients required aggressive antibiotic treatment. "It's imperative to seek medical advice as early as possible." Finally, he's seen several cases of streptococcal pharyngitis in children. "Strep pharyngitis is confirmed by RADT (rapid antigen detection testing)," says Dr. Gibbs. "Oral antibiotics reduce the incidence of acute rheumatic fever and should be continued for ten days. Children may return to school after antibiotics have been started and patients remains afebrile." Symptoms include sore throat and an occasional rash. Viruses usually include a dry cough, and conjunctivitis.
Pink eye is a very contagious viral illness that's been reported by Dr. Erica Ruiz in La Quinta. This will usually go away on its own, but if it lasts more than two days, you should see a doctor. Strep throat is affecting kids, and comes with a severe sore throat and fatigue. A two-day bout of gastroenteritis is going around among kids. Stay well hydrated and gradually add back solids to help hold off the vomiting.
Dr. Sara Azar reports seeing cases of "hot tub folliculitis" in Rancho Mirage. This is a skin eruption that is caused by improperly chlorinated pools or hot tubs that breeds bacteria. You'll notice tender nodules or pimple like lesions, and possibly fever or fatigue. Fewer people came in for treatment of viral gastroenteritis this week. However, Dr. Azar saw a few shingles cases this week. This is a painful rash that often looks like a band and is often triggered by stress. The shingles vaccine is recommended for people over age 60.
There are still a few cases of viral flu hanging around Cathedral City. Dr. Seema Bir also saw gastroenteritis. This stomach bug can be avoiding by making sure food prepared at restaurants is done in a sanitary way, washing your hands, and staying hydrated. Bronchitis is also around, so try to avoid coughing and sneezing on others.
Watch "What's Going Around" every Tuesday evening on KPSP Local 2 News at 6:00 p.m. and every Wednesday morning on KPSP Local 2 This Morning at 6:45 a.m.
