The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) issued a health advisory on July 13, 2020.
Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is considered an essential health service during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But there are rifapentine shortages because global demand has increased and because the sole manufacturer has voluntarily paused release of the drug due to the detection of nitrosamine impurities.
Healthcare providers should consider temporarily refraining from initiating the once-weekly 3-month isoniazid-rifapentine (3HP) regimens until rifapentine
shipments have resumed and local supplies of rifapentine have been reestablished.
Read the full LAC DPH Health Advisory: Rifapentine Shortage and Detection of Nitrosamine Impurity.
Because guidance for the prevention and management of COVID-19 may change, providers and staff are encouraged to visit the Los Angeles Health Alert Network (LAHAN) website frequently. You can also subscribe to the LAHAN to receive alerts, advisories, and updates from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
⇒ Keep up to date by visiting the LAC DPH Coronavirus Webpage for Health Professionals.
Reporting and Consultation
All suspected or proven cases of tuberculosis should be reported in writing within one working day.
Los Angeles County DPH TB Control Program:
- Download TB forms and fax to 1-213-749-0926
- For enquiries, call 1-213-745-0800 during business hours. For urgent consults after hours call 1-213-974-1234 and ask for the physician on call.
Long Beach Health and Human Services:
- Download TB forms and fax to 1-213-562-570-4391
- For enquiries, call 1-562-570-4283 or 1-562-570-4235.
Pasadena Public Health Department:
- Download TB forms and fax to 1-626-744-6115 or send by encrypted/secure email to nursing@cityofpasadena.net.
- For enquiries, call 1.626.744.6089