Provider Resources WA

07/25/25 Health Advisory: Pfizer recall of Benzathine Penicillin G injectable suspension (Bicillin LA)

| July 25, 2025
Yellow box outlined with black and black text that says "Recall"

Summary: Check your Bicillin LA and save remaining supply to treat pregnant people and infants with syphilis. Pfizer voluntarily recalled 12 lots of Benzathine Penicillin G Injectable Suspension (Bicillin LA) after particulates were found during a visual inspection. The recall comes amid high syphilis diagnoses across the U.S. Penicillin is the only recommended treatment for pregnant people … 07/25/25 Health Advisory: Pfizer recall of Benzathine Penicillin G injectable suspension (Bicillin LA)

07/03/25 Health Advisory: Screening guidance for Candida auris in light of new local cases

| July 7, 2025

Summary: Upgrade screening and preparation for Candida auris. Two facilities in Seattle have known transmission of Candida auris (C. auris). We have limited information about how much transmission is occurring in Washington. We recommend that you: Early screening is critical for rapid identification so you can quickly implement infection control measures and prevent spread at your facility.  Background As of … 07/03/25 Health Advisory: Screening guidance for Candida auris in light of new local cases

10/23/24 Health Advisory: Presumed positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington.

| October 24, 2024

Washington State Department of Health is investigating presumed positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington. Healthcare providers should consider avian influenza in patients who present with acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness (ILI). Assess patients for exposure to animals––especially poultry, cattle, and wildlife, or to people suspected or known to be infected.  Current … 10/23/24 Health Advisory: Presumed positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington.

10/17/24 Health Advisory: Disruptions in Availability of Peritoneal Dialysis and Intravenous Solutions from Baxter International Facility in North Carolina

| October 17, 2024
IV bags hanging from an IV pole.

BackgroundOver several days in late September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to the southeastern United States. The storm affected the Baxter International’s North Cove facility in North Carolina, the largest manufacturer of peritoneal dialysis and intravenous solutions in the United States, halting production. Additional supply disruption may occur in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Recommendations for Healthcare … 10/17/24 Health Advisory: Disruptions in Availability of Peritoneal Dialysis and Intravenous Solutions from Baxter International Facility in North Carolina

09/23/24 Health Advisory: 2024–2025 Respiratory Illness Season Vaccine Recommendations

| September 23, 2024
Gloved hand squeeze bicep while giving a shot.

Summary COVID-19 vaccine recommendations For most people, the minimum interval between their last 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose and their 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose is 8 weeks. There are exceptions for people completing a multidose initial vaccination series, including: Learn more in CDC’s detailed vaccination schedules for people who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised and people who are … 09/23/24 Health Advisory: 2024–2025 Respiratory Illness Season Vaccine Recommendations

08/01/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.

| August 1, 2024

Background C. auris is an emerging, often multi-drug resistant yeast, that was first identified in the US in 2009. The first locally acquired case of C. auris in Washington was reported in 2023, and the first outbreak was  reported in January 2024. It can cause difficult to control outbreaks in high acuity facilities, especially among … 08/01/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.

06/04/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Increasing in Washington

| June 5, 2024
Stethoscope on child's back

Summary Current situation in Washington In 2023 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) week 1–18, healthcare providers reported 24 cases of confirmed or probable pertussis in Washington. In this same period in 2024, providers reported 170 cases. This is a 6-fold increase. Multiple health jurisdictions reported increases. DOH (Washington State Department of Health) updates its weekly pertussis update every Friday. Recommendations for … 06/04/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Increasing in Washington

03/27/2024 Health Advisory: Measles Increasing in Washington, the Nation, and the World

| March 27, 2024

Summary Background Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to severe health complications, like pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, especially in unvaccinated people. Measles outbreaks have occurred in Washington, the United States, and around the world in 2024. Outbreaks often start when an unvaccinated or under-vaccinated person is exposed during international travel and … 03/27/2024 Health Advisory: Measles Increasing in Washington, the Nation, and the World

02/09/24 Health Advisory: RSV Prevention Updates

| February 8, 2024
Infant sleeping on adult's chest.

Summary Background On Oct. 23, 2023, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert about the limited supply of nirsevimab. CDC recommended healthcare providers prioritize nirsevimab for infants born later in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season or for those at increased risk for severe illness. On Jan. 5, 2024, CDC issued updated guidance about the increased … 02/09/24 Health Advisory: RSV Prevention Updates

01/19/24 Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Southwest Washington

| January 19, 2024
Person covering their mouth with hand, head lowered

An active measles outbreak investigation is underway in Clark and Wahkiakum Counties. As of Jan. 10, 2024, investigators have identified 3 lab-confirmed and 3 epidemiologically linked measles cases in unvaccinated adults. Symptoms began in mid-to-late December. All report isolating at home during their contagious period. Investigators have not identified any public exposure locations. Healthcare providers … 01/19/24 Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Southwest Washington