Provider Resources WA

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

12/13/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated

| December 13, 2023
TB skin test

A large outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in the state prison system may affect more than 800 people who were incarcerated. Requested actions Ask patients about risk factors for TB exposure: Test people with risk factors unless they have a known history of TB infection or TB disease. Evaluate people who test positive to rule out … 12/13/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated

12/06/23 Health Advisory: Test perinatally exposed children for hepatitis C.

| December 6, 2023
baby clothes sitting on a table. A yellow shirt, a pacifier, a blue pair of socks and a pink pair of socks.

Action requested Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you test children born to people with: Test children for HCV RNA at 2–6 months old, up to 17 months old. Give untested children older than 18 months an HCV antibody test with reflex to HCV RNA. Report hepatitis C cases in pregnant people and the … 12/06/23 Health Advisory: Test perinatally exposed children for hepatitis C.

10/17/23 Health Advisory: FDA Authorized New Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Formulation

| October 17, 2023

The new adjuvanted (2023–2204) formulation of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for people 12 years or older as follows: Updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine availability may be limited and vary by location. Help patients understand this situation and thank them for their patience. Resources Questions?

09/28/23 Health Advisory: 2023–2024 Respiratory Illness Season

| September 28, 2023

This 2023–2024 respiratory illness season, we’re monitoring 3 common causes of respiratory illness that circulate in Whatcom County: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. Influenza Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States last flu season (2022–2023) caused: Those at highest risk for severe illness include: Guidelines RSV RSV … 09/28/23 Health Advisory: 2023–2024 Respiratory Illness Season

09/21/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized

| September 21, 2023
syringe in medicine vial

FDA deauthorized previous bivalent COVID-19 vaccines. On Sept. 11, 2023, FDA deauthorized previous bivalent COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. CDC recommends new, updated (2023–2024) COVID-19 vaccines. CDC’s new, updated (2023–2014) COVID-19 vaccine recommendations: Vaccination remains the best way to prevent COVID-19 hospitalization and death and reduces the risk of long COVID. The new, updated … 09/21/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized

07/19/23: The first case of Candida auris diagnosed in Washington

| July 19, 2023
older person in a hospital bed holds someone's hand

A Pierce County man was diagnosed July 13 with colonization due to Candida auris (C. auris), a multidrug-resistant fungus that can cause serious infections. This is believed to be the first locally acquired case in Washington. C. auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness, especially in those suffering from serious medical conditions who have … 07/19/23: The first case of Candida auris diagnosed in Washington

07/06/23 Health Advisory: Syphilis Treatment Impacted by Bicillin L-A Shortage

| July 6, 2023
Mother holds her child.

Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A) is in short supply due to increased demand. Syphilis is increasing in all groups, especially in heterosexual people. Reserve Bicillin L-A for pregnant people with or exposed to syphilis, or babies with congenital syphilis. Read on for syphilis: Treatment. Testing with reverse algorithm. Reserve Bicillin L-A for pregnant people. Reserve … 07/06/23 Health Advisory: Syphilis Treatment Impacted by Bicillin L-A Shortage