Zac Doobovsky

01/23/2025 Health Advisory: Subtyping of Influenza A Recommended for Hospitalized Patients

| January 23, 2025

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory recommending influenza A testing for all hospitalized patients with suspected influenza, and also recommending expedited subtyping for influenza A-positive specimens. Providers and clinical laboratories in Washington should: Current Situation Seasonal influenza activity is currently high in Washington State, and across the … 01/23/2025 Health Advisory: Subtyping of Influenza A Recommended for Hospitalized Patients

1/17/2025 Health Advisory: Measles case in King County

| January 17, 2025

Background Local public health officials in King County are investigating a confirmed measles case in an adult who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on January 10, 2025, while infectious. The individual is a resident of Alaska and was likely exposed to measles while traveling abroad. Anyone who was at the following locations during the … 1/17/2025 Health Advisory: Measles case in King County

11/21/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Update

| November 21, 2024

Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) staff continue to respond to a rise in pertussis infections at the local levels. Pertussis reports have also been rising in Washington state and nationally. WCHCS asks that healthcare providers remain alert for patients with symptoms of pertussis and to report suspected cases. Current Situation Pertussis cases reported … 11/21/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Update

10/24/24 Health Advisory: Increase in Pertussis Infections in Whatcom County

| October 25, 2024

Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) staff continue to respond to a rise in pertussis infections at the local levels. Pertussis reports have also been rising in Washington state and nationally. WCHCS asks that healthcare providers remain alert for patients with symptoms of pertussis and to report suspected cases. Reporting options: Current Situation As … 10/24/24 Health Advisory: Increase in Pertussis Infections in Whatcom County

04/11/2024 Health Update: Low Respiratory Virus Transmission in the North Sound Region

| April 12, 2024

The North Sound Region has stayed below respiratory virus transmission thresholds for at least 2 consecutive weeks indicating low transmission for COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV. You can check out the current respiratory virus data here. WCHCS continues to recommend the general public follow CDC’s guidance on Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.]Preventing Spread … 04/11/2024 Health Update: Low Respiratory Virus Transmission in the North Sound Region

3/26/24 Health Update: Washington State updates COVID-19 isolation guidance

| March 26, 2024

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released updated COVID-19 isolation guidance describing what people should do if they have respiratory virus symptoms or if they test positive for COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, such as influenza or RSV. While much of DOH’s guidance is similar to updates recently announced by the CDC, DOH’s new … 3/26/24 Health Update: Washington State updates COVID-19 isolation guidance

12/15/2: Blood Lead Reference Values

| December 15, 2023

On October 28, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its blood lead reference value (BLRV) from 5µg/dL to 3.5µg/dL in response to the Lead Exposure Prevention and Advisory Committee (LEPAC) recommendation made on May 14, 2021. The BLRV is intended to identify children with higher levels of lead in their blood … 12/15/2: Blood Lead Reference Values

New Respiratory Virus Dashboard is Live

| December 8, 2023

The information contained in the Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report can now be accessed on our new Respiratory Virus Dashboard. The dashboards will update weekly on Wednesdays and will reflect data for the previous week. Check it out! Why was this page created? We recognize the need to show local and regional data related … New Respiratory Virus Dashboard is Live

Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for week ending 12/2/23

| December 6, 2023

The Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for week ending 12/2/23 is now available. PDF of report available here. One or more of the respiratory virus Percent of ED Visits continues above threshold. This is a level at which some healthcare facilities have chosen to implement masking protocols at their facilities. We are available to provide guidance … Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for week ending 12/2/23

Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for week ending 11/25/23

| November 29, 2023

The Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for week ending 11/25/23 is now available. PDF of report available here. One of the respiratory virus Percent of ED Visits continues above threshold. This is a level at which some healthcare facilities have chosen to implement masking protocols at their facilities. We are available to provide guidance to healthcare … Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for week ending 11/25/23