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04/17/26 Health Advisory: Be alert for medetomidine overdose and withdrawal in people who use fentanyl
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently notified public health professionals, clinicians, laboratorians, and people at risk for overdose about the presence of medetomidine in the illegal drug supply, particularly in substances sold as fentanyl. Medetomidine is also colloquially called rhino tranq, mede, or dex. Its use can lead to overdose and a serious withdrawal…
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4/3/26 Health Advisory: Two measles cases identified in King County connected to international travel
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Measles, News and Alerts, News and Update, Provider ResourcesKing County Public Health has issued the following alert on two measles cases connected to international travel Exposure Locations Requested actions Immediately report suspected measles cases. Call Whatcom County Health and Community Services: 360-778-6100. Consider measles in patients with these symptoms: Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles: Collect specimens from patients with suspected measles for diagnostic…
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03/16/2026 Health Advisory: Increase in Pertussis
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, News and Alerts, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions, Pertussis, Provider ResourcesCurrent Situation Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) staff are investigating multiple pertussis cases in Whatcom County associated with higher education settings. WCHCS asks that healthcare providers remain alert for patients with symptoms of pertussis and to report suspected cases. Reporting options: Condition Summary Recommendations for Healthcare Providers Vaccine recommendations More Resources Contact Us
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03/16/26 Provider Alert: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through April 30, 2026
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through April 30, 2026. Please continue to administer nirsevimab or clesrovimab to all eligible patients through April 30th. Current Situation RSV activity in Washington began later than usual this season, with emergency department visits in the state reaching the activity threshold in December 2025, compared to…
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1/16/26 Health Update: Measles Outbreak Declared in Snohomish County
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Measles, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesAdditional measles cases confirmed in Snohomish County. See Snohomish County Health Department’s latest announcement here. All known public exposure locations are listed on the measles map tracker. Requested Actions for Healthcare Providers Immediately report suspected measles cases Remain alert for measles in patients presenting with: Consider proactive measures to protect patients and staff in your…
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Washington state expands same-day support for opioid use disorder
Telebupe Hotline brings rapid, low-barrier care to people statewide Summary Background People across Washington now have an easier way to get help for opioid use disorder. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is partnering with the University of Washington (UW) to expand the Washington Telebuprenorphine (Telebupe) Hotline statewide. Washington residents can now access same-day medical treatment via phone or video no matter where they live in the state by…
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1/9/26 Health Advisory: Measles Exposures in Snohomish County and SeaTac Airport
Snohomish County Health Department has issued the following health alert and a press release with more details. Exposure Locations Date Time Location 12/27/25 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM McDonald’s – 530 128th St. SW, Everett, WA 98204 12/28/25 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM Slavic Christian Church Awakening – 4223 78th St. SW, Mukilteo, WA 98275 12/29/25 11:00 AM –…
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The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Summary The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) continues to recommend the American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Background On January 5, 2026, the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed a decision memorandum to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely…
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12/29/25 Health News: DOH endorses Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccine
Dear Health Care Providers, We are writing to ask for your continued support of the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose for newborns. You are a trusted source of information for your patients, and your guidance plays a critical role in their health decisions, including vaccination. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Whatcom County…
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12/18/25 Health Update: Guidance for Clinical Consideration of Avian Influenza
Advisory or Update, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Update, Notifiable ConditionsThis is a Provider Update from the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) withupdated guidance about clinical consideration of, and testing for, avian influenza. Current Situation In November of this year, WA DOH confirmed the first known human case of H5N5 influenza.The patient was hospitalized with severe disease that unfortunately resulted in death. ThisProvider…
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West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
WCHA disagrees with CDC’s Advisory Committee’s change to decades-long vaccine recommendation that has reduced pediatric hepatitis B infections by 99 percent. The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly supports that hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose of the vaccine given within 24 hours of birth for…
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11/24/25 Health News: Statement Regarding Vaccines and Autism
On November 21 the Department of Health and the West Coast Health Alliance issued statements regarding vaccines and autism. In short, vaccines are thoroughly tested and remain one of the most important tools we have for preventing infectious diseases. They represent one of the greatest public health achievements in history, having saved millions of lives…
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11/20/25 Provider Alert: Case of H5N5 Influenza Confirmed in Washington
Current Situation On November 13, 2025, a Washington resident who has been hospitalized with respiratory illness symptoms since early November tested positive for influenza A H5, a type of avian influenza. Subsequent sequencing confirmed the patient was infected with H5N5 influenza virus. To our knowledge, this is the first known human case of H5N5. The…