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08/01/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.
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…
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06/13/24 Health Alert: Avian Flu Update
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Update, Notifiable ConditionsAlthough recently detected in dairy cattle in some states, the risk of H5N1 avian influenza A to the general public is still considered low. It is primarily an occupational risk and limited to people with direct contact with infected or potentially infected animals, such as sick birds and dairy cattle and their environments, or to unpasteurized…
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06/04/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Increasing in Washington
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…
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04/11/2024 Health Update: Low Respiratory Virus Transmission in the North Sound Region
Advisory or Update, COVID-19, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions, RSVThe 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…
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03/27/2024 Health Advisory: Measles Increasing in Washington, the Nation, and the World
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…
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3/26/24 Health Update: Washington State updates COVID-19 isolation guidance
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Infection Control, News and Update, Notifiable ConditionsWashington 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…
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02/09/24 Health Advisory: RSV Prevention Updates
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…
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01/19/24 Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Southwest Washington
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…
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12/15/2: Blood Lead Reference Values
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…
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12/13/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated
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…
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New Respiratory Virus Dashboard is Live
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…
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12/06/23 Health Advisory: Test perinatally exposed children for hepatitis C.
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…
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Northwest Regional Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for week ending 12/2/23
Communicable Disease Data Report, COVID-19, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Alerts, News and Update, RSVThe 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…