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6/27/25 Health Update – Measles
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Measles, News and Alerts, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesBackground Whatcom County Health and Community Services has confirmed two cases of measles in residents of Whatcom County. Cases are part of the same household. Risk to the general community is considered low at this time. We continue to evaluate suspected cases and coordinate testing if indicated. Requested Actions for Healthcare Providers Immediately report suspected…
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Confirmed Measles Case in Whatcom County
Background Whatcom County Health and Community Services has confirmed a case of measles in a resident of Whatcom County. The individual was evaluated at Family Care Network Urgent Care in Lynden on June 18, 2025. Individuals present at the following location during the listed timeframe may have been exposed to measles: Date Time Location June…
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5/14/25 Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Measles, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesBackground Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified of a confirmed measles case in a Canadian resident. The person spent time in King and Snohomish counties between April 30 and May 3, 2025, while infectious. Anyone who was at the following locations during the times listed could have been exposed to measles: Date…
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2/28/25 Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County
Background Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified on February 26, 2025 of a confirmed measles case in a King County infant. The infant may have been exposed to measles during recent travel abroad. Exposed individuals should check to make sure they have been vaccinated against measles. Anyone who was at the following…
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01/23/2025 Health Advisory: Subtyping of Influenza A Recommended for Hospitalized Patients
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Infection Control, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Alerts, Notifiable ConditionsLast 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…
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1/17/2025 Health Advisory: Measles case in King County
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Measles, News and Alerts, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions, TravelBackground 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…
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11/21/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Update
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Pertussis, Provider ResourcesWhatcom 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…
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10/24/24 Health Advisory: Increase in Pertussis Infections in Whatcom County
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Alert, News and Alerts, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions, PertussisWhatcom 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…
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10/23/24 Health Advisory: Presumed positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington.
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…
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10/17/24 Health Advisory: Disruptions in Availability of Peritoneal Dialysis and Intravenous Solutions from Baxter International Facility in North Carolina
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…
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09/23/24 Health Advisory: 2024–2025 Respiratory Illness Season Vaccine Recommendations
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…
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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…