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9/29/25 Health Advisory: Clade I Mpox Virus Detected in Wastewater; Rise in Cases of Clade II Mpox
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Alert, monkeypox, News and Alerts, Notifiable ConditionsThis is a Provider Alert from the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) Office of Infectious Disease. WA DOH is requesting that providers remain alert for cases of mpox due to: Current Situation: Mpox (formerly “monkeypox”), the infection caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), has been circulating at low levels in Washington State since…
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3/22/2021 – Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers
COVID-19, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Health Advisory, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested actions Be aware Washington State Department of Health (DOH) opened Phase 1B Tier 2 on March 17. DOH updated its Phase 1B guidance and released an expected timeline for moving into future tiers. Encourage people eligible in Phase 1A and Phase 1B Tiers 1 and 2 to get vaccinated. Direct patients to vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov to find vaccine providers near them, and to our COVID-19…
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3/10/2021: Health Advisory – COVID-19 Updates for Providers
COVID-19, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested actions Be aware the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved emergency use authorization (EUA) for single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 27. Be aware Washington State Department of Health (DOH) added preK-12 educators, school staff and childcare workers to vaccine eligibility Phase 1B Tier 1 and released an expected timeline for moving into future…
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3/4/2021 Provider alert anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic and increase of fentanyl overdose
Actions Requested Support clients and patients who are experiencing despair or hopelessness, apathy or anger, and grief and loss. See the Supporting Clients and Patients section and resources for providers for more information. Share information and resources with clients, patients, and their families on building resilience, support strategies, mental and emotional well-being, and crisis support.…
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2/6/21 Health Advisory: Syphilis Rising Among Heterosexuals
Requested actions Familiarize yourself with all stages of syphilis to recognize symptoms. Test for syphilis: Pregnant women at their first prenatal visit and again at 24-28 weeks gestation. Pregnant women who present late to care, wherever they present for care. Also test for HIV, HBsAg and STIs. Sexually active people who live homeless, exchange money or drugs…
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1/26/21 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers
Requested actions Be aware, on Jan. 18, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to Phase 1B Tier 1. DOH will expand eligibility to Tier 2 when at least 50% of people in Tier 1 have received their first dose. Notify all patients 65 years or older they are eligible for vaccine. Be…
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1/12/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers
COVID-19, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Health Advisory, Infection Control, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested actions Be aware, all people in COVID-19 vaccine Phase 1A—people who work in healthcare settings, people who live or work in long-term care, and first responders in emergency medical services—are eligible to receive vaccine. If you need help vaccinating eligible staff, contact the health department. Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the governor’s…
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Tdap and Pregnancy Information for Providers
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Alert, Immunization, Notifiable Conditions, Pertussis, Provider ResourcesPertussis is a serious disease for young infants. Pertussis epidemics occur in the United States every 3–5 years. Even though we have a vaccine, pertussis is a common infectious disease. There are 10,000–40,000 cases per year and 10–20 deaths.1 In 2013, there were more than 28,000 cases in the United States. Pertussis is most serious in…
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12/28/20 Provider Advisory: Proclamations 20-05 and 20-24 prohibit certain medical and dental procedures unless specific procedures and criteria are met
Notice: This document replaces the WCHD Health Alert of the same name that was posted 12/24/20. Requested Actions Be aware, Governor Inslee extended proclamations 20-05 and 20-24 prohibiting certain medical and dental procedures unless certain specific procedures and criteria are met. All Western Washington healthcare facilities should operate in a contingency care phase—provide appropriate clinical care so…
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12/28/20 – WCHD Health Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine
Notice: This WCHD Health Alert replaces the document of the same name posted 12/24/20 WCHD Health Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine Requested Actions Be aware, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 16 years and older. Vaccination has begun in Whatcom County. Be…
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12/24/20 – WCHD Health Alert: Quarantine Guidance
WCHD Health Alert – Quarantine Guidance Requested Actions For those who are able, quarantining for 14 days is the safest option to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 10-day or 7-day (with negative test <48 hours before ending) are options if there are significant barriers to…
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12/24/20 – WCHD Health Advisory: Be aware of the increased suicide risk in youth during COVID-19
WCHD Health Advisory Requested Actions Screen patients for suicide risk, particularly children, teens, and young adults. Share information and resources with patients and their families on crisis support and suicide risk factors and warning signs Background Increased concern of suicide risk in youth A convergence of factors may be the cause of an increased risk…
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12/3/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 updates for providers
COVID-19, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Immunizations, Infection Control, News and Alerts, Notifiable ConditionsHealth Advisory: COVID-19 updates for providers Requested actions Be aware, because of the rapidly increasing cases across the state, heightened restrictions continue through Dec. 14. Counsel patients on how to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Test patients with new COVID-19 symptoms and those who had close contact with a person with COVID-19. Be aware, an increased demand for…