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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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Health Advisory: 2018-2019 Influenza Reporting, Testing and Treatment
Reporting Seasonal influenza surveillance begins in October. Influenza surveillance relies on high-quality data received from healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, laboratories and other partners in the community. It is early in the season, but laboratory-confirmed influenza and influenza-associated hospitalizations have already occurred in Washington. Washington law requires healthcare providers to report the following…
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Health Advisory: Increase in Suspected Cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Increase in Suspected Cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) As of Oct. 9, 2018, 5 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in Washington are being evaluated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) neurologists and other AFM experts. All cases are among children between 7 months and 5 years of age who presented with…
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West Nile Virus
Background and Epidemiology WNV infection first became a public health problem in the United States in the late 1990s. WNV is a mosquito-borne flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever and St. Louis encephalitis. In rare situations, blood transfusion, organ transplant, transplacental, breastfeeding and percutaneous injury of laboratory workers can transmit the…
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Pertussis Fact Sheet
To report a confirmed or suspect case of pertussis, complete the or call . Overview Pertussis is common and very contagious. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria infect cilia in the upper respiratory tract. Early symptoms are mild, like the common cold. Patients often experience violent coughing fits (paroxysms). These can be followed by…
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MRSA Resources for Schools
What is MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria resistant to many forms of antibiotics. Many people carry it in their nose or on their skin. Most infections affect the skin, but MRSA can also infect other organs. Without treatment, infections can be life threatening, causing severe complications like sepsis or endocarditis.…
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Health Advisory: Unhealthy Air Quality
Unhealthy Air Quality Guidance for Healthcare Providers On Aug. 19, 2018, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency determined air quality in Pierce County will be unhealthy for everyone for the next several days. This means everyone should stay indoors and refrain from outdoor activities until the clean air agency lifts or revises the air quality…
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Flu Symptoms Checklist
Should my child stay home from school? ☐ Yes ☐ No Does your child have a sore throat, bad cough or runny nose? ☐ Yes ☐ No Does your child have body aches and chills? ☐ Yes ☐ No Does your child have a fever of 100°F or higher? If no thermometer, does your…
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Opiate Overdose Resources
Schools can prepare for opiate overdose. “In 2016, about 3,621 Washington State 12th graders had tried heroin at least once and even more (about 4,526) use pain killers to get high in any given month.” If a student overdoses, a medication called naloxone could save their life. To prevent and prepare for opiate overdose, schools…
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School Opiate Overdose Resources
Schools can prepare for opiate overdose. About 2,500 Washington State 12th graders had tried heroin at least once and even more (about 3,500 ) use pain killers to get high in any given month. Almost one in 10 teens believe prescription drug misuse carries little to no risk. –2018 Health Youth Survey If a student…
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Provider Training Opportunities
These webinars include information for healthcare providers on HPV vaccination. Details and registration are available below. Getting Parents to “Yes!” One-hour recorded webinar by #PreteenVaxScene Webinar #11 NIAM Edition: Vaccine Conversations That Work for Providers & Parents Dr. Sharon Humiston, Academic Pediatric Associations; Dr. Nathan Boonstra, pediatrician; Dr. Margot Savoy, family physician You Are the…
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Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders
You can protect yourself from fentanyl exposure. The abuse of drugs containing fentanyl is killing Americans. First responders are likely to encounter fentanyl when responding to overdose calls, conducting traffic stops, arrests and searches. Inhalation of airborne powder is harmful. Wear gloves when you suspect the presence of fentanyl. Print Standard Size Print Poster