Current Situation As of April 15, 2026, a total of 37 cases of measles have been identified in Washington state this year. WA DOH is aware of at least 9 separate introductions of measles into the state since January 1, 2026, all associated with domestic or international travel. Many of these cases have led to … 04/20/26 Provider Alert: Measles continues to spread in Washington; Prepare now
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 … 04/17/26 Health Advisory: Be alert for medetomidine overdose and withdrawal in people who use fentanyl
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 … 03/16/26 Provider Alert: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through April 30, 2026
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 … The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
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 … West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
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 … 11/20/25 Provider Alert: Case of H5N5 Influenza Confirmed in Washington
Background The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is announcing vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) summarized in the following table: Summary Influenza COVID-19 RSV Co-administration of COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines is safe. Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent severe disease … 09/17/25 Health Advisory: 2025–2026 respiratory-illness season vaccine recommendations
Summary: Though the risk remains low, be vigilant for possible cases of malaria and act urgently to diagnose and treat. An East Pierce County woman who has not traveled recently was diagnosed with malaria Aug. 2. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is working with Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and … 08/06/25 Health Advisory: Possible case of locally acquired malaria in Pierce County
Summary: Screen patients for Chagas disease if they have a history of residence in or prolonged travel to Mexico, Central, or South America. Chagas disease is a vector-borne parasitic disease which, if left untreated, can lead to chronic cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and/or congenital Chagas disease in infants. Current Situation The Washington State … 7/30/25 Provider Alert: Chagas Disease Screening Recommendations in Washington
Summary: Check your Bicillin LA and save remaining supply to treat pregnant people and infants with syphilis. Pfizer voluntarily recalled 12 lots of Benzathine Penicillin G Injectable Suspension (Bicillin LA) after particulates were found during a visual inspection. The recall comes amid high syphilis diagnoses across the U.S. Penicillin is the only recommended treatment for pregnant people … 07/24/25 Health Advisory: Pfizer recall of Benzathine Penicillin G injectable suspension (Bicillin LA)
