Stephanie Badillo-Sanchez

Secretary of Health Mask Order in Washington State Will be Rescinded After April 3, 2023 , Washington State Department of Health to Continue Masking Recommendations at This Time

| March 15, 2023

Requested Actions Background In Washington state, COVID-19, RSV, and influenza disease rates and hospitalizations have continued to decline since the end of last year. Washington State Department of Health’s infection prevention and control guidance continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings. Currently, Washington State Department of Health’s Education and … <strong>Secretary of Health Mask Order in Washington State Will be Rescinded After April 3, 2023 , Washington State Department of Health to Continue Masking Recommendations at This Time</strong>

CDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears

| February 2, 2023

SummaryThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) in 12 states. Most patients reported using artificial tears. Patients reported more than 10 different brands of artificial … CDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears

Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County Resident Exposed During International Travel

| January 26, 2023
A doctors jacket with a stethoscope.

On January 21, 2023, testing at Washington State Public Health Laboratories (WA PHL) confirmed measles in a King County resident with a rash that started on January 20, 2023. The adult patient is believed to have been infected during the recent international travel prior to returning to Washington. Public Health- Seattle & King County is … <strong>Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County Resident Exposed During International Travel</strong>

Management of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Shortage

| December 16, 2022

Situation: Significantly elevated respiratory viral activity, including early increases in influenza viral infections, has contributed to a shortage of commonly used medications, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®).  Many communities in Washington state may continue to experience shortages in the coming weeks. Assessment: To ensure an adequate supply of antiviral medications for individuals who are at high … <strong>Management of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Shortage</strong>

Follow-Up on Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox

| August 30, 2022

The Yakima Health District held a zoom meeting with local providers about monkeypox on Wednesday, August 24 at 12:00pm. Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control at the Yakima Health District and Dr. Neil Barg, Health Officer presented on the current state of the monkeypox outbreak, how it spreads, symptoms, when providers should test someone for … Follow-Up on Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox

Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox, August 24th at 12:00pm

| August 22, 2022

The Yakima Health District will hold a meeting with local providers about monkeypox on Wednesday, August 24 at 12:00pm via zoom. Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control at the Yakima Health District and Dr. Neil Barg, Health Officer will be presenting. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an overview of the current state … Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox, August 24th at 12:00pm

Health Advisory: Increase in Syphilis Cases in Yakima County

| August 19, 2022
Exam room with vitals equipment on wall

Requested Actions Be aware, Yakima County reported a 326% increase in syphilis cases in 2021 compared to 2020. Optimize syphilis surveillance in pregnancy to reduce the risk of congenital syphilis. Test all women in the first trimester or at presentation to care if presenting after the first trimester Test all high-risk women again in the … Health Advisory: Increase in Syphilis Cases in Yakima County

Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update

| July 30, 2022

Monkeypox in Yakima County Lab results have confirmed that a Yakima County resident has tested positive for monkeypox. This is the first known case in Yakima County. Yakima Health District staff is working with the individual to identify close contacts and providing them with the JYNNEOS vaccine to prevent further spread. The individual is isolating … Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update

COVID-19 Guidelines for Long-Term Care Facilities

| May 9, 2022
Woman in blue scrubs with red stethoscope around her neck

Requested Actions Be aware, following COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities will help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect residents and staff. All staff and visitors should be screened upon entry to the facility, provided a mask, hand hygiene performed, and information logged. Keep sign-in sheets for at least 30 days. Clean and disinfect … COVID-19 Guidelines for Long-Term Care Facilities

Health Advisory: CDC endorses second booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups

| April 1, 2022

Requested Actions Be aware, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup endorsed Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) emergency use authorization (EUA) of a second booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for specific groups. The EUA allows: A second booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least … Health Advisory: CDC endorses second booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups