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03/16/26 Provider Alert: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through April 30, 2026
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…
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Electronic Lab Reporting Disruption – Fax Reporting Required
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Health Alert, News and Alerts, News and Alerts, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions03/13/2026 We’ve identified an encryption issue affecting electronic lab reporting between Planned Parenthood, Mayo, and LabCorp. As a result, cases since February 27, 2026 may not have been successfully reported through the usual electronic system. Action needed: Fax number: 509-381-3526 Thank you for your help ensuring timely reporting while this issue is being resolved.
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Health Advisory: Measles Remains a Growing Concern in Washington
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Health Alert, Measles, Notifiable Conditions, Provider Resources03/10/2026 Action Requested Background Measles illness starts with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis (typically lasting 2-4 days) and then a generalized maculopapular rash that typically begins on the face/head then spreads to the neck, trunk and extremities. Increases in measles cases and outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world. CDC…
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Revisions to DOH Blood Lead Testing Recommendations
01/26/2026 The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has revised the state’s blood lead action level to 3.5 µg/dL, to be more protective of children’s health and prevent further exposure. DOH recommends that health care providers begin blood lead confirmatory and follow-up testing at 3.5 µg/dL. The Notifiable Conditions rule, which requires all blood…
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The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
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…
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West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
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…
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11/20/25 Provider Alert: Case of H5N5 Influenza Confirmed in Washington
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…
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Provider Alert: Infant Botulism Associated with ByHeart Infant Formula
11/13/2025 This is a Provider Alert from the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) regarding multiple cases of infant botulism after consuming ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Current SituationOn November 8th, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an outbreak of infant botulism linked to infant formula. Since August 2025, at…
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Health Advisory: Be Alert for Mpox: Clade I Mpox Virus Detected in Wastewater; Rise in Cases of Clade II Mpox
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Health Alert, monkeypox, News and Alerts, News and Update, Provider Resources09/29/2025 This 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…
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09/17/25 Health Advisory: 2025–2026 respiratory-illness season vaccine recommendations
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…
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08/06/25 Health Advisory: Possible case of locally acquired malaria in Pierce County
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…
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7/30/25 Provider Alert: Chagas Disease Screening Recommendations in Washington
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…
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07/24/25 Health Advisory: Pfizer recall of Benzathine Penicillin G injectable suspension (Bicillin LA)
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…