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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…
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07/14/25: High Temperatures coming to Washington
OLYMPIA – The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures across parts of Washington this week. Heat advisories are issued for several counties statewide for much of the week, with dangerously high temperatures both during the day and overnight and close to 100 degree highs expected Wednesday in some areas. The National Weather Service is High heat can…
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07/01/25 Health Advisory: Screening guidance for Candida auris in light of new local cases
Summary: Upgrade screening and preparation for Candida auris. Two facilities in Seattle have known transmission of Candida auris (C. auris). We have limited information about how much transmission is occurring in Washington. We recommend that you: Early screening is critical for rapid identification so you can quickly implement infection control measures and prevent spread at your facility. Background As of…
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Washington State Department of Health Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
06/23/2025 Actions Requested Background Washington State Department of Health will continue to monitor federal updates on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and assess how any changes may impact the health and safety of Washington state residents. Washington State Department of Health is committed to science-based vaccine policy and making sure vaccines stay accessible and equitable for everyone…
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Health Advisory: Update on Measles Cases
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Health Alert, Immunization, Immunizations, Measles, News and Alerts, News and Alerts, News and Update, Notifiable Conditions06/05/2025 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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Yakima Health District Hiring Local Health Officer to Serve as Chief Medical Officer
06/05/2025 The Yakima Health District is looking to hire a Local Health Officer who will serve as Chief Medical Officer for the Yakima Health District. This key leadership role involves providing medical and public health expertise, offering policy guidance and recommendations, and engaging in strategic collaboration with community partners and stakeholders to address public health…
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Health Advisory: Increase in Tuberculosis Cases in the Lower Yakima Valley
03/25/2025 Situation The Yakima Health District is reporting a significant increase in active tuberculosis (TB) cases in Yakima County. Over the past eight months, there has been a rise in confirmed cases, promoting heightened surveillance and precautionary measures. Key Updates Actions Required for Providers (Click image to view) 2. Infection Control Measures 3. Reporting of…
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03/10/25 Health Advisory: Report any serious adverse events after ceftriaxone administration
Summary On Feb. 7, 2025, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a call for cases related to about 10 severe adverse events that closely followed ceftriaxone injection or infusion. The events began Sept. 1, 2024. No single product type or lot number is tied to these severe events. While there is no confirmed…
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Health Advisory: Measles case associated with international travel in a King County resident
03/07/2025 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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Health Advisory: Pertussis Cases Continue to Increase in Washington State
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Health Alert, Immunization, Immunizations, News and Alerts, News and Alerts, Pertussis11/07/2024 This is a Provider Alert from the Yakima Health District regarding an increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases. Healthcare providers should: This is an update to the Provider Alert sent in May 2024. Current Pertussis Situation in Washington There has been a total of 1,099 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis reported statewide during…
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Health Advisory: CDC Confirms Nine Human Cases of Avian Influenza in Washington State
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Health Alert, Infection Control, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Alerts, News and Alerts, News and Update11/01/24 Clinicians in Washington should consider avian influenza infection in patients who present with acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness (ILI), and to assess patients for exposures to animals (poultry, cattle, wildlife, or other animals) or people suspected or known to be infected with avian influenza. Current Situation The Centers for Disease Control…