Health Advisories

  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment Guidelines: Key Updates

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment Guidelines: Key Updates

    Treatment of Uncomplicated Gonococcal Infections of the Cervix, Urethra, Pharynx, and Rectum Recommended treatment regimen is dual therapy with Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM in a single dose plus Azithromycin 1 gm p.o. in a single dose. Doxycycline is no longer recommended for use in conjunction with Ceftriaxone to treat gonorrhea. If Ceftriaxone is not available,…

    Read more


  • Infection Control: Resources and links

    Infection Control: Resources and links

    Infection Control: Resources and Links – Guide to infection prevention for outpatient settings—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities—CDC Guidelines for environmental infection control in healthcare facilities —CDC Guideline for hand hygiene in healthcare settings —CDC Guideline for isolation precautions—CDC Guideline for the prevention of surgical site…

    Read more


  • Syphilis Cases in Yakima County: 2018 at a glance

    Syphilis Cases in Yakima County: 2018 at a glance

    , , ,

    CountyBackground: In 2018 Yakima County saw 48 cases of syphilis, a 30% increase from the previous year and above our annualaverage of 38 cases per year over the past 5 years.  Approximately half of these cases were among the MSM population but there was a significant increase in cases amongheterosexual individualsand particularly amongwomen. There has…

    Read more


  • Health Advisory: Washington State Measles Cases Updates

    Health Advisory: Washington State Measles Cases Updates

    , , ,

    Washington is experiencing an outbreak of measles in Clark County (51 current confirmed cases) with spread to King County and Multnomah County Oregon.  Up-to-date information about measles activity in Washington State can be found here. While there are currently no confirmed measles cases in Yakima County, patients may call you with questions regarding their immunization…

    Read more


  • Health Alert:  FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 Infections Likely Linked to Romaine Lettuce

    Health Alert: FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E.coli O157:H7 Infections Likely Linked to Romaine Lettuce

    Alert:  FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Likely Linked to Romaine Lettuce Food Safety Alert: The Centers for Disease Control advises concerning an E. coli Outbreak: Do not eat, serve, or sell ANY romaine lettuce while investigation continues. This includes whole heads of lettuce, hearts of romaine, chopped romaine, organic romaine and…

    Read more


  • Caring for Infants Born to Hepatitis B-Infected Mothers

    Caring for Infants Born to Hepatitis B-Infected Mothers

    Adapted from the Georgia Department of Public Health Immunize and Test On Time Age Single-antigen hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B® or Recombivax HB®) Combination hepatitis B vaccine (Pediarix®) Birth1 (Within 12 hours) Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) AND Hepatitis B vaccine dose #1 Combination vaccine is not approved for the birth dose. See single-antigen guidance. 1– 2 Months2 Hepatitis…

    Read more


  • Provider Training Opportunities

    Provider Training Opportunities

    ,

    These webinars include information for healthcare providers on vaccinations. Details and registration are available below. Partners in Prevention: Pharmacists and Immunizations The Washington Department of Health is collaborating with Jenny Arnold of the Washington State Pharmacy Association to host a webinar on November 15, 2018, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar is open to…

    Read more


  • Health Advisory:  Six cases of Salmonella illness in WA likely linked to cucumbers

    Health Advisory: Six cases of Salmonella illness in WA likely linked to cucumbers

    Per the Washington State Department of Health:  Six cases of Salmonella illness in WA likely linked to cucumbers Initial investigation suggests Costco three-pack English cucumber OLYMPIA ¾ State health officials are working with state, local and federal public health partners to investigate the source of six Salmonella infections. The six cases include residents of King…

    Read more


  • Health Advisory: Increase in Suspected Cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

    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…

    Read more


  • West Nile Virus

    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…

    Read more


  • Pertussis Fact Sheet

    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…

    Read more


  • MRSA Resources for Schools

    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.…

    Read more