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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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Expedited Partner Therapy
There are temporary changes to Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) packs distribution. This is a result of the Washington State Department of Health undergoing an audit of its program. Please: Stop giving out EPT packs. Give the patient a prescription for their partner to fill at their pharmacy of choice. Advise that the partner will need…
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Marijuana Prevention
We work to protect the health of youth. We work with community partners to prevent youth marijuana use. Marijuana use is illegal for people under the age of 21. Why is this work important? Marijuana use puts teens at higher risk for addiction. Youth who use marijuana are more likely to fail in school. Most…
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Measles Provider Alert May 2019
Provider Alert For immediate release: May 15, 2019 Dear Colleagues, A Pierce County man in his 40’s has been diagnosed with measles. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Public Health-Seattle & King County are investigating this jointly as he spent a significant amount of time at the Sea-Tac Airport. It is unclear where this patient…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…