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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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05/04/23 Health Advisory: Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Use Expanded, Monovalent No Longer Authorized
Advisory or Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, News and Alerts, Novel Coronavirus, Provider Resources, VaccineRequested actions Monovalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States. Read below for how to discard and report as waste. Use the new simplified schedule to administer COVID-19 vaccine. People who are 65 years or older or have immune compromise can now get a second bivalent booster…
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Upcoming Webinars from Washington State Department of Health on Changes to COVID-19 Guidance in Healthcare
The WA State Department of Health (DOH) will be updating the Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings onApril 3rd, 2023.On April 3rd,updates will be found at this web page: DOH COVID-19 Infection Prevention in Healthcare Settings. The Washington State Department of Health is holding a webinar on April 6th, 2023…
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Secretary of Health Mask Order in Washington State Will be Rescinded After April 3, 2023 , Washington State Department of Health to Continue Masking Recommendations at This Time
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…
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Health Advisory: Environmental Health Hazards in Yakima County
Requested Actions PFAS Background PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) are human made chemicals that can be found in products such as food packaging, outdoor clothing, non-stick pans, and firefighting foam. PFAS can enter the environment through production or waste streams and can build up in animals, fish, birds, plants, and people. Exposure People are primarily exposed to…
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CDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears
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…
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Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County Resident Exposed During International Travel
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…
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12/27/22 Health Advisory: Updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters authorized for children 6 months to 5 years old
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Immunizations, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesEarlier this month, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded emergency use authorization (EUA) of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines for children 6 months and older. Updated (bivalent) COVID-19 booster vaccines are formulated to boost immunity against the original coronavirus strain and protect against the newer omicron…
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Management of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Shortage
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Health Alert, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Alerts, News and UpdateSituation: 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…
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12/12/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Therapeutics Updates
Advisory or Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesBebtelovimab no longer authorized in the United States. On Nov. 30, 2022, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bebtelovimab. Bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat COVID-19. FDA revoked the EUA because the drug lost efficacy against most SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the United States. Currently,…
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11/10/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity
Multiple viruses are causing increased respiratory illness, especially among children, straining healthcare systems. Transmission of respiratory illnesses is increased in our communities. Schools report much higher absenteeism than normal for this time of year. Our hospital emergency departments are seeing many patients. This increase in illness early in respiratory illness season highlights the importance of…
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10/31/22 Health Advisory: Updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters available to children 5 years or older
Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Immunizations, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup approved an age expansion for updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. The expansion allows children: 5–11 years old to get 1 booster dose of Pfizer pediatric updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. 6–17 years old to get 1…
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10/06/22 Health Advisory: Severe cases of monkeypox among people with immune compromise
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, monkeypox, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesSince May 2022, the United States has seen more than 25,000 cases of monkeypox virus (MPV). Most cases are mild to moderate, but some people are at higher risk of severe illness: Under 8 years old. Immune compromise. Atopic dermatitis or eczema. Pregnant. Unsuppressed or uncontrolled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Of those currently diagnosed with MPV…