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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 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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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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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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Follow-Up on Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox
The Yakima Health District held a zoom meeting with local providers about monkeypox on Wednesday, August 24 at 12:00pm. Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control at the Yakima Health District and Dr. Neil Barg, Health Officer presented on the current state of the monkeypox outbreak, how it spreads, symptoms, when providers should test someone for…
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Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox, August 24th at 12:00pm
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, monkeypox, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider Resources, Provider TrainingThe Yakima Health District will hold a meeting with local providers about monkeypox on Wednesday, August 24 at 12:00pm via zoom. Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control at the Yakima Health District and Dr. Neil Barg, Health Officer will be presenting. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an overview of the current state…
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Health Advisory: Increase in Syphilis Cases in Yakima County
Requested Actions Be aware, Yakima County reported a 326% increase in syphilis cases in 2021 compared to 2020. Optimize syphilis surveillance in pregnancy to reduce the risk of congenital syphilis. Test all women in the first trimester or at presentation to care if presenting after the first trimester Test all high-risk women again in the…
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Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update
Monkeypox in Yakima County Lab results have confirmed that a Yakima County resident has tested positive for monkeypox. This is the first known case in Yakima County. Yakima Health District staff is working with the individual to identify close contacts and providing them with the JYNNEOS vaccine to prevent further spread. The individual is isolating…
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07/14/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, monkeypox, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested actions Washington currently has 16 reported cases of monkeypox, mostly in King County. Early cases were linked to travel but Public Health Seattle–King County announced last week the virus is likely spreading locally. Monkeypox is rare and not often seen in the United States. It can cause a rash that looks like bumps, blisters…
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06/24/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance
Requested actions Immediately report suspected monkeypox cases to Yakima County Health District. Call the reporting line at 800-535-5016 ext. 541. Consider submitting a suspect monkeypox intake form to help us determine whether to test for monkeypox. Be aware, recent confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States differ from the classic monkeypox presentation of previous…
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CDC Call for Cases Pediatric Brain Abscesses, Epidural Empyemas, and Subdural Empyemas Associated with Streptococcus species
Advisory or Update, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Health Advisory, Health Alert, News and Alerts, News and UpdateRequested Action Please see below for a CDC Call for Cases of Pediatric Brain Abscesses, Epidural Empyemas, and Subdural Empyemas Associated with Streptococcus species. Healthcare partners should report suspected cases to the local Yakima Health District by calling 509-249-6541 Summary: CDC is investigating a potential increase in pediatric brain abscesses and epidural and subdural…
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Health Advisory: Drug Overdose Deaths Continue to Increase in Yakima County
Requested Actions Be aware, in Yakima County, opioid overdose deaths have increased in 2020 and 2021. Be aware, synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl have been the primary factor for the increase in overdose deaths in the county. Ensure to co-prescribe naloxone to patients prescribed with opioids. Ensure to provide education to patients receiving an opioid…
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Health Advisory: Monkeypox virus in non-endemic countries
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Health Advisory, Infection Control, News and Alerts, News and Update, Provider Resources, UncategorizedContact: Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control 509-249-6509 Requested actions Be aware, monkeypox virus infections are occurring in non-endemic countries, including 10 case in the United States, 1 reported case in Washington State. Assess for alternative etiologies in conditions causing pox-like lesions—herpes simplex, syphilis, varicella, etc. Report suspected or confirmed monkeypox cases to the Health…