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04/20/26 Provider Alert: Measles continues to spread in Washington; Prepare now
Current Situation As of April 15, 2026, a total of 37 cases of measles have been identified in Washington state this year. WA DOH is aware of at least 9 separate introductions of measles into the state since January 1, 2026, all associated with domestic or international travel. Many of these cases have led to…
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Secretary of Health Mask Order in Washington State Will be Rescinded After April 3, 2023 , Washington State Department of Health to Continue Masking Recommendations at This Time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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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…