Provider Resources WA

10/31/24 Health Advisory: Positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington.

Washington State Department of Health is investigating presumed positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington. Healthcare providers should consider avian influenza in patients who present with acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness (ILI). Assess patients for exposure to animals––especially poultry, cattle, and wildlife, or to people suspected or known to be infected.  Current 10/31/24 Health Advisory: Positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington.

10/17/24 Health Advisory: Disruptions in Availability of Peritoneal Dialysis and Intravenous Solutions from Baxter International Facility in North Carolina

IV bags hanging from an IV pole.

BackgroundOver several days in late September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to the southeastern United States. The storm affected the Baxter International’s North Cove facility in North Carolina, the largest manufacturer of peritoneal dialysis and intravenous solutions in the United States, halting production. Additional supply disruption may occur in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Recommendations for Healthcare 10/17/24 Health Advisory: Disruptions in Availability of Peritoneal Dialysis and Intravenous Solutions from Baxter International Facility in North Carolina

09/23/24 Health Advisory: 2024–2025 Respiratory Illness Season Vaccine Recommendations

Gloved hand squeeze bicep while giving a shot.

Summary COVID-19 vaccine recommendations For most people, the minimum interval between their last 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose and their 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose is 8 weeks. There are exceptions for people completing a multidose initial vaccination series, including: Learn more in CDC’s detailed vaccination schedules for people who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised and people who are 09/23/24 Health Advisory: 2024–2025 Respiratory Illness Season Vaccine Recommendations

08/01/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.

Background C. auris is an emerging, often multi-drug resistant yeast, that was first identified in the US in 2009. The first locally acquired case of C. auris in Washington was reported in 2023, and the first outbreak was  reported in January 2024. It can cause difficult to control outbreaks in high acuity facilities, especially among 08/01/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.

07/19/24 Summer Rabies Provider Alert and Resources

Bat on a tree

With the summer months upon us and an uptick in animal bites in the community, Jefferson County Public Health would like to share some up-to-date information on rabies.   When determining the risk of rabies in your patient, the number one factor to consider is the type of animal the patient was exposed to. Bats are 07/19/24 Summer Rabies Provider Alert and Resources

04/30/24 Health Advisory: Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease Increasing in the United States

Black triangle with ! "Health Advisory" on yellow background

Summary Invasive serogroup Y meningococcal disease cases are on the rise in the United States. Cases are disproportionately occurring in people who are: 30–60 years old. Black or African American. Living with HIV. Washington has not seen an increase in cases. Patients with invasive meningococcal disease may have bloodstream infection or septic arthritis, without typical meningitis symptoms 04/30/24 Health Advisory: Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease Increasing in the United States

03/27/2024 Health Advisory: Measles Increasing in Washington, the Nation, and the World

Summary Background Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to severe health complications, like pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, especially in unvaccinated people. Measles outbreaks have occurred in Washington, the United States, and around the world in 2024. Outbreaks often start when an unvaccinated or under-vaccinated person is exposed during international travel and 03/27/2024 Health Advisory: Measles Increasing in Washington, the Nation, and the World

01/19/24 Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Southwest Washington

An active measles outbreak investigation is underway in Clark and Wahkiakum Counties. As of Jan. 10, 2024, investigators have identified 3 lab-confirmed and 3 epidemiologically linked measles cases in unvaccinated adults. Symptoms began in mid-to-late December. All report isolating at home during their contagious period. Investigators have not identified any public exposure locations. Healthcare providers 01/19/24 Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Southwest Washington

12/15/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated

TB Skin test

A large outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in the state prison system may affect more than 800 people who were incarcerated. Requested actions Ask patients about risk factors for TB exposure: Test people with risk factors unless they have a known history of TB infection or TB disease. Evaluate people who test positive to rule out 12/15/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated

09/20/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized

Syringe in vial

On Sept. 11, 2023, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized for emergency use new, updated (2023–2024) COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. FDA deauthorized previous bivalent COVID-19 vaccines. On Sept. 11, 2023, FDA deauthorized previous bivalent COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. CDC recommends new, updated (2023–2024) COVID-19 vaccines. CDC’s new, updated (2023–2014) COVID-19 09/20/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized