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
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
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
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
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
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
Requested 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 … 04/24/23 Health Advisory: Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Use Expanded, Monovalent No Longer Authorized
Requested actions Background Shigellosis is an acute enteric infection. It is an important cause of domestically acquired and travel-associated bacterial diarrhea in the United States. A low infectious dose makes Shigella bacteria easily transmitted from person to person. Consider shigellosis in the differential diagnosis of acute diarrhea, especially in people who: Shigellosis can be a mild, … 03/14/23 Health Advisory: Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis
Actions requested Background Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a cluster of antibiotic-resistant infections that may be linked to artificial tears. The most frequently reported brand was EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free product dispensed in muti-dose bottles. These over-the-counter eye drops are sold widely in … 02/03/23 Health Advisory: Multistate Cluster of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Associated with Artificial Tears
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 … 11/08/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity
