-
08/14/2026 Health Advisory: Take Steps Now. Measles Stops with Us.
Situation summary Since 2025, large outbreaks of measles across the U.S. have led to the highest annual case counts since 1991. National reporting of cases signals the likely return of endemic measles circulation in the U.S. The country is expected to lose measles elimination status when evaluated later this year. Additionally, Washington State Department of…
-
07/19/24 Summer Rabies Provider Alert and Resources
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…
-
7/17/2024 Provider Alert: Assess patients with influenza-like illness for animal exposures this summer
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Alerts, Provider ResourcesCurrent Situation An ongoing global outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds, with transmission to poultry and certain mammals, including dairy cattle, has resulted in four confirmed cases of HPAI in humans in the United States in 2024. To date, there have been no human cases of HPAI confirmed in Washington; however,…
-
04/30/24 Health Advisory: Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease Increasing in the United States
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
12/15/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated
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…
-
09/20/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, News and Alerts, Provider ResourcesOn 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…
-
Vaping-associated Pulmonary Illness
CDC Urges Clinicians to Report Cases of Unexplained Vaping-associated Pulmonary Illness Multiple cases of severe pulmonary disease in patients who use vape products have occurred in Wisconsin and Illinois. Requested actions Ask patients who present with respiratory or pulmonary illness if they vape THC or e-juice. Determine what kind of THC or e-juice they’ve vaped,…
-
-
Hepatitis A Fact Sheet
Overview Transmission: Fecal-oral. Incubation Period: Average 28-30 days (range 15-50 days). Symptoms: Anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, followed by jaundice. Severity of illness increases with age. Infectious Period: 14 days prior to onset of jaundice to seven days after onset of jaundice. Infants can excrete virus in the stool for longer periods of time. Epidemiology:…
-
“What is Public Health?” from American Public Health Association
Learn why public health is essential in American Public Health Association’s “What Is Public Health?” article. Read Fact Sheet →
-
Hand Hygiene In Healthcare Settings
What is hand hygiene? Hand hygiene refers to the use of hand washing with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or greater) in order to reduce infection rates, reduce transmission of antimicrobial resistant organisms and stop outbreaks of communicable disease. Why is hand hygiene important? When should I use hand hygiene? How…