Provider Resources WA

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

| April 30, 2024

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

| March 27, 2024

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

02/08/24 Health Advisory: RSV Prevention Updates

| February 8, 2024
Infant sleeping on adult's chest.

Summary Background On Oct. 23, 2023, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert about the limited supply of nirsevimab. CDC recommended healthcare providers prioritize nirsevimab for infants born later in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season or for those at increased risk for severe illness. On Jan. 5, 2024, CDC issued updated guidance about the increased … 02/08/24 Health Advisory: RSV Prevention Updates

01/22/24 Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Southwest Washington

| January 19, 2024
Person covering their mouth with hand, head lowered

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 … 01/22/24 Health Advisory: Measles Outbreak in Southwest Washington

12/13/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated

| December 13, 2023
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 … 12/13/23 Health Advisory: Test for tuberculosis people who were incarcerated

12/07/23 Health Advisory: Test perinatally exposed children for hepatitis C.

| December 8, 2023
Hands cradling a pregnant belly

Action requested Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you test children born to people with: Test children for HCV RNA at 2–6 months old, up to 17 months old. Give untested children older than 18 months an HCV antibody test with reflex to HCV RNA. Report hepatitis C cases in pregnant people and the … 12/07/23 Health Advisory: Test perinatally exposed children for hepatitis C.

11/22/23 Health Advisory: Nirsevimab supplies are short.

| November 22, 2023
Provider standing and pregnant person sitting on exam table.

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) RSV preventive antibodies for infants is in short supply. Encourage Abrysvo vaccine for pregnant people to protect babies from RSV.  Washington will receive 7,700 50 mg and 600 100 mg nirsevimab doses for the remainder of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Health Alert that … 11/22/23 Health Advisory: Nirsevimab supplies are short.

10/02/23 Health Advisory: 2023–2024 Respiratory Illness Season

| October 2, 2023
Adult holding a child. A nurse is listening to the child's lungs.

This 2023–2024 respiratory illness season, we’re monitoring 3 common causes of respiratory illness that circulate in Island County: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. Please review the information below and resources posted on the Island County Public Health Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses webpage. Influenza Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the … 10/02/23 Health Advisory: 2023–2024 Respiratory Illness Season

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

| September 20, 2023
syringe in medicine 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

08/21/23 Health Advisory: DOH links listeria outbreak to Frugals restaurant in Pierce County

| August 21, 2023

Washington State Department of Health found Listeria bacteria in milkshake machines at Frugals restaurant in Parkland (10727 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98444). Investigators used genome sequencing and interviews to link it to a recent outbreak that has killed three people and sent three more to the hospital. Read DOH’s release to learn more. Most … 08/21/23 Health Advisory: DOH links listeria outbreak to Frugals restaurant in Pierce County