Stephanie Badillo-Sanchez

Health Advisory: New Washington State Department of Health Guidance for COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses Does Not Apply to Healthcare Settings

| March 20, 2024
A doctors jacket with a stethoscope.

03/20/2024 Requested Actions Background The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced updated guidance for what to do when someone is sick with COVID-19, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses. The new guidance recommends people return to normal activities when their symptoms are getting better overall and they have not had a fever (without having to … Health Advisory: New Washington State Department of Health Guidance for COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses Does Not Apply to Healthcare Settings

Health Advisory: Tuberculosis Testing For People Who Were Previously Incarcerated

| December 1, 2023
Exam room with vitals equipment on wall

11/30/2023 The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), and local health jurisdictions continue to work to address a large tuberculosis (TB) outbreak within the state prison system. Since July 2021, 28 people have been diagnosed with active TB; during the outbreak investigation, DOH and DOC identified over 2900 potentially … Health Advisory: Tuberculosis Testing For People Who Were Previously Incarcerated

09/27/2023 Increase in Shigella Cases in Yakima County

| September 27, 2023

Requested Actions How Shigella Spreads Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis. Shigella can spread easily from one person to another- and it only takes a small amount of Shigella to cause illness. Shigella spreads easily and individuals can get infected by swallowing Shigella. Some ways Shigella can get on individuals’ hands are: Symptoms of … 09/27/2023 Increase in Shigella Cases in Yakima County

Upcoming Webinars from Washington State Department of Health on Changes to COVID-19 Guidance in Healthcare

| March 31, 2023

The WA State Department of Health (DOH) will be updating the Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings onApril 3rd, 2023.On April 3rd,updates will be found at this web page: DOH COVID-19 Infection Prevention in Healthcare Settings. The Washington State Department of Health is holding a webinar on April 6th, 2023 … <strong>Upcoming Webinars from Washington State Department of Health on Changes to COVID-19 Guidance in Healthcare</strong>

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

| March 15, 2023

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 … <strong>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</strong>

CDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears

| February 2, 2023

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 … CDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears

Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County Resident Exposed During International Travel

| January 26, 2023
A doctors jacket with a stethoscope.

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 … <strong>Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County Resident Exposed During International Travel</strong>

Management of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Shortage

| December 16, 2022

Situation: 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 … <strong>Management of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Shortage</strong>

Follow-Up on Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox

| August 30, 2022

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 … Follow-Up on Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox

Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox, August 24th at 12:00pm

| August 22, 2022

The 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 … Yakima Health District Meeting with Local Providers: Monkeypox, August 24th at 12:00pm