Provider Resources WA

10/23/24 Health Advisory: Presumed 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 10/23/24 Health Advisory: Presumed 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

08/05/24 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 08/05/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.

05/23/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Increasing in Washington

Stethoscope on child's back

Summary Current situation in Washington In 2023 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) week 1–18, healthcare providers reported 24 cases of confirmed or probable pertussis in Washington. In this same period in 2024, providers reported 170 cases. This is a 6-fold increase. Multiple health jurisdictions reported increases. DOH (Washington State Department of Health) updates its weekly pertussis update every Friday. Recommendations for 05/23/24 Health Advisory: Pertussis Increasing in Washington

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

Red warning tringle with black exclamation mark in the center

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

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

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

Person with head down, covering mouth with hand

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

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