Situation There is an outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Three King County residents were potentially exposed. None of the exposed King County residents currently have symptoms of hantavirus. No other Washington residents have been reported as being exposed to Andes virus. Currently, no one in Washington … 05/13/26 Hantavirus exposure in King County residents
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently notified public health professionals, clinicians, laboratorians, and people at risk for overdose about the presence of medetomidine in the illegal drug supply, particularly in substances sold as fentanyl. Medetomidine is also colloquially called rhino tranq, mede, or dex. Its use can lead to overdose and a serious withdrawal … 04/17/26 Health Advisory: Be alert for medetomidine overdose and withdrawal in people who use fentanyl
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through April 30, 2026. Please continue to administer nirsevimab or clesrovimab to all eligible patients through April 30th. Current Situation RSV activity in Washington began later than usual this season, with emergency department visits in the state reaching the activity threshold in December 2025, compared to … 03/16/26 Provider Alert: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through April 30, 2026
Measles remains a growing concern in Washington as U.S. surpasses 1,100 cases in 2026. MMR vaccine remains the most effective tool to prevent further spread OLYMPIA – Measles continues to pose a serious public health concern in Washington and across the country. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed 26 measles cases across four counties this year, marking … 03/09/26 Measles remains a growing concern in Washington
Telebupe Hotline brings rapid, low-barrier care to people statewide Summary Background People across Washington now have an easier way to get help for opioid use disorder. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is partnering with the University of Washington (UW) to expand the Washington Telebuprenorphine (Telebupe) Hotline statewide. Washington residents can now access same-day medical treatment via phone or video no matter where they live in the state by … Washington state expands same-day support for opioid use disorder
Summary The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) continues to recommend the American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Background On January 5, 2026, the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed a decision memorandum to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely … The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
WCHA disagrees with CDC’s Advisory Committee’s change to decades-long vaccine recommendation that has reduced pediatric hepatitis B infections by 99 percent. The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly supports that hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose of the vaccine given within 24 hours of birth for … West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
On November 21 the Department of Health and the West Coast Health Alliance issued statements regarding vaccines and autism. In short, vaccines are thoroughly tested and remain one of the most important tools we have for preventing infectious diseases. They represent one of the greatest public health achievements in history, having saved millions of lives … 11/24/25 Health News: Statement Regarding Vaccines and Autism
Current Situation On November 13, 2025, a Washington resident who has been hospitalized with respiratory illness symptoms since early November tested positive for influenza A H5, a type of avian influenza. Subsequent sequencing confirmed the patient was infected with H5N5 influenza virus. To our knowledge, this is the first known human case of H5N5. The … 11/20/25 Provider Alert: Case of H5N5 Influenza Confirmed in Washington
Summary Actions Requested Background Infant botulism is a rare illness where spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria colonize and grow in an infant’s large intestine. These bacteria release a neurotoxin that causes symptoms like constipation, weakness (especially in sucking, crying, and swallowing), and loss of muscle tone. If untreated, the condition can lead to paralysis, trouble … 11/13/25: Health Alert: Infant Botulism Associated with ByHeart Infant Formula
