Provider Resources WA

07/01/25 Health Advisory: Screening guidance for Candida auris in light of new local cases

| July 1, 2025

Summary: Upgrade screening and preparation for Candida auris. Two facilities in Seattle have known transmission of Candida auris (C. auris). We have limited information about how much transmission is occurring in Washington. We recommend that you: Early screening is critical for rapid identification so you can quickly implement infection control measures and prevent spread at your facility.  Background As of … 07/01/25 Health Advisory: Screening guidance for Candida auris in light of new local cases

04/22/25 Health Advisory: Stay alert for measles cases

| April 18, 2025
Baby with measles

Summary: Recognize measles and notify the Health Department. Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone who: If you suspect measles, call the Health Department before the patient leaves the clinic using . Background There is a large, ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. Several other states have reported smaller outbreaks of measles. Here in Washington, 4 cases have … 04/22/25 Health Advisory: Stay alert for measles cases

Provider Alert: Subtyping of Influenza A is Recommended for Hospitalized Patients

| February 3, 2025

This is a Provider Alert from the Washington State Department of Health and . On January 16, 2025 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory recommending influenza A testing for all hospitalized patients with suspected influenza, and also recommending expedited subtyping for influenza A-positive specimens. Providers and clinical laboratories in … Provider Alert: Subtyping of Influenza A is Recommended for Hospitalized Patients

10/23/24 Health Advisory: Presumed positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington.

| October 23, 2024

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

| October 17, 2024
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

| September 23, 2024
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

08/01/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.

| August 1, 2024

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 … 08/01/24 Provider Alert: Ongoing transmission of Candida auris identified in Washington.

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

| May 23, 2024
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

| April 30, 2024
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

| March 27, 2024
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