Provider Resources WA

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

| January 19, 2024
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

| 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

12/06/23 Health Advisory: Test perinatally exposed children for hepatitis C.

| December 6, 2023
baby clothes sitting on a table. A yellow shirt, a pacifier, a blue pair of socks and a pink pair of socks.

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 … 12/06/23 Health Advisory: Test perinatally exposed children for hepatitis C.

11/21/23 Health Advisory: Nirsevimab supplies are short.

| November 21, 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 … 11/21/23 Health Advisory: Nirsevimab supplies are short.

10/16/23 Health Advisory: FDA Authorized New Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Formulation

| October 16, 2023

The new adjuvanted (2023–2204) formulation of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for people 12 years or older as follows: Updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine availability may be limited and vary by location. Help patients understand this situation and thank them for their patience. Resources Questions?

09/28/23 Health Advisory: 2023–2024 Respiratory Illness Season

| September 28, 2023

This 2023–2024 respiratory illness season, we’re monitoring 3 common causes of respiratory illness that circulate in Pierce County: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. Influenza Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States last flu season (2022–2023) caused: Those at highest risk for severe illness include: Guidelines RSV RSV … 09/28/23 Health Advisory: 2023–2024 Respiratory Illness Season

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

| September 19, 2023
hands in blue medical gloves holding a syringe and drawing from a vile

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. On Sept. 12, 2023, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended everyone 6 months or older get new, updated (2023–2024) COVID-19 vaccine. The federal government will no longer provide COVID-19 vaccine. … 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

07/19/23: The first case of Candida auris diagnosed in Washington

| July 19, 2023

A Pierce County man was diagnosed July 13 with colonization due to Candida auris (C. auris), a multidrug-resistant fungus that can cause serious infections. This is believed to be the first locally acquired case in Washington. C. auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness, especially in those suffering from serious medical conditions who have … 07/19/23: The first case of Candida auris diagnosed in Washington

07/06/23 Health Advisory: Syphilis Treatment Impacted by Bicillin L-A Shortage

| July 6, 2023
Mother holds her child.

Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A) is in short supply due to increased demand. Syphilis is increasing in all groups, especially in heterosexual people. Reserve Bicillin L-A for pregnant people with or exposed to syphilis, or babies with congenital syphilis. Read on for syphilis: Treatment. Testing with reverse algorithm. Reserve Bicillin L-A for pregnant people. Reserve … 07/06/23 Health Advisory: Syphilis Treatment Impacted by Bicillin L-A Shortage