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Provider Alert: Watch for cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Current Situation Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious acute-onset paralytic disease, which presents with symptoms similar to poliomyelitis. AFM occurs in patients of any age, but mainly affects children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting at least 11 confirmed cases of AFM in 2026. In previous years, cases…
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Provider Alert: Updated Guidance for Influenza Testing and Subtyping
Situation Summary Emergency Department visits for influenza are currently rising in Washington, indicating an early start to the 2026-2027 influenza season. Be alert for patients with seasonal as well as novel influenza viruses such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories…
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06/15/26 Health Advisory: Infant Botulism Associated with Nara Organics Infant Formula
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 breathing, and…
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05/21/26 Health Advisory: Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda
Situation summary The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola . In neighboring Uganda, health authorities confirmed 2 cases of Ebola disease in people who had traveled from DRC. A case of Ebola…
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04/20/26 Provider Alert: Measles continues to spread in Washington; Prepare now
Current Situation As of April 15, 2026, a total of 37 cases of measles have been identified in Washington state this year. WA DOH is aware of at least 9 separate introductions of measles into the state since January 1, 2026, all associated with domestic or international travel. Many of these cases have led to…
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04/17/26 Health Advisory: Be alert for medetomidine overdose and withdrawal in people who use fentanyl
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…
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03/16/26 Provider Alert: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season has been extended through April 30, 2026
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…
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03/09/26 Measles remains a growing concern in Washington
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…
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Washington confirms measles outbreak
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed a measles outbreak in Snohomish County—the first in the state since 2023. Three unvaccinated children ages 23 months to 9 years tested positive for the highly contagious disease. Additionally, one person in Kittitas county tested positive. The outbreak comes as measles cases are rising across the United States,…
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Washington state expands same-day support for opioid use disorder
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…
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The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
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…
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West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
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…
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11/24/25 Health News: Statement Regarding Vaccines and Autism
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…