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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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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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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…
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11/20/25 Provider Alert: Case of H5N5 Influenza Confirmed in Washington
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…
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11/13/25: Health Alert: Infant Botulism Associated with ByHeart 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…
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08/06/25 Health Advisory: Possible case of locally acquired malaria in Pierce County
Summary: Though the risk remains low, be vigilant for possible cases of malaria and act urgently to diagnose and treat. An East Pierce County woman who has not traveled recently was diagnosed with malaria Aug. 2. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is working with Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and…
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7/30/25 Provider Alert: Chagas Disease Screening Recommendations in Washington
Summary: Screen patients for Chagas disease if they have a history of residence in or prolonged travel to Mexico, Central, or South America. Chagas disease is a vector-borne parasitic disease which, if left untreated, can lead to chronic cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and/or congenital Chagas disease in infants. Current Situation The Washington State…
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07/01/25 Health Advisory: Screening guidance for Candida auris in light of new local cases
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…
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04/18/25 Health Advisory: Stay alert for measles cases
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…
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Provider Alert: Subtyping of Influenza A is Recommended for Hospitalized Patients
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…
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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…