Mumps Outbreaks: Why Do we Care and Is the Vaccine Working?

December 5, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

By Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County Learn about the on-going mumps outbreak in King County. Why do we care about mumps? Mumps causes painful swelling of the salivary glands in the cheek and jaw area that usually lasts for 1-2 weeks. Complications of mumps include inflammation of the testes […]

Public Health investigates rare bacterial infection associated with raw seafood

November 17, 2016.Reading time less than 1 minute.

After a King County woman was diagnosed with a rare and sometimes fatal bacterial infection, Vibrio vulnificus, public health officials are investigating the possibility that the bacteria came from tilapia fish purchased locally. Public Health cautions anyone who has come into contact with raw fish to seek medical care if they develop symptoms of infection. […]

TB evaluation at Renton High School

October 31, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is following up on a person at Renton High School who was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Public Health is working with Renton School District officials to define the extent of any potential TB exposures, conduct screenings for those exposed, and provide guidance and information to Renton High School community […]

Syphilis rising: Public Health recommends more syphilis testing

October 31, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

Public Health has documented a significant increase in syphilis cases in King County. We sat down with Dr. Lindley Barbee, the Medical Director of the Public Health – Seattle & King County STD Clinic to understand the latest figures and how to prevent the spread of this disease. The HIV/STD program has documented an increase […]

TB evaluation at the University of Washington Seattle campus

October 27, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

An X-ray of the chest of a man with tuberculosis. The areas infected with TB bacteria are colored red. Science Photo Library/Corbis

Public Health – Seattle & King County is following up on a person at the University of Washington Seattle campus who was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Public Health is working with the UW to determine whether others have contracted TB from exposure to this person. The University and Public Health are contacting all individuals who had […]

Extreme hot is not cool: How to beat the extra heat

August 17, 2016.Reading time 2 minutes.

Northwest summers can be fantastic, but when is hot too hot? The National Weather Service is on the job to tell us, and what they are saying should get your attention now. They have issued an Excessive Heat Warning for many areas in our region, including King County. This statement lets us know that very hot weather that can affect our […]