World TB Day: A conversation with Public Health’s TB Officer

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

We rarely hear about someone being sick with tuberculosis (TB) – much less dying from it – here in King County. And yet, Public Health has an entire program and clinic dedicated to TB.

In light of King County Board of Health recognizing tomorrow, March 24, as World Tuberculosis Day, we sat down for a Q&A with Public Health’s Dr. Caitlin Reed, the Medical Officer for Public Health’s TB Program, so we can learn more about this local public health success story.

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Measles case in traveler with possible exposures at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 

Measles

Leer en español  Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified of a confirmed measles case in a Canadian resident who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)) on March 9, 2026. The individual’s vaccination status is unknown. If you are not immune to measles or don’t know your vaccination status, and were at the airport on March 9, please visit our measles webpage for specific information about potential areas […]

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Leda’s Story: How Medicaid helps families thrive

A tired but smiling couple gaze down at an infant in an NICU bed in a hospital.

In this comic, Leda, a mother of two young children, shares how Medicaid and SNAP made a crucial difference in the lives of her family, helping them stay afloat during a rough patch. It’s a familiar situation for many people who need short-term, additional support to thrive in the long-term. Have you been hearing about […]

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Ask a tox doc: What’s the big deal with plastic?  

It’s hard to avoid plastic. So many common objects that we use regularly have plastic, from toothbrushes and soap bottles to juice cartons and kids’ toys.  

I sat down with Dr. Shirlee Tan, a toxicologist with Public Health, to chat about plastic and find out: Is it a concern for our health? And if so, how can we protect ourselves?

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Stretch your food dollars with programs that can help

A farmers market stall displays baskets of fresh vegetables, including leafy greens and carrots, with a sign reading “SNAP Market Match Accepted Here” and informational vouchers showing that SNAP benefits can be used and matched at the market.

When the cost of food rises faster than a family’s income, it can feel like the table is getting emptier. But in King County, there are programs making a real difference. SNAP, WIC, Fresh Bucks, and local food banks are helping households keep food at home, ease daily worry, and feel supported during a tough moment.

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Survivors aren’t alone: Family support inside a hospital

A man with a bald head, beard, and glasses sits bedside at a hospital, looking concerned. A teen is lying in the bed, eyes closed, head turned away, with an IV in his arm

Survivors of gun violence need support that goes beyond just medical treatment. In this comic strip, we see how Paul, a violence intervention specialist, offers survivors and their families bedside support and immediate help with their basic needs.

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