Three King County residents connected to international cruise ship in public health monitoring for hantavirus 

.Reading time 4 minutes.
Illustration of a cruise ship sailing past a mountainous landscape.

Public Health – Seattle & King County has been notified about three King County residents who were potentially exposed to hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. All three are asymptomatic and monitoring for symptoms, in coordination with public health officials. There are no cases of hantavirus in King County at this time.

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What’s the risk of hantavirus in King County?

.Reading time 11 minutes.
Two deer mice with brown fur and white bellies

Hantavirus is in the news with the cruise ship outbreak, but this type of hantavirus is a low risk for people in King County. A public health veterinarian explains why, and also gives advice based on the few cases of hantavirus ever found in the King County.

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Alongside people during vital life moments: Portraits of Public Health

.Reading time 4 minutes.
A smiling woman with black hair and brown skin, wearing a tan blazer and hoop earrings, with a orange background.

Birth and death are some of life’s most meaningful and complex moments, and for nearly two decades in Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Vital Records, Robbie has been supporting community members through the process of gathering and filing records for these momentous events.

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Local survey highlights how syringe service sites provide low-barrier entry point to connect people to services

.Reading time 9 minutes.
A photo of a wall with posters promoting treatment options.

Every two years, we conduct a survey of syringe service program clients as part of a statewide survey in partnership with University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI). The aim is to understand the needs of our clients and provide data to inform effective services to improve the health of people who use drugs.

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Do you know me? Help identify an unknown man found deceased near Medina

.Reading time 7 minutes.
Pencil sketch showing face of young man with light skin, long hair and a jacket.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify a man found deceased near Medina, under the SR 520 bridge. The Medical Examiner’s Office is releasing a forensic sketch and information related to the case with the goal of bringing answers to this man’s identity. 

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