Preparing for respiratory virus season: Tips to prevent serious illness from COVID-19, RSV and flu

October 6, 2023.Reading time 9 minutes.

Young girl with thermometer in her mouth. Young girl covering her cough. Adult man blowing his nose.

Last fall we saw many respiratory virus infections and hospitalizations, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus (flu). This fall, we want to look at what to expect when it comes to respiratory viruses and some prevention steps you can take. 

Lives lost but not forgotten – 2023 Indigent Remains Ceremony

September 25, 2023.Reading time 4 minutes.

Photo of gravestone with flowers surrounding it

Every few years, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office (KCMEO) hosts a unique memorial to ensure that every King County resident is remembered. The KCMEO’s Indigent Remains Program provides burial for King County residents who have died without resources or family to claim their remains for a proper burial. This program serves people whose families either could not be located or could not provide for the proper disposition of remains.

The next ceremony to remember these individuals will take place on Wednesday, October 25, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Renton (100 Blaine Ave NE). It’s open to any member of the public who wishes to pay their respects.

Rabid bat found in King County: What you should know to protect yourself, your family, and your pets

June 13, 2023.Reading time 7 minutes.

An eastern King County resident and their unvaccinated puppy were exposed to rabies after potentially coming in contact with a bat in the bushes near their home. The bat was collected and sent to the Washington State Public Health Lab where it tested positive for rabies. In situations like these, Public Health will make recommendations for potentially exposed humans and animals.

The Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration ends May 11, 2023. What does this mean for you?

May 8, 2023.Reading time 10 minutes.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first began here in the US, the federal government put in place special emergency declarations that allowed them to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 as well as addressing financial barriers to COVID-19-related care. On May 11, 2023, the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration ends, which means there will be changes to how some people receive COVID-19-related care, like testing, treatment, and vaccines.

Do you know me? Help identify two unknown people found dead in King County

May 1, 2023.Reading time 8 minutes.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify two people found dead in two separate cases in King County. The Medical Examiner’s Office is releasing forensic sketches and information related to the two cases with the goal of bringing answers to who these people were.