Alongside people during vital life moments: Portraits of Public Health

April 23, 2026.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.

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

April 16, 2026.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.

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

April 15, 2026.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.

Measles case identified in a King County infant

April 10, 2026.Reading time 6 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is informing the community of a confirmed measles case in a King County infant who may have exposed others to the measles virus.

Legionella: How this lesser-known bacteria in water systems can impact your health

April 2, 2026.Reading time 9 minutes.

Stainless steel showerhead spraying water downward. Blue tile in the background.

In 2025, there were 33 cases of Legionella infections among King County residents compared to 8 cases in 2005. But there is good news: Legionnaires’ disease is preventable!

Two measles cases identified in King County connected to international travel

April 1, 2026.Reading time 6 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified on March 30, 2026, of measles cases in two adults who live in King County. The two individuals traveled together internationally where they were likely exposed to measles. Before they were diagnosed with measles, the two individuals visited multiple locations in Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue while infectious.