First locally acquired case of West Nile virus

October 29, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

A Seattle resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, making this the first locally acquired case of West Nile virus reported in King County. The individual, a woman in her 40s, reported symptoms including fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, and a rash. She was hospitalized for one day in mid-September and has since […]

Adorable animals: Shameless pandering for emergency preparedness

September 26, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

We know you aren’t as prepared for an emergency as you could be. Don’t feel badly–it’s true for everyone, and even though we are the health department, we’re not going to wag our finger. But we aren’t above wagging some tails. We’re here to remind you to take those next steps to be a little […]

Rabbit fever is a thing? Get to know tularemia

August 13, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

Also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, tularemia is a rare disease caused by infection with the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It can range from mild to life-threatening, causing ulcers, gland inflammations, and in some instances, difficulty breathing. In King County, only seven cases of tularemia have been reported to Public Health over the […]

5 things to know about bats and rabies

July 20, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

Public Health Insider has reported on multiple incidents of human/bat interactions this summer – a bat in a park bathroom, a bat at an equestrian center and a bat near Husky Stadium. Statewide, bat-human encounters broke a record this spring. So what are the essential 5 things to know about bats? Read on: 1. Anyone […]

Seeking people exposed to bat at Cottage Lake Park in Woodinville

July 13, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

At around 6:30 a.m. on July 13, a bat was found in a public men’s restroom by park staff at Cottage Lake Park in Woodinville. Based on a description of the bat provided by park staff, the bat may have been handled by one or more people. Park staff were able to safely capture the […]

Rabid bat found at Hollywood Hills Equestrian Park in Woodinville

July 9, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

A rabid bat was found near the arena seating at Hollywood Hills Equestrian Park in Woodinville, WA. Find out if you are at risk and what to do to prevent rabies.