Public Health investigates HIV infection in heterosexuals who inject drugs

August 30, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County has recently identified an increase in the number of new HIV cases among heterosexuals who inject drugs in King County. HIV infection is typically much less common among heterosexuals in King County than among men who have sex with men (MSM). But the risk for HIV infection increases […]

Measles case in King County resident returning from travel

August 24, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Globe with red dots on several continents to indicate places where the measles is still common.

Local public health officials have confirmed measles infection in a King County man who had recently traveled to Asia. Before he was diagnosed, he may have exposed others to the measles at Sea-Tac Airport and the waiting room of the Emergency Department of Harborview Medical Center during specific time periods. He reportedly wore a face […]

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 […]

Investigation of Inflammation Syndrome Following Cataract Surgeries

August 8, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is investigating cases of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) after eye surgeries at three King County facilities. TASS is an acute, noninfectious inflammation of the eye that results when a foreign substance is introduced into the eye during surgery, typically cataract surgery. TASS is an uncommon complication and […]

Aw shucks! It’s pretty risky to eat raw and under-cooked oysters

July 25, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

As waters warm up, shellfish beds become breeding grounds for bacteria, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus or “Vibrio,” one of the most common causes of illness related to raw oyster consumption. And this year, we’re setting records. Why are so many people getting sick? We sat down with Vance Kawakami, our communicable disease epidemiologist, to better understand […]

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 […]