New cases of Legionnaires’ Disease at Local Hospital

August 25, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

The University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) has notified Public Health – Seattle & King County of two patients who were diagnosed with a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease caused by infection with Legionella bacteria. The patients’ medical histories suggest that exposure to Legionella happened while hospitalized at UWMC. The first patient, a male in his 40’s, […]

Rabid bat found at Green Lake Park

August 19, 2017.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A rabid bat was found at Green Lake Park in Seattle on Thursday evening, August 17th. If you had any contact with a bat at the park on Wednesday or Thursday, contact Public Health immediately (206-296-4774) for information on preventative treatment. Rabies can be life-threatening, but is preventable if treated before symptoms appear. Read our media release for […]

Spray what? Tips for good hygiene at spray parks

August 3, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Anyone with a kid – or anyone who was once a child – knows the joy of cooling off in a public spray park on a hot and sticky summer day. They are a great way for pre-swimmers and swimmers alike to have fun while staying safe. Recently, we have been asked about water quality […]

Public Health investigates rare infection linked to fish in supermarket tanks

July 25, 2017.Reading time less than 1 minute.

After a King County man was diagnosed with a rare and sometimes fatal bacterial infection, Vibrio vulnificus, public health officials are investigating the possibility that the bacteria came from fish purchased locally. Public Health cautions anyone who has come into contact with raw fish to seek medical care if they develop symptoms of infection. Read the […]

The raw deal: Why under-cooked oysters make you sick

July 18, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

In the last few weeks we have seen a spike in illness associated with consumption of raw oysters, and as the summer heats up, we anticipate more. We sat down with Jenny Lloyd, one of the epidemiologists investigating these illnesses, to learn more about what’s making people sick. Why do raw oysters make people […]

Tuberculosis evaluation at the University of Washington Seattle campus

June 6, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is following up on a person at the University of Washington Seattle campus who was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Public Health is working with the UW to determine whether others have contracted TB from exposure to this person. The University and Public Health are contacting all individuals who had […]