Early testing, treatment, and diagnosis for TB stops spread, saves lives

March 24, 2025.Reading time 8 minutes.

X-ray image of human lungs with red mass on one side

In 2023 and 2024, tuberculosis (TB) re-claimed its long-held status as the world’s deadliest infectious disease. Globally, 10.8 million people developed TB disease in 2023, including 1.25 million people who died of TB disease. For this year’s World TB Day on March 24, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in King County and how our community is working to stop this disease.

Second measles case identified in Washington state

March 18, 2025.Reading time 5 minutes.

We have identified a second case of measles in Washington state. This case is linked to a previous case of measles in King County from late February. The individual was not in any public spaces while infectious.

Public Health reports first pediatric flu deaths of the 2024-25 flu season

March 7, 2025.Reading time 6 minutes.

Public Health has learned that two children in King County have died from complications of the flu. The first child was an elementary-age child who passed away on February 14, 2025. The second was a preschool-age child who passed away on February 21, 2025. These two unconnected cases are the first two recorded pediatric flu deaths this season in King County. King County has not had a pediatric flu death since the 2022-2023 flu season.

First measles case of 2025 in Washington state identified in a King County infant

February 27, 2025.Reading time 9 minutes.

We have identified a new case of measles in an infant in King County. People who were at certain locations in King County may have been exposed. People who are vaccinated are very well protected. See full blog for a list of exposure locations:

Potential exposure to measles from traveler at Seattle – Tacoma International Airport

January 16, 2025.Reading time 7 minutes.

We have confirmed a new case of measles in an individual who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) while infectious.

What the latest mpox emergency declaration means locally

August 30, 2024.Reading time 6 minutes.

Mpox is in the news. To understand what this means locally, we sat down with Dr. Matthew Golden, Public Health’s Director of the HIV/STI/HCV Program for some context.