What’s the risk of hantavirus in King County?

May 8, 2026.Reading time 11 minutes.

Two deer mice with brown fur and white bellies

Hantavirus is in the news with the cruise ship outbreak, but this type of hantavirus is a low risk for people in King County. A public health veterinarian explains why, and also gives advice based on the few cases of hantavirus ever found in the King County.

Backyard Critter Guide: How to avoid diseases from animals

May 13, 2024.Reading time 9 minutes.

The days are warmer which means more time for cleaning your garage or working in the garden. As you clean out that shed, or work on that weeding, be prepared for animals you may encounter at home and in your yard. Here is your local guide to help prevent some of the diseases that are spread between animals and humans.

Hantavirus Case Reported in King County

December 30, 2021.Reading time 10 minutes.

Public Health is investigating a case of hantavirus in an adult resident of southeast King County. Hantavirus can cause a rare but deadly disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Although we are not aware of an increased risk for hantavirus exposure in King County, it is important that people are aware of the risk and symptoms to watch for and know how to identify and properly respond to rodent infestations. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for HPS, so minimizing exposures to rodents and their nests is key.

7 things you should know about bats & rabies

August 22, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

70% of Americans who die from rabies in the US were infected by bats – CDC Vital Signs As the weather warms up in King County, adult bats come out of hibernation, baby bats are learning to fly, and humans get outdoors, which means a big increase in human-bat interactions compared to other times of year. Bats can be infected […]

Happy National Public Health Week? Our House is On Fire…

April 5, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

By Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer Six months ago, after the release of the comprehensive Fourth National Climate Assessment, I wrote about the many harmful health effects due to climate change that we are currently experiencing and that we can expect to increase, such as longer and more severe pollen and allergy seasons; increases in […]