Seeking people exposed to rabid bat at UW

.Reading time 1 minute.

A rabid bat was found near Husky Stadium at the University of Washington (UW) on Saturday, May 19, and at least one person was bitten. Multiple people were likely exposed to the rabid bat while attempting to help the individual remove the bat from his hand at a UW fraternity. If you may have had […]

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The unique niche (and diverse roles) for Public Health nurses

.Reading time 4 minutes.

When nurses come to work at Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), they come with a purpose. “The nurses who choose public health as their practice are strongly rooted in service. They want to be of service to those who are vulnerable,” says Amy Curtis, a Registered Nurse who leads recruiting efforts for […]

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New Overdose Data Suggest Epidemic Outpacing Response

.Reading time 8 minutes.

In the US, more people now die each year from drug overdoses than died at the peak of the AIDS epidemic, more than died during the entire Vietnam War. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50 years of age, and the epidemic cost the US an estimated $117 billion in 2017 alone.  Here are some key findings from our report and my perspective on actions we need to take in order to see this epidemic come under control.

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A behind the scenes look at buprenorphine ‘treatment on demand’

.Reading time 6 minutes.

The Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Taskforce recently published a 2017 Year End Report alongside highlights of actions taken to address the growing opiate epidemic in our region. The highlights show that in the past year, 40 new access points for buprenorphine–one of the best treatments available for opiate use disorder–became available. Buprenorphine supports recovery and reduces the […]

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Local cases of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce outbreak

.Reading time 5 minutes.

Two King County siblings, both under age 5, have been diagnosed with E. coli 0157:H7 infections that genetically match the ongoing national outbreak linked to romaine lettuce.  One child was hospitalized and has since been discharged. Both children have recovered and neither child developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that can result […]

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