Controlling an emerging fungal threat: The Partners for Patient Safety program

December 28, 2022.Reading time 12 minutes.

A new program underway in King County is aimed at early identification of a multi-drug resistant fungus called Candida auris or C. auris. The goal of the program is to mitigate the spread of these organisms in healthcare settings including those that serve the most vulnerable.

It May Not Be Cocaine: Fentanyl in White Powder in King County

December 27, 2022.Reading time 7 minutes.

We are seeing an increase in fatal overdoses involving fentanyl in the form of white powder, even though fentanyl in pills remains the most common form. White powder fentanyl could easily be mistaken for other drugs, like cocaine, or pressed to look like rock cocaine. From our 2022 overdose report, among the overdose deaths where a fentanyl-substance was identified, the majority (64%) were linked to pills, but almost a quarter (23%) were linked to powders. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid.

Fresh Produce for all: Connecting small local farmers and food banks

December 23, 2022.Reading time 14 minutes.

farmer watering and cleaning carrots on a table

Food assistance organizations and farmers are changing the expectations of “emergency food” to provide the types of food people need most. And Public Health Seattle & King County is helping fund those connections.

Brrrr! How to stay warm and safe when the power is out

December 21, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Freezing rain this week could cause widespread power outages. Get ready ahead of time so you can avoid dangers if you lose electricity.

Help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by improving indoor air this fall and winter

December 13, 2022.Reading time 11 minutes.

By now you may have heard that we’re experiencing high cases of flu and RSV (a respiratory disease) (in-language resources available) this fall, with young children being hospitalized. With cold weather, we spend more time inside. This increases the potential for another surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the coming months.

Diseases like RSV, the flu, and COVID-19 are airborne and spread easily indoors. With that in mind, it’s important to pay attention to indoor air quality.

TB evaluation at Auburn School District

December 12, 2022.Reading time 5 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is following up on the report of an Auburn School District community member who was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Public Health is working with the Auburn School District officials to define the extent of any potential TB exposures, conduct evaluations for those exposed, and provide guidance and information to the school communities affected.

PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER