The dangerous spread of measles stops with us

September 4, 2026.Reading time 7 minutes.

Close-up of a measles rash on an adolescent's neck.

By Eric J. Chow and Sandra J. Valenciano This opinion piece was originally published in The Seattle Times on August 20, 2026. The U.S. now has more recorded cases of measles — a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease — than any time in the past 35 years. Over the past two years, the infection has impacted […]

Fall and winter vaccines: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow

August 30, 2024.Reading time 11 minutes.

An elderly couple with bright band aids on their shoulder flashing thumbs-up signs.

It’s time to get vaccinated for fall and winter! Find out what you need to know about COVID-19, flu, and RSV immunizations.

COVID-19 is rising locally: A Q&A with Dr. Chow on practical steps

July 10, 2024.Reading time 9 minutes.

You’ve probably heard that more folks are sick with COVID. Our communicable disease expert, Dr. Eric Chow, explains what we’re seeing in King County, why he’s concerned about increases in long COVID, and what “up-to-date” on vaccination means.

Regional healthcare organizations adopt guidelines for masking as respiratory virus season approaches

September 26, 2023.Reading time 4 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County supports the data-informed decision by healthcare organizations to require masking in their facilities when thresholds for increased respiratory illness activity are reached. Read more below.

An update on COVID-19: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology

August 23, 2023.Reading time 10 minutes.

A collage of images showing a young man doing a COVID self-test, a vaccinated woman, and a woman holding a HEPA air filter.

You may have heard reports recently of increases in cases of COVID-19 in many parts of the U.S. We talked with Public Health’s Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Dr. Eric Chow, about what’s happening with COVID-19 in King County right now.