New Public Health recommendations make a syphilis test routine for women 45 and under

November 28, 2022.Reading time 8 minutes.

Small, clear test tube marked "Syphilis - Test"

There has been a nearly 5-fold increase in syphilis in cisgender women since 2015 (cisgender means one’s gender identity corresponds to one’s sex assigned at birth). All sexually active women 45 and under in Washington state who have not had a syphilis test since January 2021 are being advised to test for syphilis.

With COVID rates high, what parents need to know about masking and testing

May 24, 2022.Reading time 10 minutes.

COVID rates are high right now in King County. Here is what parents should know about masking and testing in schools and child care.

Are you at risk for developing severe COVID? Treatment may be available

April 18, 2022.Reading time 7 minutes.

Healthcare provider talks with elderly man and hands him a pill bottle of prescription medication.

While vaccination continues to provide the best protection against COVID-19, an oral anti-viral treatment can help people who are at high risk from getting really sick. That’s why if you have COVID-19 symptoms, it’s very important to visit your healthcare provider right away.

Can’t get a test right now? Here’s what to do

January 11, 2022.Reading time 13 minutes.

There are a few scenarios when someone may be seeking a COVID-19 test. Read more about what test to use in each case and information on what to do if you can’t access a test.

Public alert: Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, but avoid unusual testing operations

April 22, 2021.Reading time 7 minutes.

Recently, Public Health – Seattle & King County became aware of a small number of unusual COVID testing operations in King County that the public should avoid. Their practices raise several concerns, including providing potentially inaccurate results.

Fewer TB cases in King County could be due to a decline in testing, not infections

March 24, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

Chest x-ray of someone with tuberculosis

In a typical year, 1.5 million people die of tuberculosis (TB) globally and 10 million fall ill with it. In Washington, 7% of people with active TB die. TB has been infecting and killing humans for thousands of years, and in fact, it is still one of the top ten causes of death worldwide. Locally, about 100 people are diagnosed with infectious TB every year in King County.