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2022 Public Health news

December 20, 2022
CDC National Health Survey is coming to King County

The CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey will be surveying randomly selected households in King County beginning January 4, 2023. Begun in 1960, the NHANES is the most comprehensive survey of health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, with data informing national health policy, programs and care.

December 9, 2022
Local health officers and health care leaders recommend wearing masks indoors

Public Health - Seattle & King Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin joins other local health officers and health care leaders in recommending masking in indoor public spaces and other prevention measures given the high level of respiratory viruses circulating and stress on hospitals.

November 23, 2022
Public Health reports first pediatric flu death of the 2022-2023 flu season

Public Health is reporting the first pediatric flu death of this flu season. It’s an important time to get the seasonal flu vaccine and updated COVID-19 booster and help prevent further spread of illness by staying home when sick.

November 15, 2022
King County Board of Health Meeting Thursday, November 17, 2022

The agenda includes a briefing on a syphilis update, a resolution on a recommended nonelected alternate candidate to begin serving in 2023 and discussion of the 2023 work plan of the King County Board of Health.

October 27, 2022
King County launches “Don’t Count Us Out” campaign to reduce stigma around substance use disorder

A new public campaign, called “Don’t Count Us Out,” has launched across King County. The campaign aims to reduce stigma against people living with and recovering from substance use disorder.

October 20, 2022
King County Board of Health meeting today, October 20, 2022

The King County Board of Health will meet today, October 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes a briefing on sexual and gender based violence in schools and discussion and possible action regarding non-elected member candidates to begin serving on the Board of Health in 2023.

October 6, 2022
Vashon Island beaches closed for shellfish harvesting: Paralytic shellfish poison found at unsafe levels

Paralytic shellfish poison has been detected at unsafe levels on Vashon-Maury Island's Quartermaster Harbor beaches. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed these areas to recreational shellfish harvest. The commercial harvest is not affected. People should always check the DOH shellfish safety website before harvesting shellfish.

October 6, 2022
Rabid bat found near Alki Beach Pier in West Seattle

A rabid bat was found by the sidewalk adjacent to the Duwamish Head Condominiums (1140 Alki Ave SW) on September 18 - 19, 2022, near Alki Beach Pier in West Seattle. If you or someone you know had any contact with a bat near this area, seek medical evaluation immediately or contact Public Health - Seattle & King County.

September 14, 2022
King County Board of Health Meeting Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022

The King County Board of Health will meet Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes a monkeypox update and a briefing on opioid use and harm reduction in King County. In addition, there will be a Board of Health restructure recruitment planning update.

August 9, 2022
Free vaccination events provide required back-to-school immunizations

On or before the first day of instruction, all K-12 students in Washington state must be up to date on vaccinations required for school, whether attending classes in-person or remotely. King County children through age 18 can get all vaccines required for K-12 school entry, as well as COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, at upcoming free clinics.

August 1, 2022
Heat-related illness surveillance data for Friday, 7/29 – Sunday, 7/31

The Puget Sound Region was under a National Weather Service excessive heat warning July 26 through 31, 2022. Heat can be deadly, but deaths from heat are preventable. During this heat event, Public Health - Seattle & King County is releasing daily reports of preliminary data on heat-related illness surveillance. Today's report is for data from Friday, 7/29 through Sunday, 7/31.

July 28, 2022
Heat-related illness surveillance data for Wednesday, July 27, 2022

High temperatures are forecast for the Puget Sound Region this week. Heat can be deadly, but deaths from heat are preventable. During this heat event, Public Health - Seattle & King County is releasing daily reports of preliminary data on heat-related illness surveillance. Today's report is for data from Wednesday, July 27, 2022.

July 27, 2022
Public Health urges those more sensitive to heat to take precautions for high temperatures this week

High temperatures are forecast for the Puget Sound Region this week. Heat can be deadly, but deaths from heat are preventable. During this heat event, Public Health - Seattle & King County is releasing daily reports of preliminary data on heat-related illness surveillance. Today's report is for data from Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

July 25, 2022
Public Health urges those more sensitive to heat to take precautions for high temperatures this week

The Puget Sound region is forecast to experience high temperatures this week. Public Health - Seattle & King County urges those who are at higher-risk for health problems in the heat to take precautions to stay cool. While daytime temperatures will be lower than what King County experienced last summer, temperatures are forecast to remain higher than normal overnight, which makes people more vulnerable to health problems from the heat.

July 19, 2022
King County Board of Health Meeting Thursday, July 21, 2022

The King County Board of Health will meet Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes a briefing on implementation of Public Health - Seattle & King County’s Climate and Health Equity Initiative and discussion and updates on King County Board of Health restructuring.

June 14, 2022
King County Board of Health Meeting Thursday, June 16, 2022

Public Health – Seattle & King County, with support from Washington State Dept. of Health, is investigating a presumptive case of monkeypox virus infection reported to Public Health yesterday. The case is in an adult male with international travel in the past month to a country that has also reported monkeypox cases recently.

May 23, 2022
Presumptive case of monkeypox virus being investigated in King County

Public Health – Seattle & King County, with support from Washington State Dept. of Health, is investigating a presumptive case of monkeypox virus infection reported to Public Health yesterday. The case is in an adult male with international travel in the past month to a country that has also reported monkeypox cases recently.

May 17, 2022
King County Board of Health meeting Thursday, May 19, 2022

The King County Board of Health will meet Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion and possible action on items related to retail food establishments and membership of the King County Board of Health.

May 17, 2022
HealthierHere and Public Health – Seattle & King County award $2 million to 28 organizations to advance health literacy in King County

HealthierHere and Public Health – Seattle & King County announced today that 28 local organizations will receive a total of $2 million in funding as part of the King County Health Literacy Project. The partnership between HealthierHere and Public Health aims to improve public health messaging developed by and for communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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