Cowlitz County

Health Advisory – Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Respiratory Infection

| February 3, 2020
A black male scientist looking in a microscope in a lab with a white female scientist in the background

There is 1 lab-confirmed case of 2019-nCoV in Washington, a traveler who returned to Snohomish County from Wuhan, China. Requested actions Get a detailed travel history when evaluating patients with fever and acute respiratory illness. Suspect 2019-nCoV in patients with: Clinical Features Epidemiologic Risk Fever1 or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of … Health Advisory – Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Respiratory Infection

CDC Week 51 Clark-Cowlitz Counties Influenza Update (12/15/19-12/21/19)

| December 27, 2019
3D image of a virus

Cowlitz and Clark Counties are sister Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) in Washington State. Although separate entities, both share a common goal of preventing disease and promoting public health. To that end, Cowlitz and Clark County often partner in disease response efforts. This year, Cowlitz and Clark counties will continue working together to provide reliable influenza … CDC Week 51 Clark-Cowlitz Counties Influenza Update (12/15/19-12/21/19)

12/06/2019 – Health Advisory – Influenza activity is increasing – active flu season has begun in Clark County

| December 9, 2019
Health Advisory - Yellow Warning Symbol

Health Alerts, Advisories, and Updates This information below is specifically for Physicians and other Healthcare Providers. Health Advisory – Influenza activity is increasing – active flu season has begun in Clark County To subscribe or unsubscribe to these updates via email, please email Tippy.Hartford@clark.wa.gov Health Alert: conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action … 12/06/2019 – Health Advisory – Influenza activity is increasing – active flu season has begun in Clark County

Health Advisory: Evaluating and Reporting Suspected E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)

| December 2, 2019
smoke on black background

Requested actions Ask all patients if they recently used e-cigarette or vaping products and which substances they used. Ask patients who report using e-cigarette or vaping products about respiratory, gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms (e.g., cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever). Perform chest X-ray. Consider chest CT to evaluate … Health Advisory: Evaluating and Reporting Suspected E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)

Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone

| August 30, 2019

On Aug. 28, 2019, Washington State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy signed a statewide standing order for naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. The standing order works like a prescription and allows any Washington person or organization to get naloxone from a pharmacy. We want to remind our local pharmacies and healthcare … Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone

MMR Vaccine Exemption Law Change

| July 18, 2019

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill that removes the personal/philosophical exemption to the MMR vaccine requirement for schools and child cares. The new law removes the personal and philosophical option to exempt children from the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine required for school and child care entry. The law: Takes effect … MMR Vaccine Exemption Law Change

Expedited Partner Therapy

| June 27, 2019

There are temporary changes to Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) packs distribution. This is a result of the Washington State Department of Health undergoing an audit of its program. Please: Stop giving out EPT packs. Give the patient a prescription for their partner to fill at their pharmacy of choice. Advise that the partner will need … Expedited Partner Therapy

Marijuana Prevention

| May 31, 2019

We work to protect the health of youth. We work with community partners to prevent youth marijuana use. Marijuana use is illegal for people under the age of 21. Why is this work important? Marijuana use puts teens at higher risk for addiction. Youth who use marijuana are more likely to fail in school. Most … Marijuana Prevention

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment Guidelines: Key Updates

| April 1, 2019
nurse typing on computer with stethoscope laying next to it on a notebook

Treatment of Uncomplicated Gonococcal Infections of the Cervix, Urethra, Pharynx, and Rectum Recommended treatment regimen is dual therapy with Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM in a single dose plus Azithromycin 1 gm p.o. in a single dose. Doxycycline is no longer recommended for use in conjunction with Ceftriaxone to treat gonorrhea. If Ceftriaxone is not available, … Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment Guidelines: Key Updates

Infection Control: Resources and links

| March 25, 2019
Four doctors talking as seen from above. Two with white coats and 2 in scrubs.

Infection Control: Resources and Links – Guide to infection prevention for outpatient settings—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities—CDC Guidelines for environmental infection control in healthcare facilities —CDC Guideline for hand hygiene in healthcare settings —CDC Guideline for isolation precautions—CDC Guideline for the prevention of surgical site … Infection Control: Resources and links