Category: Infectious Disease
Kennedy Sharpens Vaccine Attacks, Without Scientific Backing
Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist before seeking public office, claims that aluminum adjuvants are neurotoxic and tied to autism, asthma, autoimmune disease, and food allergies. But science and medicine advances a different view
First human bird-flu death from H5N5 – what you need to know
The patient kept a flock of backyard poultry that were exposed to wild birds, which suggests how they might have caught the virus.
Canada loses its official ‘measles-free’ status – and the US will follow soon, as vaccination rates fall
The resurgence of measles in Canada after decades with very low numbers of cases is not an isolated problem. The U.S. has also had large outbreaks of measles this year, and it will likely soon lose its measles-free designation as well.
The loss of measles elimination status is a symptom of a deeper issue: declining trust in public messaging about science and health, which has led to decreased vaccination rates and growing vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases.
MPOX CASES ON THE RISE IN KING COUNTY
In September of this year, 45 new cases of mpox were reported in King County residents. This is the highest number of cases in a month since the initial mpox outbreak in King County in 2022. Increases in the number of mpox cases have also been reported in Chicago, San Francisco and New York.
Washington Department of Health Launches Measles Exposure Map
Map shows live, real-time updates during active measles exposures
Can you catch shingles? A GP explains what people get wrong about this common virus
Although shingles becomes more likely as we age, it can occur at any time after you’ve had chickenpox – even in young adults or children. It’s more common when the immune system is weakened, which can happen with age, and in people receiving chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatments.
HOW TO GET THE COVID VACCINE IN KING COUNTY
Getting a COVID shot this fall might look a little different from state to state, but here in Washington, it’s pretty simple: all people ages 6 months and up can get the updated (2025-26) COVID vaccine. Here’s what you need to know.
More states protect access to the COVID shot as feds restrict eligibility
For decades, states have followed the lead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on which vaccines Americans should get, and when they should get them. Now, rejecting the antivaccine stance of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an increasing number of states say they will rely instead on their own public health experts and professional medical organizations for that advice.
Denmark close to wiping out leading cancer-causing HPV strains after vaccine roll-out
Denmark has effectively eliminated infections with the two biggest cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) since the vaccine was introduced in 2008, data suggests.
Washington State DOH order allows most residents to get COVID vaccine without prescription
The vaccine remains covered by most private insurers, Apple Health, and Washington’s Adult Vaccine and Childhood Vaccine Programs, removing barriers and helping people stay healthy.
BATS AND RABIES IN KING COUNTY
Most bats don’t have rabies, but assume all bats may have rabies
As Measles Exploded, Officials in Texas Looked to CDC Scientists. Under Trump, No One Answered.
“CDC hasn’t reached out to us locally,” Katherine Wells, the public health director in Lubbock, Texas, wrote in a Feb. 5 email exchange with a colleague two weeks after children with measles were hospitalized in Lubbock. “My staff feels like we are out here all alone,” she added.
How germy is the public pool?
Swimming, especially in public pools and water parks, comes with its own unique set of risks — from minor skin irritations to gastrointestinal infections. But swimming also has a plethora of physical, social and mental health benefits. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about what might be lurking beneath the surface.
Measles isn’t just dangerous – it may erase your immune system
Emerging research suggests that the measles vaccination may offer surprising additional health benefits. Children who receive the vaccine have been shown to have a significantly lower risk of infections from diseases unrelated to measles. One explanation for this broader benefit is the idea of “measles amnesia.” This refers to the ability of the measles virus to erase parts of the body’s immune memory.
Back-to-School Reminder: Keep Washington Kids Healthy with Required Immunizations
Children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs must receive certain vaccinations before they can start. These immunization requirements apply to all enrolled children, including those learning remotely.