Category: Public Health
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change
Studies show that heat, air pollution, disease spread and food insecurity linked to climate change are worsening and costing millions of lives around the world each year.
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
Shutdown leaves gaps in states’ health data, possibly endangering lives
The pause leaves states with less early warning on disease outbreaks, potentially endangering lives even as child vaccination rates drop amid increased exemptions and hesitancy fed by misinformation. State and local officials can combat outbreaks with targeted advice to get vaccinated and stay home when sick, but they need to know where to do that first. And residents won’t know to take precautions if they’re unaware when many in their community are falling ill.
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.
Amid Rise of RFK Jr., Officials Waver on Drinking Water Fluoridation — Even in the State Where It Started
Fluoridation has long been heralded as a public health triumph, but skeptics increasingly hold sway in government.
American kids are less likely to reach adulthood than foreign peers
U.S. infants, children and teens were about 1.8 times more likely to die before reaching adulthood compared with young people in peer countries, a new study finds.
Washington, California and Oregon to offer independent immunization recommendations
In response to recent federal actions that have undermined the independence of the CDC and raised concerns about the politicization of science, Washington, California and Oregon Washington are beginning the process to provide evidence-based unified recommendations to their residents regarding who should receive immunizations and to help ensure the public has access and credible information for confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy.
BATS AND RABIES IN KING COUNTY
Most bats don’t have rabies, but assume all bats may have rabies
People who move to more walkable cities walk more
New research led by the University of Washington provides clear evidence that highly walkable areas lead to significantly more walking.
State public health departments fear looming federal cuts in Trump’s next budget
If lawmakers hew to Trump’s vision, then state and county public health departments would be hit hard. States contribute to their own health departments, but a lot of them rely heavily on federal funding. Around half of local public health department funding comes from federal sources
Spokane was one of hundreds of cities expecting federal funds to help manage rising heat wave risk – then EPA ended the grants
In 2021, 19 people died in Spokane County and about 300 visited hospitals with signs of heat-related illnesses. Scientists say it’s not a matter of if, but when, another deadly heat wave descends on the region.
Health tips for a safe 4th of July
Food, water, air, fire and heat
TOXIC CHEMICALS MAY BE HIDING IN MAKEUP – A DISCOVERY MADE THANKS TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN LOCAL RESEARCH
Kohl, kajal, and surma are traditional eyeliners worn by adults and children in local immigrant and refugee communities, including the local Afghan community. These eyeliners may contain toxic chemicals such as lead, which can damage the brain, heart, and other parts of the body.
Guns kill more US children than other causes, but state policies can help, study finds
More American children and teens die from firearms than any other cause, but there are more deaths — and wider racial disparities — in states with more permissive gun policies, according to a new study.