Case Definitions Clinical definition: Acute parotitis or other salivary gland swelling lasting at least 2 days, or orchitis (testicular swelling) or oophoritis (swelling of ovary) unexplained by another more likely diagnosis. Incubation period: Usually 16-18 days after exposure (range 12-25 days). Suspected: Parotitis, acute salivary gland swelling, orchitis, or … [Read more...]
Blood Donation
January has been National Blood Donor Month since 1970. Historically, there is a dip in, not only the temperature outside but also in the number of blood donations in the month of January. It may be attributed to business of the recent holidays, the change in weather or increase in number of people who are experiences symptoms of cold and flu but whatever the contributing … [Read more...]
Mumps
Your best protection from mumps is to get immunized. Call your healthcare provider office to check your family’s vaccinations records. If you don’t have your own healthcare provider, visit the Health Map Finder and type in your zip code- Health Map Finder to find the nearest location to get immunized and help stop the spread of mumps in Washington. What is mumps: Signs & … [Read more...]
Immunization Updates
NEW 2-dose HPV vaccine recommendation for younger adolescents: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted in October to recommend a change in the HPV vaccine schedule. DOH expects the final recommendation to be published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) in December. However, providers may use their clinical judgment to start … [Read more...]
The Top 10 Public Health Issues in Healthcare
The Top 10 Public Health Issues in Healthcare 1. Non-emergent patients using the emergency department as a clinic visit. 2. Mental health patients who are unable to be treated. 3. Constantly treating the same diseases on the same patients because they are unwilling to change their lifestyles. 4. Homeless patients being treated with wounds or serious illness turned back into … [Read more...]