SRHD supports annual celebration, Aug. 1-7; Big Latch On event to be held Aug. 2, world breastfeeding week 2019, breastfeeding, WIC

In each issue of the Epigram, we are pleased to introduce you to a member of the Disease Prevention and Response team at SRHD. In this issue we feature our Epidemiologist, Anna Halloran. Anna works in our Communicable Disease Epidemiology program where she focuses on communicable disease investigation and intervention and provider and community education.

Over the years, reporting HIV and AIDS cases to public health has been something of an ordeal, compared to the relatively straightforward process for other STDs. For providers and facilities, HIV and AIDS cases are reportable within three business days. Providers are required to report all new HIV and AIDS cases as well as previously diagnosed cases that are new to a practice. The HIV and AIDS case report form is now faxable.

On September 28, 2018, Governor Jay Inslee unveiled a first-in-nation approach to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Washington state by 2030. This approach focuses on HCV elimination through combined public health efforts and a new medication purchasing approach.

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Adult Vaccine Program (AVP) provides vaccine for adults 19 years of age and older who are uninsured or underinsured. This program is funded using 317 federal funding and vaccine is available for providers to order at no cost for a limited time once a year (usually during June to September).  Providers agree to not charge patients for vaccine or sell vaccine, and will not refuse to administer vaccine to patients who cannot afford an administration fee. 

The upcoming back-to-school season is a great time to make sure teens are up-to-date on all the recommended vaccinations. It is important to remind families to check their school’s requirements before attending class.

CDC Health Information for International Travel (commonly called the Yellow Book) for healthcare professionals is available online to help determine which vaccines are necessary prior to travel. It is helpful to remind patients to start planning for their travel vaccines at least two months prior to their planned departure date to avoid difficulty in securing required vaccine and appointments to administer vaccine.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, a Washington resident has been infected with confirmed locally acquired Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). While rare (zero to three cases in Washington per year), this case serves as a good reminder of the possibility of locally acquired tickborne diseases and the need to take appropriate precautions when in tick habitats.

Separate outbreaks of hepatitis A (hep A) and hepatitis B (hep B) occurring in the Spokane community prompted rapid response from Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) to administer Twinrix (hepatitis A and B combination vaccine) to the communities at highest risk for disease acquisition, namely people living homeless, people using injection drugs, and men who have sex with men.

Public agencies helping communities prepare for poor air quality due to wildfires, smoke, wildfires, wildfire smoke, Spokane Regional Clean Air