May 12 , 2021
Organic produce has tentatively been determined to be behind an E. Coli outbreak that has sickened children in the Seattle-King County area in Washington State.
“Our investigation is ongoing. We have identified multiple types of fresh produce, mostly organic, in common among the majority of cases but cannot yet rule out other possibilities,” the health department reported in its outbreak update.
“Public Health is conducting interviews with cases and their parents/guardians to help identify any common exposures. We are also working with the Washington State Department of Health to complete further testing, to help identify possible related cases in other counties, and to begin traceback of any products in common.”
Coronavirus cases have started to flatten across Washington, but it's still too soon to say if the state has reached the peak of its fourth wave, officials said. Case and hospitalization rates remain high in the state and officials estimate the majority of cases are now one of several variants that began circulating months ago, according to a report released Friday from the Washington State Department of Health. “We are cautiously optimistic.
COVID-19 vaccinations appear to be driving down infections in Washington state
Health leaders are optimistic we may be at a turning point against the coronavirus, and vaccinations are helping drive down infections and hospitalizations. Author: Glenn Farley Updated: 7:08 PM PDT May 10, 2021
SEATTLE Doctors in western Washington said Monday that COVID-19 vaccinations may be starting to drive infection rates back down.
As of May 8, 2021, 56% of Washingtonians age 16 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly 43% were fully vaccinated, according to data from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
After a fourth surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the rate of hospitalizations is now beginning to go down as well, according to DOH data.
As permitted by regional health authorities, including Public Health – Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health, Seattle Sounders FC is preparing to introduce vaccinated sections at Lumen Field beginning with the club’s May 23 match against Atlanta United. Partnering with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health on this initiative, today’s announcement moves Sounders FC’s matchday closer to a traditional experience, as these new sections are being sold at 100 percent capacity. With all individuals being fully vaccinated, attendees in these sections can stand side-by-side with fellow Sounders FC fans in the comfort of knowing that everyone is fully vaccinated and verified accordingly. Beginning May 23, fans who attend matches at Lumen Field in these sections are still required to wear masks and to provide valid documentation of their vaccination.
Health officials report first rabies-positive bat of 2021
By AP News Staff
SEATTLE - The Seattle and King County Public Health Department reported the first rabies-positive bat of 2021 on Monday.
A Sammamish resident recently had a close call when they found a bat in their yard and attempted to move it with gardening gloves, the Seattle Times reported. The bat became aggressive and bit the resident multiple times, the health department said in a news release.
The resident alerted the health department and the bat tested positive for rabies, officials said. The person received post-exposure treatment to protect them from developing the disease.