Disease and illness

How hantavirus spreads and what to do if exposed.

Where to get vaccinated, vaccine safety, and info for parents. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/measles/vaccine

Animal bites are a public health concern because of the potential for transmission of rabies, a viral infection of the nervous system and brain of humans and other mammals that is almost always fatal. Infection can be prevented by administering rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccine doses.

Backyard poultry have become increasingly popular in recent years as interest in locally produced food, including eggs, has grown. Many local municipalities allow a limited number of domestic fowl on residential properties. Before getting a backyard flock, it is important to understand issues related to legal aspects, husbandry and health, and diseases that can be spread by poultry to people.

A flyer addressing common misconceptions of the BCG vaccine and outlining what is needed for follow-up care if a TB blood test is positive.

Information on biosolids and recycling in King County.

Bird flu (avian influenza) is a virus that mainly affects birds. It spreads among wild birds worldwide and can infect poultry and other birds. Some bird flu viruses can occasionally infect wild mammals that eat birds or poultry (such as bobcats and foxes), pets (such as cats and dogs) and zoo animals. It does not normally infect humans, though in rare cases, it has infected people who have close contact with infected birds or animals. It’s been found in wild birds and other animals in King County but not in people. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/birdflu

Learn about Campylobacter bacteria, one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness.

The Health Alert Network (HAN) is the CDC’s primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents. Public Health – Seattle & King County shares select HAN alerts to raise awareness and provide guidance on how to report suspected or confirmed cases.

The Health Alert Network (HAN) is the CDC’s primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents. Public Health – Seattle & King County shares select HAN alerts to raise awareness and provide guidance on how to report suspected or confirmed cases.

The Health Alert Network (HAN) is the CDC’s primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents. Public Health – Seattle & King County shares select HAN alerts to raise awareness and provide guidance on how to report suspected or confirmed cases.

Educational resources to download and share with your community about TB.

Condoms and other barriers, when used regularly and correctly, greatly reduce the risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Consumers get involved in many ways. Some fill out surveys and comment cards so they can stay anonymous. Others join agency advisory boards or the HIV/AIDS Planning Council where they attend regular meetings and make decisions about what types of services available in the community.

Local metrics and trends to understand the impact of COVID-19 in our community.

Living through the COVID-19 pandemic means dealing with a new and sometimes confusing vocabulary. Here is a guide to some of the most common words and phrases you might come across.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/covid

Use and share these materials to help spread the word about COVID‑19 vaccination and encourage people in your community to get vaccinated.

Guidance and resources on where, how, and when to get tested for COVID-19 in King County Short URL: kingcounty.gov/covid/testing

Information about current vaccine options, in-home vaccination, recommendations for immunocompromised people, and the cost of vaccine. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/vaccine

Updated monthly, this page shows the latest case counts, and numbers of vaccines administered, in the ongoing outbreak for King County, WA.

Explore local data and reports about TB in King County.

The HIV/STI/HCV Program conducts state-wide mandated case reporting and public health research regarding the epidemiology, natural history, transmission and control of HIV, STIs, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Mpox, and other health conditions. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hiv/epi

Learn how the different types of flu can affect you, and what you can do about them.

In Washington state, health care professionals, health care facilities, laboratories, veterinarians, food service establishments, child day care facilities, and schools are legally required to notify public health authorities at their local health jurisdiction of suspected or confirmed cases of selected diseases or conditions. These are referred to as notifiable conditions.

An A to Z listing of diseases and conditions.

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) refers to treating the sex partners of persons with a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) without requiring that the partner first undergo a medical evaluation. In most instances, this involves giving a patient medication to give to their sex partners, or patient delivered partner therapy (PDPT). Short URL: kingcounty.gov/ept

Assuring that the sex and needle sharing partners of persons with HIV/STI receive the medical care they need is a shared responsibility between medical providers and Public Health. Medical providers should always advise their patients to notify their potentially exposed partners and should attempt to promote partner notification and treatment, even among patients who will receive Public Health partner services.

Find information on the flu and resources for health care providers, long term care facilities, and homeless service providers.

When two or more people get the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink, the event is called a foodborne illness outbreak. To keep our community healthy and informed, we post information about outbreaks we investigate. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/outbreak

Outbreak associated with Chinese Taste Restaurant in Issaquah

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hantavirus

Harm reduction tips and guidelines for users and those who support them. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/harm-reduction

The Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section emails timely Health Advisories to those who subscribe to our Info-X Listserv. The listserv is a free service for King County health care providers. Most health advisories (the most recent 3 years) sent to subscribers are archived on this page. If you're a King County health care provider, see instructions below on how to be added to the list. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/advisories

This page is for healthcare providers and healthcare facility staff seeking information on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). You can find instructions for reporting an outbreak, toolkits, and other resources. For more information and resources for the general public, visit: Healthcare Associated Infections, WA State Dept. of Health Short URL: kingcounty.gov/health/HAI

An overview of hepatitis and links to more information and resources.

Hepatitis A virus infects the liver and can cause illnesses that range from a mild infection that has no symptoms to a more severe illness that can last for months. In rare occasions, it can cause liver failure and death.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects the liver. HBV is spread through infected blood and body fluids.

Information and resources about how to prevent the spread of hepatitis B to infants and family members. 

Facts, testing resources, and treatment and cure guidance Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hcv

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hcv/data

For Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender and Non-Binary (TG/NB) Persons Who Have Sex with Men

Information and resources to prevent and treat HIV/STIs.

Learn about HIV science, testing, prevention, and treatment. Note: Videos shown do not imply endorsement by Public Health.

Annual HIV reports include data tables, figures, and narrative describing the local and state-wide epidemiology of HIV in King County, Washington. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hiv/data

The HIV/STI/HCV Program offers services and resources to decrease new infections and help those living with HIV, STIs, and HCV lead healthier lives. HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus STI Sexually Transmitted Infection HCV Hepatitis C Virus

Some diseases can be passed from horses to people, especially through contact with horse manure when people clean stalls, groom horses, or pick up their feet. It is important to thoroughly wash hands after contact with horses or manure. Horses are susceptible to West Nile Virus infection, but do not spread it to people. ➔ See infection control plan for horse facilities (281 KB).

Most people with COVID-19 have milder illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Follow these steps if you or someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19. 

Raccoons establish community latrines—sites where they repeatedly deposit fresh feces (droppings or scat) on top of old feces in a particular area in their environment. Raccoon latrines consist of piles of raccoon feces of different ages. Fresh raccoon feces are tubular in shape, with blunt ends, and about the same diameter as a nickel or dime. Generally, fresh raccoon feces are dark in color, but it depends on what the animal was eating. Seeds or nut shells may be seen in the feces. As feces age, they weather and decompose. Old feces may look like dried leaves or debris.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/oysters

Information on this page explains ways to improve indoor air in our homes, businesses, schools, and other places where people gather indoors.

These resources include important information about the COVID-19 vaccine, how to sign up to view your vaccine record online, and other important information about privacy and billing.

You can greatly decrease the risk of disease entering your flock and persisting in soil, droppings and debris by following 6 basic backyard biosecurity tips recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Interim CDC recommendations to protect infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the 2023–2024 respiratory virus season

This page includes immunization resources for older adults, adults who are immunocompromised, and pregnant people. Find fact sheets, videos, infographics, and other materials.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/measles

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/advisories/measles

Measles is very contagious. It can spread easily in children and adults who have not had a measles vaccination or previously had measles. One case of measles in a childcare facility or school setting can be serious and disruptive. It is important for childcare facilities and schools to prepare for measles and know how to respond to measles.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hiv/mmp

Click on a thumbnail to open larger images to use in social media. Right-click over the images to download. Files are in .PNG format:

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/mpox

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/NHBS

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/needle

This schedule is also available in PDF format (201 KB) Intercambio de jeringas (241 KB, Spanish/Español)

Learn about norovirus and how it spreads. Find resources and materials on norovirus. 

Information and resources to prevent HIV with PEP.

In the City of Seattle, it is legal to keep one miniature potbellied pigs per household provided that it weighs 150 pounds or less and is spayed or neutered. It is important to thoroughly wash hands after contact with pigs or their fecal material to avoid infection with diseases that can be spread via fecal-oral contact.

Information and resources to prevent HIV with PrEP.

Tips for handling ready-to-eat produce to prevent E. coli infection.

Raccoons have adapted to urban life and are commonly seen or encountered in parks, neighborhoods or yards. Raccoons may carry diseases that can be spread to people (zoonoses) and pets, including raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris), leptospirosis, and rabies. They can also cause serious scratch and bite injuries to people and pets.

COVID‑19 is not going away, so it's important not to let our guard down. Explore resources to help reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID‑19. Together, we can keep our community safe and healthy.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is reportable by health care providers and institutions (not laboratories) in order to define the prevalence of disease locally, and to provide data necessary to obtain and allocate resources for HCV prevention activities. Public Health will classify cases as confirmed, probable or possible based on the following criteria.

Information for civil surgeons.

Healthcare providers are required to report suspected cases of active TB disease to Public Health – Seattle & King County TB Control Program within 24 hours. To request a consultation, call our intake line: 206-744-4579, option 2, OR complete our HIPAA compliant online form.

Reports on COVID-19 data trends and topics published by Public Health staff.

Reptiles (turtles, snakes, anoles, iguanas, geckos, and chameleons) and amphibians (frogs, salamanders, newts, toads) frequently carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestines. Even though the reptile usually doesn't appear ill, the infection can spread to people. Illness is most severe in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Reptiles and Salmonella, CDC Reptile rules, PDF, WA State Dept. of Health Salmonellosis

The TB Control Program has been awarded a 10-year grant by CDC to join the TB Trials Consortium (TBTC) from 2021 - 2030. TBTC is a unique collaboration of researchers from CDC, domestic and international public health departments and academic medical centers, and selected Veterans Administration medical centers. TBTC conducts clinical studies of new or existing drugs and regimens used in the prevention and treatment of TB.

Essential information and resources for healthcare providers to prevent, diagnose, and manage HIV, STIs, and HCV. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hiv/providers

Resources and information on respiratory illnesses such as the flu, RSV, and COVID.

This page shows respiratory virus data for King County, WA. For additional data on COVID‑19, visit COVID‑19 data.

There are disease concerns with both wild (rats, mice) and pet (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) rodents and rabbits. They can carry many diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia and Salmonella. Wild rodents also may cause considerable property damage by chewing through wiring in homes, car engines, and other places. Diseases from rodents, CDC Rat prevention Bird Feeders and Rats: What You Need to Know (372 KB) Bird feeders can attract unwanted rats and sick birds at crowded feeders can spread disease among other birds. Learn how to maintain your feeder to prevent these issues.

Find Salmonella infection resources, how to reduce your risk, and what to do when sick. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/salmonella

The Seattle Transitional Grant Area Planning Council prioritizes and allocates Ryan White Part A funding for services in King, Island and Snohomish counties.

General information about Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) including symptoms and how to avoid spread. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/ecoli

Infections among children, adolescents, and adults of East African communities in King County.

Find shigellosis resources, how to reduce your risk, and what to do when sick. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/shigellosis

Resources on this page can support you if you have COVID‑19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID‑19.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hiv/sti

The CDC revised recommended STI treatment guidelines in 2021. For complete treatment guidelines, please view Summary of CDC STI Treatment Guidelines, 2021. You may also consult with one of our providers of the day at 206-744-3590.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/covid/data/vaccination

Much of the information provided below refers to specific Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) language.

A monthly review of real-time syphilis data. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/syphilis

The Community Prevention Unit (CPU) within the Tuberculosis (TB) Program works to prevent the spread of TB in King County by encouraging screening and treatment of latent TB. We’ve collaborated with other organizations and community members to create videos and flyers for both community members and providers to share with the communities they serve. These videos and flyers provide information about TB, TB testing and why we encourage treating it.

Addressing the needs of patients with complex medical and social needs. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/max-clinic

A flyer sharing who is at higher risk of inactive TB and the differences between inactive and active TB.

Reports of tick-borne disease in Washington state are relatively few in comparison to some areas of the United States. Though tick-borne disease may not be common, the severity of these diseases generates public concern and questions.

If you are told you have been in contact with someone who has active tuberculosis (TB) disease, you probably have a lot of questions. Below are some of the most common questions we get from people who find out they were around someone with active TB disease.

The Tuberculosis (TB) Program works to promote health and quality of life by preventing the spread of tuberculosis in King County. We collaborate with healthcare providers, community partners, and city and state agencies to ensure effective TB care and prevention and further our vision of a TB-free King County. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/TB

Frequently asked questions about tuberculosis testing in King County

Urgent need to increase immunization coverage for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV and use of authorized/approved therapeutics in the setting of increased respiratory disease activity during the 2023 – 2024 winter season.

A cartoon coloring sheet answering the question: What is TB?

Information on this page will help you understand if you need to isolate and what steps to take. 

Information and resources for HIV, STI, and HCV testing Short URL: kingcounty.gov/hiv/testing

Learn about signs and symptoms, how to protect yourself and your family, and resources about whooping cough. Short URL: kingcounty.gov/pertussis