Disease Prevention

Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) is investigating a pertussis outbreak within the WSU student population and two cases within the broader community. There are 37 Pertussis cases identified as of 10/16/2024.

Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) is investigating a pertussis outbreak within the WSU student population and two cases within the broader community. There are 28 Pertussis cases identified as of 10/16/2024.

Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) is investigating a pertussis outbreak within the WSU student population and one case within the broader community. There are 18 Pertussis cases identified as of 10/8/2024.

18 individuals in Whitman County as of 10/1/2024 have been diagnosed with a confirmed case of B. pertussis.

We are asking all current cases to isolate until they have completed their 5-day course of antibiotics prescribed by their provider. Additionally, we are recommending all close contacts to these cases reach out to their provider to discuss preventive antibiotics, also known as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).

While all available information leads Whitman County Public Health to believe the outbreak is currently contained within WSU’s student population, we encourage all residents to take the preventive measures below.

Two individuals in Whitman County have been diagnosed with a confirmed case of B. pertussis. For this reason, Whitman County Public Health believes there is additional pertussis circulating in the area.

HEALTH ADVISORY: Spokane Regional Health District Recommends Blood Borne Pathogens Testing for Potential Exposures at Deer Park Dental Clinic with provider Sandy Fletcher Montano, DDS

SUMMARY: The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section recommends bloodborne pathogens (BBP) testing for patients who received care from Sandy Fletcher Montano, DDS, at the Deer Park Dental Clinic (118 E Crawford, Deer Park, WA 99006) during the time period between November 2021 to June 2022. Patients should contact their personal healthcare providers to arrange for testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Many urgent cares can also provide these tests.

Recalled Products:

• Organic walnut halves and pieces sold in bulk bins at natural food and co-op stores

Please see attached link for full list of recalled foods.

Recommendations:

• Do not eat any recalled products. Throw them away of return them to where you bought them.
• Use extra care in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with this product.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of an E. coli infection after eating organic walnuts.

Recalled Products:

• Ground Cinnamon Products

Please see attached link for full list of recalled foods.

Recommendations:

• Do not buy, eat, sell, or serve recalled ground cinnamon products because they may contain lead
• Parents and caregivers of children who may have eaten recalled products should contact the child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test for lead and further evaluation