Community Health

Disease Prevention

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Disease Prevention Updates

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Food-Borne

Mar 15, 2025

Shelf-Stable Packaged Chowders Recalled for Potential Contamination

Recalled Products:

  • SeaBear Smoked Salmon Chowder
  • Seabear Alehouse Clam Chowder

Please see attached link for full list of recalled foods.

Recommendations:

  • Do not buy, eat, sell, or serve recalled chowder products because they may contain Clostridium botulinum.
  • Consumers who have purchased SeaBear's Chowders should contact SeaBear's customer service team at 1-800-645-3474 for a full refund.
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Person-To-Person

Mar 7, 2025

Expanding Measles Outbreak in Texas & New Mexico

HEALTH ADVISORY: Measles Outbreak Expanding in the United States with 2 Reported Deaths

SUMMARY: As of March 7, 2025, Texas and New Mexico have reported 208 confirmed cases associated with a measles outbreak (198 in Texas and 10 in New Mexico). As part of this outbreak, two deaths have been reported: one in Texas and one in New Mexico. More cases are expected as this outbreak continues to expand rapidly.

Refer to the attached link for more information from CDC on this expanding outbreak.

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Virus

Feb 27, 2025

First Measles Case of 2025 in Washington State Identified in a King County Infant

HEALTH ADVISORY: Measles Case Confirmed in Seattle Area Infant with Public Exposures

SUMMARY: Public Health Seattle King County has identified one confirmed case of measles (rubeola) in an infant who was exposed to the measles virus while traveling outside of the United States. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

Refer to the attached link for more information on dates and times of possible exposure to measles.

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Animal-To-Human

Feb 21, 2025

First Reported Hantavirus Death in Whitman County

HEALTH ADVISORY: Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) confirms first Hantavirus reported death in Whitman County

SUMMARY: Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) recently confirmed that a county resident dies from Hantavirus. WCPH received the positive lab result on February 16, 2025. The individual had a known local exposure to rodents before their illness. This is the first confirmed case of Hantavirus in Whitman County and the first reported case in Washington State this year. Historically, Washington State has between 1 and 5 confirmed Hantavirus cases each year.

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Virus

Dec 13, 2024

Pertussis Outbreak in Whitman County

Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) is investigating a pertussis outbreak within Whitman County. There are 88 pertussis cases identified as of 12/13/2024.

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Food-Borne

Mar 7, 2024

FDA Advisory: Lead Contamination in Cinnamon

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
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Program Contact

You can reach our Disease Prevention team at DiseasePrevention@whitmancounty.gov.

For time-sensitive matters, during our normal business hours, you can reach us at (509) 332-6752.

For emergency reporting for healthcare workers, you can reach an On-Duty WCPH Officer at (509) 595-4834.