The healthcare sector is a significant contributor to climate change, producing around 10% of total carbon emissions. Climate change strains healthcare systems, increasing visits and deaths. It’s crucial for healthcare to reduce emissions, waste, and improve energy efficiency while adapting to climate change. A new playbook supports hospitals and clinics in this effort, offering practical guidance and support.
One individual in a group of international travelers developed measles during their quarantine in Seattle. The individual is recovering and is no longer contagious, and the rest of the group have completed their quarantines. There are no public exposures.
Every two years, University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI), in partnership with Public Health, conducts a statewide survey of people who utilize syringe service programs. We sat down with Sara Glick, PhD, Epidemiologist for Public Health – Seattle & King County, Associate Professor at University of Washington, and the lead researcher and author of the local report, to learn about the report findings.
Our toxicologist, Dr. Shirlee Tan, explains about why PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are a concern and what consumers should know about PFAS in food packaging.
Public Health was informed by Washington State Department of Health last week that a group of international travelers visiting Seattle were exposed to an individual with measles prior to arriving in Seattle. Currently, there are no cases of measles among the group (or within King County), but we are monitoring the situation closely.