County report highlights emergency medical program’s successes
September 6, 2011
NEW — 11:30 a.m. Sept. 6, 2011
Medics responded to 210,719 calls to 911 last year throughout King County in 7.6 minutes, on average.
The information, from a report released Tuesday, highlights the county Emergency Medical Services and Medic One system.
EMS agencies responded to 1,069 cardiac arrests and more than 33,000 trauma incidents last year. The system remains a leader in cardiac arrest survival — the survival rate is 49 percent, compared to 5 to 10 percent in many major urban areas.
The system serves more than 1.9 million people spread across 2,134 square miles.
“We are fortunate in King County to have one of the most innovative and effective Emergency Medical Services systems anywhere,” County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement. “The response that goes into every 911 call reflects extraordinary expertise and teamwork among fire departments, paramedic providers, dispatch centers, physicians, hospitals and public health workers.”
Immunizations: What parents need to know
August 23, 2011
State law requires a variety of immunizations for students prior to them entering school and while they are in the school system.
In Issaquah, students may register for class, but may not attend school until all immunization requirements are met.
Students must be immunized against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, poliomyelitis, varicella (chickenpox) measles, rubella, mumps and hepatitis B.
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Stay safe from biting, stinging creepy crawlers all summer long
August 16, 2011
Summer means sunshine, heat and — in a not-so-appealing category — summer pests in the form of biting and stinging bugs.
Experts at the state Department of Health said learning how bugs behave is a key step to avoiding bites and stings.
Watch out for deer flies and horse flies, because both species can deliver painful, itchy bites — and transmit tularemia, a bacterial disease. Both species tend to be active during the day and can commonly be found near ponds, streams and marshes. In order to avoid nasty bites, cover exposed skin and use repellent.
Report dead birds to help track West Nile virus
August 2, 2011
What to knowIn order to track West Nile virus, Public Health – Seattle & King County is asking residents to report dead birds by phone at 206-205-4394 or online at www.skcconnect.com. Local health officials recommend residents reduce the number of mosquitoes by:
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King County public health officials need community members to crow about dead birds in order to track the West Nile virus.
Public Health – Seattle & King County is asking residents to report dead birds. Crows, in particular, die quickly from West Nile virus, and clusters of dead crows could indicate the presence of the virus.
Officials did not detect West Nile virus in King County last year, but the virus has been active locally in the past.
Most people do not feel the effects of the infection, but in others, West Nile disease can cause severe symptoms, including diseases of the brain and spinal cord. West Nile disease caused 57 deaths in the United States last year, out of 1,021 reported cases in 41 states.
Throughout the summer and early fall, Public Health – Seattle & King County plans to collect dead birds deemed suitable for laboratory testing. The birds must be a crow, raven, jay or magpie; dead for less than 24 hours; and have no visible trauma or decay in order to be tested.
The mosquito most responsible for West Nile virus in King County is the northern house mosquito, culex pipiens. The species prefers to lay eggs in standing water. Even small amounts of water, such as in plant saucers or a clogged gutter, can produce many mosquitoes.
People can avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. Health officials recommend for people to consider using insect repellent, too.
Report dead birds to help health officials track West Nile virus
July 31, 2011
NEW — 1 p.m. July 31, 2011
King County public health officials need community members to crow about dead birds in order track the West Nile virus.
Public Health – Seattle & King County is asking residents to report dead birds by phone at 206-205-4394 or online. Crows, in particular, die quickly from West Nile virus, and clusters of dead crows could indicate the presence of the virus.
Officials did not detect West Nile virus in King County last year, but the virus has been active locally in the past.
Most people do not feel the effects of the infection, but in others, West Nile disease can cause severe symptoms, including diseases of the brain and spinal cord. West Nile disease caused 57 deaths in the United States last year, out of 1,021 reported cases in 41 states.
King County OKs rainwater as sole drinking water source
July 26, 2011
King County residents can now rely on cloudbursts as a thirst quencher.
On July 21, the county Board of Health approved a measure to allow rainwater captured from roofs as the sole residential water source for single-family homes on septic systems. Under older rules, rainwater could only be used as a supplemental source.
The board acted in response to residents interested in building eco-conscious homes.
Kathy Lambert, a board member and Issaquah’s representative on the King County Council, proposed adding rainwater-catchment systems as a tool for another water source.
“Extending public water lines or digging a well are not always available or feasible in rural and rugged areas of King County, or they can be so expensive to install that they render a lot unbuildable,” she said in a statement. “The ability to utilize rainwater will be a particular advantage in mountainous areas of the county with terrain and soil conditions that make it difficult to site a well and on-site sewage system that do not interfere with each other.”
The code change follows recent action by the state Department of Ecology to remove permit requirements for rainwater harvesting.
Bacteria detected in East King County air, but poses no health threat
July 26, 2011
NEW — 1:45 p.m. July 26, 2011
Monitors detected a bacteria capable of causing infectious tularemia in a daily air sample from East King County on Monday, but public health officials said the bacteria level is low, close to the detection limit and does not pose a threat.
Officials said a later test detected none of the bacteria in the air.
Since establishing a federal air-monitoring system in 2003, similar positive test results related to the naturally occurring bacteria have been common elsewhere in the United States. The bacteria detection Monday is the first time a sample in the Puget Sound area tested positive.
The bacteria, Francisella tularensis, is found throughout Washington and is commonly carried by rabbits, squirrels and other rodents. Tularemia rarely infects people. Only one to 10 human cases occur statewide in a typical year.
King County OKs rainwater as sole drinking water source
July 22, 2011
NEW — 8 a.m. July 22, 2011
King County residents can now rely on cloudbursts as a thirst quencher.
On Thursday, the county Board of Health approved a measure to allow rainwater captured from roofs as the sole residential water source for single-family homes on septic systems. Under older rules, rainwater could only be used as a supplemental source.
The board acted in response to residents interested in building eco-conscious homes.
Kathy Lambert, a board member and Issaquah’s representative on the King County Council, proposed adding rainwater-catchment systems as a tool for another water source.
“Extending public water lines or digging a well are not always available or feasible in rural and rugged areas of King County, or they can be so expensive to install that they render a lot unbuildable,” she said in a statement. “The ability to utilize rainwater will be a particular advantage in mountainous areas of the county with terrain and soil conditions that make it difficult to site a well and on-site sewage system that do not interfere with each other.”
Swedish Medical Center: A great fit for Issaquah
July 5, 2011
Mayor Ava Frisinger
As the entire region will soon enjoy the expanded medical care offered by Swedish/Issaquah, our city has much more to celebrate: a great fit with this community.
Some benefits are obvious. We now have a state-of-the-art hospital and medical campus that offers emergency services, a highly advanced cancer center and an impressive list of specialty-care services — all here in our backyard.
Swedish, however, provides plenty of additional perks for Issaquah. The healthcare provider consistently advocates for healthier lifestyles, which fits well with our active, outdoor-oriented community.
The nonprofit organization is also very much in sync with Public Health – Seattle & King County. Both organizations aim to educate the public that “health” is not merely the absence of illness, but is rather a longer, more enjoyable life. Look soon for Swedish’s great variety of free or low-cost classes regarding vital health topics here in Issaquah.
King County requires life vests on major rivers
June 20, 2011
NEW — 6 p.m. June 20, 2011
Summer starts Tuesday — and the season is prime time for river recreation, as people seek to beat the heat in boats, canoes, kayaks, inner tubes and more.
King County Council members adopted legislation Monday to require personal flotation devices on major King County rivers throughout the summer. The requirement is due to expire in October.
The measure requires people to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device on portions of the Raging, Snoqualmie, Tolt, Cedar, Green, Skyhomish and White rivers in unincorporated areas.
The penalty is a warning for first-time violators; subsequent violators face $86 fines.
