Thurston County health officer reports rising respiratory illnesses, measles counts and Black Lake compliance success
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Summary
Health Officer briefed the Board on rising respiratory illnesses and RSV wastewater signals, noted measles case counts (U.S. and Washington totals cited), highlighted universal infant hepatitis B vaccination impacts, and reported an 83% compliance result from the Black Lake Pollution Identification and Correction project.
Thurston County’s Health Officer told the Board on Feb. 10 that local respiratory illnesses are increasing and wastewater surveillance for RSV is tracking with emergency-department visits.
"They're rising pretty high," the Health Officer said, summarizing county respiratory trends. The packet included wastewater data showing RSV concentrations that lined up with ED visits. The Health Officer also summarized measles counts: "last year we had just over 2,000 cases in the United States. So far this year we already have 733 in The States," and said Washington’s case counts were "12 last year; we already have 9 this year." The presentation framed measles as notable but not yet indicating a broad outbreak locally.
The Health Officer highlighted a chart showing a sharp decline in hepatitis B case rates among children 1 to 9 years old that coincides with increased infant vaccination coverage, saying the visualization "shows the effect of universal infant hepatitis B vaccinations." The report also briefly mentioned Nipah virus monitoring in global news: "it is an emerging disease ... very high mortality," but noted only two cases were in recent news and that local risk remained limited.
Director of Public Health and Social Services also reported a departmental enforcement and outreach success: the Black Lake Pollution Identification and Correction Project reached 83% compliance among property owners after education and enforcement measures. "It was a very large outreach, educational and enforcement effort," the director said, calling the outcome "a huge win for our department."
Staff also highlighted community programs and upcoming events: a six-week in-person pregnancy-loss support series (Feb. 5–Mar. 12, Thursdays, 5:30–6:45 p.m.), drop-in lactation support sessions (Feb. 24 and Mar. 10, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.), the online Together We Parent group (third Wednesday monthly, 10–11:30 a.m.), and homeowner septic self-inspection certification courses (dates listed in packet; registration required). Staff noted that full details are on the Public Health and Social Services website and in the meeting packet.
The Board asked several clarifying questions about wastewater data and local partnerships; staff said gaps in wastewater figures represented values of zero rather than missing samples. Board members also discussed coordination with local food banks to reach isolated residents, and staff offered to meet with local food-bank representatives to broaden outreach.
The Board did not take formal action on the health-report items but recorded the departmental updates for its ongoing work plan.
