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Health Department warns of heavy respiratory season, notes $181M rural health grant and FPHS budget risks
Summary
Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham told the Board the state is in a peak respiratory season (122 lab-confirmed influenza deaths; 2,100 pertussis cases in 2025), announced a $181 million federal rural health grant award for FY2026, and warned of a $2.3 billion biennial budget shortfall with proposed FPHS cuts.
Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham updated the State Board of Health on the current respiratory-disease season, federal policy shifts affecting vaccine recommendations, and state budget pressures.
"Washington is in the peak of respiratory illness season," Secretary Worsham said, reporting 122 lab-confirmed influenza deaths and 2,100 pertussis cases reported in 2025. He said the State Health Officer issued an order for provisional…
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