Category: Poisoning & Environmental Health
The state Department of Health has temporarily closed Samish Bay to shellfish harvesting because of high levels of fecal bacteria from the Samish River.
Because of this sudden increase in deaths, health officials are issuing a public alert about the overdose danger and are working with partners to analyze the heroin and identify possible reasons for the sudden increase in deaths.
More than 200 who attended the cheerleading competition in Everett were sickened by the ‘stomach flu’ bug known as norovirus, health officials report.
At least 192 cases of vomiting and diarrhea have now been linked to a Washington state high school cheerleading tournament held in Everett, February 4, the Washington State Department of Health said Thursday.
Stay warm safely. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your food safe. And check on friends, neighbors, and especially the elderly.
Each year in Washington, dozens of people get sick and die from carbon monoxide poisoning. And many are hospitalized for carbon monoxide exposure. During power outages, carbon monoxide poisoning is a major concern when people use charcoal briquettes or generators indoors as a heat source.
The use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves is prohibited as a high-pressure system brings cold temperatures and calm winds to the region. Air quality is expected to worsen, especially in communities where residential wood burning is common. Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
November through March winter weather often causes stagnant air that traps air pollution from outdoor burning, wood stoves, and fireplaces gets trapped near the ground.
The European Union has prohibited the use of X-ray body scanners in European airports, parting ways with the U.S., which has deployed hundreds of the scanners as a way to screen airline passengers for explosives hidden under clothing.
The Transportation Security Administration will conduct a new study of X-ray body scanners after in response to concerns about the technology’s safety.
Komen for the Cure and possible link between breast cancer and BPA. Steering ER regulars to primary care. And health reform will bring a surge in Medicaid patients–which states ready?
Oysters harvested between August 30 and September 19 may cause illness, Washington State Department of Health warns.
LocalHealthGuide is a health news and information web service for Seattle and the Puget Sound Region. We are independent and unaffiliated with any hospital, medical association or insurer. If you have questions or if your group has an upcoming event that you would like us to cover, please let us know by going to our "Contact Us" page and dropping us a note. -- Michael McCarthy, Editor
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Lost in translation: Lack of trained interpreters can lead to medical errors
Interpreter services at hospitals and other medical settings are often inadequate, forcing family members, including children, to step in, or the task falls to medical staff members who may not speak the language well.
Some insurers deny ER coverage to people who have been drinking
Laws in more than half the states permit insurers to deny payment for medical services related to alcohol or drug use. Faced with the prospect of not getting paid for care, some ER personnel sidestep the problem by simply not testing patients’ blood or urine for alcohol.
Travel insurance can protect your wallet — and your health on vacation
Think your regular health insurance policy will cover you if you get into medical trouble overseas?
Don’t bet on it.
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