Wildfire smoke

Smoke from British Columbia wildfires have moved into Grays Harbor County.

Since mid-day on Tuesday, August 1, air quality monitors across the state have shown increased levels of air pollution. Data from a monitoring station located in Taholah is currently showing Unhealthy air quality and a monitoring station in north Pacific County is also showing Unhealthy air quality.

Until our local air quality improves, you should avoid outdoor physical activities and keep windows and door closed.  The Washington Department of Health offers detailed information on how residents can best deal with smoke impacts on their homes and communities.

Zika virus

Currently, there are locally transmitted Zika cases reported in Miami, Florida and Brownsville, Texas.  No other locally transmitted cases have been reported in the continental United States.

We will continue to monitor the Zika virus outbreak and will update this page.

Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites.

There are two different types of mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus - most commonly Aedes aegypti and possibly Aedes albopictus.  Neither type typically lives in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

There have also been reports of the Zika virus being spread by sexual contact.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are:

• fever
• rash
• joint pain
• red eyes (conjunctivitis)

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.

Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon, but Zika virus disease among pregnant women has been associated with birth defects.

For more information, visit CDC.gov/zika.

If you have further questions, call:

• your medical provider
• Lisa Leitz, RN, Communicable Disease Program Coordinator at (360) 532-8631 x.4044

Mumps

There is currently an outbreak of mumps in Washington state; there are no cases in Grays Harbor.

Washington State Department of Health, Mumps

Be prepared for extreme weather

High winds and rain are expected over the next few days.  Keep yourself and your family safe by being prepared.

For the latest information, visit Grays Harbor County Department of Emergency Management's website.

Fight the bite!

Mosquitoes can transmit several diseases, including two that have been in the news recently: West Nile virus and Zika.

Don't let the little buggers ruin your summer - follow the tips below to fight the bite!

Lead

News reports about high levels of lead in drinking water across the nation are raising questions about the safety of drinking water.

• Community water systems are required to regularly test to ensure the water provided is safe to drink.
• If you have concerns about the safety of your drinking water, you should contact your public utility company.

It is important to understand that water is not a major source of lead exposure.  Lead paint, dust, and contaminated soil are usually the most significant sources of lead exposure.

If you're concerned that your child may have been exposed to lead, call:

• your medical provider
• Lisa Leitz, RN, Communicable Disease Program Coordinator at (360) 532-8631 x.4044

For more information:

Lead (Washington State Department of Health website)

Lead in Drinking Water (Washington State Department of Health website)

Lead in School Drinking Water (Washington State Department of Health website)

Grays Harbor County Division of Environmental Health