News Flash

GRANT COUNTY, WA – The Grant County Health Officer, Dr. Alexander Brzezny, has announced the start of the 2025/2026 respiratory illness season. Since the beginning of December, and especially during the last two weeks, influenza (flu) activity in Grant County has increased sharply. This includes a noticeable rise in emergency department visits. Flu activity has also been increasing on state and national levels.   

Healthcare facilities should begin implementing enhanced measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. This may include patient and staff screening and the use of face masks in healthcare facilities based on their situation and policies.

This respiratory illness season, take extra steps to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Practice good hand hygiene, stay home when you are sick and talk to your doctor about COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines.

A newer type of the common flu virus is spreading this season. This virus is known as a K variant or clade K. This situation is a normal part of how flu viruses change over time. Some people may get infected more easily because the virus is harder for the body’s immune system to recognize. Others could become sicker than usual. Getting a flu shot is still recommended because it lowers the chance of serious illness and hospitalization.

You can stay up to date with respiratory illness trends in Grant County by visiting https://granthealth.org/228/Respiratory-Viruses-Seasonal-Trends. 

Statewide Activity 

To date, eighteen (18) flu-related deaths have been reported in Washington state. So far, no flu-related deaths have been reported in Grant County. Flu has been the fastest-rising virus in Washington for several weeks.

Last respiratory illness season was considered a high-severity flu season and had the highest hospitalization rate since 2010/2011.

COVID-19, Flu & RSV: Symptoms & Testing

COVID-19, flu, and RSV are all caused by different viruses. However, they spread in very similar ways and can have similar symptoms. Learn about common symptoms for each respiratory virus.  

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, you can take an at-home test or talk to your doctor. You can get free COVID-19 tests at GCHD’s office or buy them at your pharmacy. Ask your doctor to be tested for RSV. 

Seasonal Vaccines

It is not too late to get your COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines. Symptoms and outcomes of these illnesses vary for everyone and can be more serious than you might expect. Vaccines can help reduce your chance of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Talk to your doctor or review trusted resources to feel more confident in your vaccine decision.

More Ways to Stay Healthy

In addition to seasonal vaccines, you can help keep your family and others healthy by:

• Washing your hands often
• Staying home and away from others if you are sick 
• Wearing a mask if you have symptoms and must go out

Updated Stay Home Guidance

If you develop symptoms of a respiratory illness or test positive for flu, COVID-19 or other viruses, it is important to take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus. 

If you have a respiratory illness stay home and away from others until both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours: 

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication). 

When you go back to your normal activities, wear a protective mask and take added precautions for an additional 5 days.

Updated Return to Work Guidance for Healthcare

Persons working in healthcare who have any new respiratory illness should stay home at least three (3) days before returning to work. Before returning, their symptoms need to be getting better and they need to be free of fever for at least 24 hours without using any fever reducing medications. Those returning to work in healthcare setting should keep wearing a protective mask for at least ten (10) days after symptoms onset, regardless of their current symptoms.

Treatment 

Antivirals are prescription medicines that can fight flu and COVID-19 viruses. Antivirals must be prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. It is very important that antiviral drugs are started as soon as possible to treat patients who are at higher risk of serious complications or very sick with the flu. If your doctor prescribes antiviral medication, finish the entire prescription.  

Avian Influenza vs. Seasonal Influenza 

Avian influenza (bird flu) and seasonal influenza (flu) are different. Seasonal flu spreads easily among people every year, usually in colder months. Bird flu mainly affects birds such as wild waterfowl and farm poultry and occurs year-round. It rarely infects humans but can be dangerous if it does. There is no evidence showing that bird flu can spread from person to person. 

No vaccine is currently available for bird flu. Bird flu symptoms are similar to seasonal flu. If you have flu-like symptoms and have had recent contact with sick or deceased birds, tell your doctor. For more information about bird flu visit: Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Health.

About GCHD

GCHD is committed to informing the public of communicable diseases present in our community. Find respiratory illness season updates on GCHD’s website or by following GCHD on Facebook. By taking the right precautions, you can reduce the risk of respiratory illness.  

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Grant County, WA – Grant County Mosquito Control District No. 1 (GCMCD1) has detected West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected near Crab Creek north of Moses Lake. The mosquitoes were collected during routine testing on August 24, 2025, and the positive result was confirmed at Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory on September 3, 2025. It is possible there could be mosquitoes carrying the virus in other areas. 

“Although most people will not get seriously ill from West Nile virus, we do not want anyone to get sick because of a mosquito bite,” said Amber McCoy, GCHD Investigation & Response Manager. “If you’re enjoying activities outside, be sure to take the necessary steps to fight the bite.”

Current Situation

Grant County is the third county in Washington to report detections of WNV this year. Benton and Yakima counties have previously reported positive mosquito samples. 

So far in 2025, there have been no reports of people or animals infected with WNV in Washington. Most states in the US, including neighboring states Idaho and Montana, have reported at least one human case this year. In August, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare confirmed a WNV-related death in an Idaho resident. The last reported human case in Grant County was in 2015.

About West Nile Virus

WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. WNV is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. It mostly occurs during mosquito season, which is summer to fall.  

West Nile Virus Symptoms

Most people infected with WNV will not get sick, but in some cases it can be serious. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system that results in encephalitis or meningitis. There is no specific medication for WNV disease, but hospital care may be necessary for severe cases.

You should contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms and recently had mosquito bites: 

1 in 5 people experience mild symptoms:

Fever and

• Body aches
• Joint pains
• Rash
• Vomiting    
• Diarrhea
• Headache

1 in 150 people experience severe symptoms:

• High fever
• Neck stiffness 
• Disorientation
• Tremors
• Muscle weakness 
• Paralysis 
• Coma
• Convulsions

High Risk Groups

You are at higher risk of serious illness from WNV if you are 60 or older, or have certain medical conditions, such as:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Kidney Disease

Prevent West Nile Virus

Take steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• If possible, stay indoors at dawn and dusk. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat when going into areas with mosquitoes.
• Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent when spending time in areas with mosquitoes. 
  • Apply children’s repellent for them. 
  • Mosquito repellents that contain the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus work best.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin to kill or repel mosquitoes.
• Make sure windows and doors are “bug tight” and repair or replace screens as needed.
• Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around your home. Empty anything that holds standing water—bottles, cans, old tires, buckets, trash containers, plastic covers, planters, and toys.
• Change water in birdbaths, fountains, kiddie pools, and animal troughs at least twice each week.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in spring and fall. 
• Fix leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers.

At-Risk Animals

Birds and equine animals (e.g., horses, donkeys, mules) can get WNV. Infected animals can get very sick, which commonly results in death. Equine owners should ask their veterinarian about the WNV vaccine. 

GCMCD1 Control Efforts

GCMCD1 began their annual mosquito control efforts in March 2025 and will continue through October 2025. So far this season, GCMCD1 has set 1,494 adult mosquito traps and tested over 869 mosquito samples. 

Grant County has three mosquito control districts. Grant County Mosquito Control District No. 1 serves the greater Moses Lake area, while the other two districts cover the Coulee City and Electric City/Grand Coulee areas. Each district conducts mosquito control efforts within its set boundaries. Some parts of the county are not within the boundaries of a mosquito control district.

“We will continue to target both larval and adult mosquitoes in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus to other areas of the district” added Ann Belchik-Moser, District Manager of GCMCD1.

For more information about mosquito control efforts in Grant County, visit https://www.gcmcd1.org/. 

For more information about WNV, visit https://granthealth.org/207/West-Nile-Virus. 

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GRANT COUNTY, WA — The Grant County Health District (GCHD) is accepting applications for a primary board member and two alternate members on the Grant County Board of Health. This is a valuable opportunity to support public health in your community by helping shape health policies and services that impact all Grant County residents.

“The Grant County Board of Health is a diverse group of people who share a commitment to protecting the health and safety of our communities,” said Tom Harris, Board Chair. “As a member for over a decade, I’ve seen the Board take on some of the most challenging and impactful work in our county.”

About the Grant County Board of Health

The Grant County Board of Health oversees the work of GCHD and provides guidance on public health policies and priorities. In addition to setting direction, this group is responsible for enforcing local, state, and federal health regulations in Grant County.  

The Board is made up of eight positions representing community stakeholders and locally elected and appointed officials.

Current Board Positions: 

• Seat Number 1: Grant County Commissioner
• Seat Number 2: Grant County Commissioner
• Seat Number 3: City / Town Elected Official
• Seat Number 4: City / Town Elected Official
• Seat Number 5: Healthcare Facility, Healthcare Provider or Public Health
• Seat Number 6: Consumer of Public Health
• Seat Number 7: Community Stakeholder
• Seat Number 8: Tribal Representative

Open Seats

The Board is seeking Grant County residents for the following positions:

• Consumer of Public Health (Primary Member and Alternate Member)

• People who have self-identified as having faced significant health inequities or as having lived experiences with public health-related programs. 
• This may include WIC, housing or homelessness support, behavioral health or substance use treatment programs, and other community-based health services.
• Healthcare (Alternate Member) 
  • Professionals from healthcare facilities, public health organizations or providers. 
  • This may include pharmacists, dentists, community health workers and more. 

Expectations & Commitment 

Alternate members are welcome to attend all Board of Health meetings and are asked to participate when the primary member is unavailable.

• Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
• Location: In person at GCHD office (Moses Lake) or via Zoom
• Term: 1–2 years, with the option to extend by agreement

How to Apply

To apply, please complete an application and follow the directions at the bottom of the document. The application is available on GCHD’s website at https://bit.ly/GCHDBOH. 

For questions contact Rita Morfin at 509-766-7960 EXT. 43 or rmorfin@granthealth.org. 

About Grant County Health District

Grant County Health District’s mission is to evaluate the health of Grant County and align opportunities for our communities to thrive and be healthy. GCHD provides services in disease prevention, health education, and emergency preparedness for all people in Grant County.

 For more information contact Lexi Smith, GCHD Public Information Officer at (509) 770-4194 or lsmith@granthealth.org. 

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GRANT COUNTY, WA - As we recognize World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Grant County Health District’s Investigations & Response team, the Grant County Health Officer, Dr. Alexander Brzezny, and the Grant County Board of Health, are proud to present the 2025 Spittoon Award. This award, inspired by historical TB prevention efforts, honors a healthcare provider, facility, or team for their dedication to fighting TB. 

2025 Spittoon Award Recipient 

This year’s recipient is the Confluence Health Infectious Diseases team. Through their expertise and commitment to addressing complex TB cases, the Confluence Health Infectious Diseases team has made a meaningful difference in patient care and improving outcomes.

Their continued collaboration with public health and support for TB control programs has been instrumental in driving progress toward our shared goal of eliminating this disease from our communities. Their work shows excellence, compassion, and leadership in the fight against TB. 

Grant County Health District extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Confluence Health Infectious Diseases team, including Dr. Mark Johnson, Dr. Ahmad Musmar, Dr. Moises Vargas Mena, and staff, for their invaluable partnership and support in the ongoing battle against TB. 

 About World Tuberculosis Day

Today, March 24, is World TB Day. On this day in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB. Dr. Koch's discovery was the most important step taken toward the prevention and treatment of this deadly disease.

Learn about the history of the spittoon and how they are related to TB: https://bit.ly/SpittoonHistory 

Learn more about Tuberculosis: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/

GRANT COUNTY, WA – Grant County Health District (GCHD) continues to monitor the activity of respiratory illnesses in our communities, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. As the 2024/2025 respiratory illness season continues, GCHD urges you to take precautions to protect yourself and others. 

Thus far, three flu-associated deaths have been confirmed in Grant County residents. The deaths occurred in a female in her 60s, a male in his 60s, and a male in his 70s. All had underlying health conditions. 

“These deaths are a painful reminder of the high influenza activity seen in our country and in our area. Our hearts go out to the families and friends who are mourning their loved ones,” said Dr. Brzezny, Grant County Health Officer. “As the season continues, we urge you to take steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community,” he added. 

Current Situation

Grant County: In mid December, over 11% of Grant County emergency department (ED) visits were associated with COVID-19, flu, and RSV. This marks the highest peak of respiratory illness-related ED visits in the past two respiratory illness seasons. 

Though RSV and COVID activity has shown a slight decline this month, influenza activity still remains quite elevated.

GCHD has helped mitigate several influenza outbreaks and continues to monitor respiratory illness activity within healthcare facilities and schools.

The graph above shows a representation of combined total weekly cases of Grant County residents of RSV, Covid-19, and influenza that have tested positive in the Emergency Department within the region. Not all cases are being reported. The most recent week is a dotted line due to incomplete and pending data and should be interpreted cautiously. Data limitations apply. 

Washington: Washington State Department of Health is reporting 43 laboratory-confirmed flu-associated deaths to date. Most deaths occurred in people with underlying health conditions. Flu activity in Washington is currently “high”. 

Flu has been the most common respiratory illness so far this season. Influenza A continues to be the dominant strain, however, it is not uncommon for a different strain, such as influenza B, to pick up the pace at this point in flu season.

Protect Yourself and Others

As the respiratory virus season continues, GCHD encourages everyone to continue taking the following precautions to lower the chance of getting yourself and others sick: 

• Talk with your doctor about the COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines. The vaccines are safe and can help reduce your chance of severe illness. 
• Avoid visiting healthcare facilities, especially long-term care (LTC) facilities, and vulnerable individuals if you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms. LTC and hospital residents are among the populations most vulnerable to respiratory viruses.
  1. GCHD strongly recommends anyone visiting an LTC facility wear the most protective mask that also fits well. 
• If you are not feeling well, stay home and test as soon as possible. 
• Wash your hands well and often. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. 

Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance

If you test positive for a respiratory virus, it is important to take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus. If you have a respiratory virus stay home and away from others until both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours: 

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever (without using fever-reducing medication). 

When you go back to your normal activities, wear a protective mask and take added precautions for an additional 5 days.

Treatment 

Antivirals are prescription medicines that can fight flu and COVID-19 viruses. Antivirals must be prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. It is very important that antiviral drugs are started as soon as possible to treat patients who are at higher risk of serious complications or very sick with the flu. If your doctor prescribes antiviral medication, start it right away and finish the entire prescription.  

Avian Influenza vs. Seasonal Influenza 

GCHD is also closely monitoring the current avian influenza situation, commonly known as bird flu. 

Avian influenza and seasonal influenza (flu) are different. Seasonal flu spreads easily among people every year, usually in the colder months. Bird flu mainly affects birds such as wild waterfowl and farm poultry and occurs year-round. It rarely infects humans but can be dangerous if it does. There is no evidence showing that bird flu can spread from person to person. No vaccine is currently available for bird flu. Bird flu symptoms are similar to seasonal flu. If you have flu-like symptoms and have had recent contact with sick or deceased birds, tell your healthcare provider. 

For more information about bird flu visit: Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Health.

GCHD commits to informing the public of communicable diseases present in our community. Find respiratory illness season updates on GCHD’s website or by following GCHD on Facebook. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of respiratory illness.  

For more information contact Lexi Smith, GCHD Public Information Officer at (509) 770-4194 or lsmith@granthealth.org 

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