Island County Public Health Department

Island County Public Health Department We promote the health and well-being of our unique island communities.

We promote the health and well-being of our unique island communities.

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A warm summer day in Island County can make the water look inviting, but the waters around Whidbey and Camano Islands of...
06/11/2026

A warm summer day in Island County can make the water look inviting, but the waters around Whidbey and Camano Islands often stay colder than you’d expect, even in the summer months.

Remember, dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

Cold water can quickly impact your breathing, strength, and coordination, even on sunny days. Fast-moving currents, changing tides, and cold water conditions in our region can increase the risk of cold water shock, exhaustion, and drowning.

Before heading out on the water:
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket
- Dress for cold water conditions or wear a wetsuit when appropriate
- Check tides, currents, and weather conditions before you go
- Avoid going out alone
- Keep children within arm’s reach near the water

A little preparation can make a big difference in staying safe while enjoying Island County’s beautiful waterways.

For more information about cold water safety, visit the Washington State Parks website: https://parks.wa.gov/about/rules-and-safety/boater-education-safety/cold-water-safety

The Public Health Camano Front Office will be closed on Wednesday, June 17th, from 1-4PM, for staff training. Our Coupev...
06/10/2026

The Public Health Camano Front Office will be closed on Wednesday, June 17th, from 1-4PM, for staff training.

Our Coupeville Front Office will be open.

Have a question? Our main number is 360-679-7350, or you can email [email protected].

The summer edition of Health Matters is available! The Health Matters Newsletter is your go-to source for timely updates...
06/10/2026

The summer edition of Health Matters is available! The Health Matters Newsletter is your go-to source for timely updates, seasonal tips, and resources available right here in Island County.

From emergency preparedness to what to expect in the heat this summer, each issue is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health.

In this issue:
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness and the FIFA World Cup
- Heat Safety
- Information about the Thrive Resource Directory
- Permitted Food Vendors
- Injury Prevention and Safety Outdoors
- Your Septic and Summer Gatherings
- Beach and Shellfish Safety

Don’t miss an issue! Subscribe to receive Health Matters straight to your inbox and stay connected to the information you need, when you need it.

To see previous editions and subscribe to future editions, visit our website: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/1062/Health-Matters-Newsletter

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread from animals to people (these are referred to as zoonotic). They are typical...
06/09/2026

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread from animals to people (these are referred to as zoonotic). They are typically carried by rodents and found in their saliva, urine, and f***s. While rare, these viruses can lead to severe, life-threatening lung and kidney disease.

In the U.S., the most common strain is the Sin Nombre Virus, carried by deer mice (primarily in the Southwest). In Washington State, we see an average of only two cases per year.

The Andes Virus, the strain that has recently been in the news, is much less transmissible and is usually found only in South America. The likelihood of the Andes Virus establishing itself in human or rodent populations in the United States is extremely low.

The main risk comes from breathing in contaminated dust when cleaning areas with rodent activity, such as sheds, garages, cabinets, storage spaces, or outbuildings.

Before cleaning up after rodents, remember these three important steps:
- Mask up. Where a mask before entering or cleaning the area.
- Air it out. Open windows and doors and allow the space to ventilate before you begin. Do not sweep or vacuum, as this can stir particles into the air.
- Wet it down. Spray droppings, nests, and contaminated areas with a disinfectant or 10% bleach solution. Let it soak before wiping up.

If you see signs of rodents, take a few extra precautions before cleaning. Safe cleanup helps to protect your lungs, home, and family.

For information about cleaning up after rodents, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/rodent-control/clean-up.html

Recently, the US Environmental Protection Agency released a fact sheet on the amazing economic benefits of protecting he...
06/08/2026

Recently, the US Environmental Protection Agency released a fact sheet on the amazing economic benefits of protecting healthy watersheds.

Healthy watersheds provide:
- Clean drinking water and reduced costs for infrastructure.
- Reduced natural hazard costs
- Improved hunting, fishing, and foraging
- Increased recreational and tourism opportunities
- Enhanced quality of life and health benefits
- Increased property values

For more information, click the link and read the fact sheet to see just how vital a healthy watershed can be:https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/economic-benefits-of-protecting-healthy-watersheds-april-2026_508.pdf

June is the time of year when community members start to think about clam digging and shellfish harvesting. Before headi...
06/07/2026

June is the time of year when community members start to think about clam digging and shellfish harvesting. Before heading out, always make sure to check the shellfish safety map for season openings and potential closures due to biotoxins.

Find the map here: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife also has important information on harvesting regulations that are necessary for sustaining healthy shellfish populations. Please make sure to check for shellfish signs at public access beaches. They can inform you if there are any species-specific or whole beach closures.

If you have any questions about harvesting in Island County or about any of the information on our website, please feel free to reach out to the Island County Natural Resources Department: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/644/Shellfish-Advisories

Cannabis can impair reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, making it unsafe to drive high. If you plan to use...
06/06/2026

Cannabis can impair reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, making it unsafe to drive high. If you plan to use cannabis, make a plan to get home safely before you go out.

Use a designated driver, rideshare, public transit, or stay where you are until you are sober. Looking out for yourself and others on the road helps keep our community safer for everyone.

Learn more about driving safely and cannabis at Cannabis Safely Washington State: https://cannabissafelywa.org

Sick? Watch the match from home. ⚽📺Infectious diseases can spread rapidly in crowded environments, and large community e...
06/05/2026

Sick? Watch the match from home. ⚽📺
Infectious diseases can spread rapidly in crowded environments, and large community events significantly increase the risk of transmission..

If you are experiencing a fever, cough, or other contagious respiratory symptoms, please stay home, isolate, and rest.

Track local respiratory illness trends here and find prevention guidelines: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/825/Respiratory-Illnesses

The FIFA World Cup is right around the corner! With more visitors expected to come to Island County for games in late Ju...
06/04/2026

The FIFA World Cup is right around the corner! With more visitors expected to come to Island County for games in late June, short-term rentals are likely to experience increased demand and occupancy.

If your home uses a septic system, plan and stick to your occupancy limits. Septic systems are designed for a set number of users; overloading them, even briefly, can cause backups, costly damage, and health risks for your guests and the community.

Here are some tips to help get your system ready for the increased load:

- Schedule a Septic System Inspection and have the tanks pumped if needed.
- Clean the outlet baffle filter every 6-12 months to prevent sewage from backing up into the home.
- Ensure guests are not parking over septic components. This can lead to compaction or breaking components and early failure. Rope off the area so they know where not to park.
- Make sure that all of your guests know that the home is on a septic system and what not to flush. Signs throughout the house, over the toilet and the sinks can be helpful. Consider communicating in messages before check-in about your septic system.
- Avoid hydraulic overload by fixing leaks and keeping guest numbers within your septic system’s limits. Too many people can overload the system, pushing solids into the drainfield and causing early failure.
- A flooded drainfield can’t absorb wastewater, which may lead to backups or overflows. If emptying a hot tub, make sure it’s drained away from the septic system.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners and chemicals. They can reduce the bacterial communities needed to treat wastewater.
- Use a sink drain strainer.

Visit our website for important septic tips, maintenance reminders, and ways to avoid common issues during busy rental periods: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/672/Homeowner-Support

Q: What is the Healthy Island Youth Initiative?A: The HIYI Scholarship Program assists children and youth from low-incom...
06/04/2026

Q: What is the Healthy Island Youth Initiative?

A: The HIYI Scholarship Program assists children and youth from low-income families who are not currently being assisted by an existing scholarship or fee waiver program. The Scholarship Fund relies on donations from the community and partner organizations to help children access organized sports and activities.

On July 3rd, you and the whole family can join us for the Chum Run 5K at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor. The run starts at 4 PM and the Fry Run (for younger runners) is at 4:45pm. Anyone who can walk, run, or work five kilometers is invited to register! If you’d rather help with day-of logistics, set-up, or clean up, please reach out to Liz Dickman at [email protected].

For more information about the run and to find links for registration, please visit our website: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/1035/Chum-Run-2026

Address

1 NE 7th Street
Coupeville, WA
98239

Telephone

+13606785111

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