Virus Watch Podcasts

On this Months BOCC Public Health Report report, Dr. Allison Berry said that Influenza and RSV are still here in the community (and recommends vaccinations) but Covid-19 is virtually gone at the moment. Measles is getting national attention, the latest outbreak in South Carolina has come to Washington State but seems to be contained in Snohomish County. It is not here in Jefferson and Clallam County at this time. Director of Emergency Management Willie Bence reported on weather and climate trends and the effect they have on our water supply…

On the BOCC Public Health (and Safety) Report for February, Dr. Allison Berry outlined what is going on with Flu, RSV, and Covid. She also answered questions about shingles and Avian Flu among other questions from the Commissioners. Willie Bence was not in attendance this month. Measles has come to western Washington, and Dr. Berry recommends MASKS in crowded public settings, and vaccinations every virus that is available. If you are an adult who doesn’t know if you have had measles, or if you were vaccinated in childhood, there is a test. The MMR vaccine is up to 97% effective at preventing measles, she said. She answered a listener question about incidents of ICE picking up people going to medical appointments. The Next BOCC Public Health Report is on Monday, March 2 at 9:45 am. Listeners can send questions for Dr. Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected] before NOON on Friday February 27.

This is the January 2026 Jefferson County Health and Emergency Management Report to the Board Of County Commissioners with Dr. Allison Berry and Willy Bence, which was broadcast live on KPTZ.

This month. The BOCC Public Health Report includes Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry and Director of Emergency Management (DEM) Willie Bence.
– Dr. Berry spoke about flu (both Influenza and avian Influenza) and homelessness, the VAERS website (https://vaers.hhs.gov/), misinformation from the CDC, and others.
– Willie spoke of the First three things to do during, and after an earthquake. (Stop, Drop, And Hold) is step one), Listen below for more. To volunteer to help the DEM fulfill its mission, write to [email protected].
– There is a public information session at the Jefferson County Library on Tuesday, December 2 called “Preparedness as Presents” – information on how you can gift things to friends and relations that help them be more prepared in the event of an emergency.

Dr. Allison Berry said that the latest local surge of COVID -19 is abating, but Influenza is on the rise. She recommends the flu vaccine for all and said that if you need a COVID booster, the flu vaccine and an RSV shot it’s fine to get them at the same time. She also spoke about SNAP benefits which are up in the air right now. She said the people most affected by this are Veterans and children, and said the better fed that people are, the less likely they are to contract disease and place a greater burden on the healthcare system. Willie Bence said there is a seminar on WINTER PREPAREDNESS at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock on Tuesday, November 4 at 10:30am (which is Election Day, by the way).

For the October Public Health Report the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) led off with a proclamation for Mental Health Week. Dr. Allison Berry talked about vaccines and the scarcity of COVID vaccines for children, RSV is pretty rare at the moment. The latest COVID and Flu vaccines are available for adults and recommended, especially for those over 65. Willie Bence mentioned that the Great Shakeout is on October 16 (10/16 at 10:16 am) and he reminded us to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON! at that time; pull over and stay in your car at that moment as well. We can build “muscle memory” so if an earthquake occurs we will know what to do and not panic. Also, the 4th Annual Fire & Rescue Fest is at the EJFR fire house on Lawrence Street is Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 2pm.

This month, Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry is back from maternity leave and for her first BOCC Public Health Report in three months gave a virus and vaccine update to the Commissioners, answered KPTZ listener questions (quite a few), and talked about the confusion due to the disconnect between the two Washingtons. She also offered hope and reassurance that there are many organizations across the country and in WA State who are trying to get out science-based vaccine recommendations. Director of Emergency Management, Willie Bence offered insights about local and state wildfires too, and a few words about wildland firefighters who are now under more stress because of the increased scrutiny of ICE agents.

Dr. Allison Berry is on maternity leave, so Director of Emergency Management Willie Bence gives a report on this year’s fire season (raised to MODERATE fire danger as of June 1), public safety, and evacuation protocols. The BOCC issues two public declarations at the start: One: for Public Transit Month, and Two: for PRIDE Month. The All-County Emergency Preparation Event is on June 28 at Finnriver in Chimacum (formerly it was held at the All-County Picnic). Anyone with a cellphone can sign up for NIXLE alerts by texting JEFFCODEM to 888777.

This month on the BOCC Public Health Report, Dr. Allison Berry said that avian flu is down in WA state and locally. Pertussis (whooping cough) is up, with 14 reported cases. She said that it starts with cold-like symptoms and proceeds to a persistent, severe cough. As a bacterial infection, it can be treated, so seeking treatment is essential and staying up to date with vaccinations (every 10 years for adults) is good practice. Willie Bence talked about how FEMA money is drying up under the new administration in Washington DC, upcoming safety seminars, and the “All County Picnic” at Finnriver on June 28, among other things. Dr. Berry will be on hiatus for a few months (she’s having a baby). but Willie Bence will be on this summer with important public safety updates every first Monday in June, July and August on KPTZ.