Health Department | Washtenaw County, MI
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Health Officials Confirm Measles Case in Allegan County
Officials in Allegan County are reporting a confirmed case of measles in West Michigan. measles is spread by direct person-to-person contact and infectious particles can even remain in the air for up to 2 hours. Officials say potential recent exposures include:Coachmen Strength & Conditioning – 7780 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI Monday 6/2 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 p.m. University of Michigan Health West – 5900 Byron Center Ave.SW, Wyoming, MI Wednesday 6/4 from 2:18 am to 5:02 am. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website states there are 1,168 confirmed cases of measles across the United States.
According to officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) measles is spread by direct person-to-person contact and infectious particles can even remain in the air for up to 2 hours.
Get our free mobile app
Here’s What You Need to Know:
Amid the ongoing measles outbreak officials in Allegan County are reporting a confirmed case here in West Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website states as of June 5, 2025 there are 1,168 confirmed cases of measles across the United States.
According to the news release from officials in Allegan County,
ACHD is working closely with the Kent County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to investigate the situation in an effort to prevent additional cases, as measles can lead to serious complications.
As the highly contagious disease can remain infectious for hours officials are trying to spread awareness to anyone who may have come in contact with the infected individual. Officials say potential recent exposures include:
Coachmen Strength & Conditioning – 7780 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI Monday 6/2 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
University of Michigan Health West – 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI Wednesday 6/4 from 2:18 am to 5:02 am
University of Michigan Health West Southwest Health Center – 2215 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI Wednesday 6/4 from 11:46 am to 3:45 pm
When to Monitor for Symptoms
If you were at the above locations during the times specified you are asked to monitor for symptoms over the next 21 days. Says Dr. Richard Tooker, Medical Director at the Allegan County Health Department,
Getting vaccinated is the most reliable way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential infectious diseases like measles…It is important to consider staying up-to-date on all routine vaccinations to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease.
For more information click here or call the ACHD at (269) 673-5411.
Here are the 7 top measles symptoms to watch out for. Gallery Credit: Reesha Cosby
GT County Health Department Offering Measles Vaccination Clinic June 20
The Grand Traverse County Health Department will host a walk-in measles vaccination clinic on June 20. As of June 5, there have been 1,168 confirmed cases of measles throughout the U.S., including 10 cases in Michigan. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children starting at age one. Adults born after 1957 who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status should also get vaccinated.
The clinic will take place from 8:30am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm at 2600 LaFranier Road in Traverse City. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children starting at age one, with a second dose given at four to six years of age. Adults born after 1957 who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status should also get vaccinated.
As of June 5, there have been 1,168 confirmed cases of measles throughout the U.S., including 10 cases in Michigan. While there have been no reported cases in Grand Traverse County, tourist season will bring many travelers to the community.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through airborne droplets and can linger on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room,” says Jacalyn Money-Bruno, MPH, RN, GTCHD Director of Prevention and Community Health. “Given its contagious nature and the increase of travelers to our area over the next few months, we strongly encourage everyone to ensure they are protected against measles now, rather than waiting until it’s too late.”
Measles typically begins with high fever, a runny nose, red eyes, and a cough, followed by a raised, red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body and extremities. The infection can lead to serious health complications, including seizures, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a time outside of the clinic, contact GTCHD at 231-995-6131.
Measles case confirmed in Allegan County, officials provide locations of exposure
There has been a confirmed measles case in Allegan County. The exposure locations are listed in Kent County. Measles is contagious from four days before the rash symptoms start until four days after the rash appears. The most common symptoms of measles are: high fever (may spike to more than 104F) and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours and is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. It is highly contagious and can appear up to 21 days after exposure. To prevent the spread of illness, the ACHD recommends:Getting the MMR vaccine.Avoiding being around infected individuals. contacting your local healthcare provider immediately if you or your child has been exposed to someone with the measles.
Though the case was confirmed within Allegan County, officials said the exposure locations are listed in Kent County.
The Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) said anyone who was present during the listed times and dates at the following locations may have been exposed:
Coachmen Strength & Conditioning – 7780 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315. Monday, June 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
University of Michigan Health West – 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519. Wednesday, June 4 from 2:18 a.m. to 5:02 a.m.
University of Michigan Health West Southwest Health Center – 2215 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519. Wednesday, June 4 from 11:46 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
ACHD said they are working closely with the Kent County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in their investigation of the situation.
ACHD is advising those who were at the above locations during the specified times should monitor their symptoms for 21 days after the exposure; anyone experiencing symptoms should call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread.
Similar coverage:
When calling a healthcare provider, ACHD said to alert the facility of the potential measles exposure before arrival so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other people.
If it has been less than six days since the potential exposure, health officials said you may be able to receive post-exposure treatment that could prevent illness and recommends contacting your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or local health department for vaccination and guidance.
Read more:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is described as “a highly contagious disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Measles is contagious from four days before the rash symptoms start until four days after the rash appears. Initial symptoms generally appear within 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure.”
The most common symptoms of measles are:
High fever (may spike to more than 104F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy; usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
“Getting vaccinated is the most reliable way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential infectious diseases like measles,” Dr. Richard Tooker, Medical Director at the Allegan County Health Department, said. “It is important to consider staying up-to-date on all routine vaccinations to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease.” Check with your healthcare provider or contact the Allegan County Health Department at (269) 673-5411 for questions regarding vaccination status.”
To prevent the spread of illness, the ACHD recommends:
Getting the MMR vaccine.
Avoiding being around infected individuals.
Contacting your local healthcare provider immediately if you or your child has been exposed to someone with the measles.
is available by contacting ACHD at 269-673-5411.
Asian Longhorned Ticks Discovered in Berrien County
This is the first detection of Asian longhorned ticks in Michigan. The tick poses a potential disease risk to all mammals and birds, but the impact to livestock (specifically cattle) is a major concern. Owners are urged to work with their veterinarian to treat their animals for ticks, perform regular tick checks, and keep pastures and lawns mowed and clear of brush to help keep their animals safe and healthy. The ALHT (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 21 other states in the eastern United States including Indiana and Ohio. The ticks can be transported through the movement of animals, people, equipment, etc. The adult female grows to the size of a pea when full of blood, other stages of the tick are very small, about the sizes of a sesame seed or even smaller. ALHTs have been found on various species of domestic animals (such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens) and wildlife.
LANSING, Mich. — Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting the first detection of the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) in the state. Two ALHT nymphs were found through routine tick surveillance efforts, which were being conducted at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County by Calvin University. The specimens were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories and confirmed as ALHT on June 11, 2025. While the tick poses a potential disease risk to all mammals and birds, the impact to livestock (specifically cattle) is a major concern. Owners are urged to work with their veterinarian to treat their animals for ticks, perform regular tick checks, and keep pastures and lawns mowed and clear of brush to help keep their animals safe and healthy.
“This discovery highlights the value of the contributions from our academic partners and the necessity of our continued collaboration to protect animal health throughout Michigan,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “By knowing this species of tick is in our state, we will increase our educational outreach to producers, animal owners, and animal health professionals so we can all do our part to safeguard animal and public health.”
“Calvin research students have been studying the ecology and distribution of ticks in West Michigan since 2020. The students worked with our close partners at Michigan State University and collaborating state agencies to initially identify these ticks as nymphal longhorned ticks,” said William Miller, Ph.D., CWB (Certified Wildlife Biologist), and Assistant Professor of Biology at Calvin University. “Since the longhorned tick is an agricultural pest of concern, our research team is continuing surveillance in the region to identify the potential distribution of the species, which will help to define the risk it poses to livestock.”
How did the ALHT get here?
While native to east Asia, the ALHT (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 21 other states in the eastern United States including Indiana and Ohio. The ticks can be transported through the movement of animals, people, equipment, etc.
MDARD will continue to take a One Health approach to respond to this detection and work with academic partners, local health departments, and other state and federal agencies to conduct additional surveillance around the state.
What does it look like?
ALHTs are light brown in color and can easily be mistaken for other tick species. While the adult female grows to the size of a pea when full of blood, other stages of the tick are very small, about the size of a sesame seed or even smaller.
What are the health risks?
ALHTs have been found on various species of domestic animals (such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens) and wildlife. The tick has also been found on people.
Even though this tick is not known to carry Lyme disease, they are capable of causing tickborne diseases affecting humans and animals, such as: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, heartland virus, and Powassan virus. However, those diseases have not been confirmed outside of a laboratory setting in the United States. ALHTs collected in other parts of the country have been found to carry Theileria orientalis, one of the pathogens that cause bovine theileriosis which is a reportable animal disease.
Since female ALHTs can reproduce without mating and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time, the ticks have been known to form large infestations on one animal, causing stress and reducing its growth and production. A severe infestation can even kill an animal due to blood loss.
What can I do?
For domestic animals, taking preventative measures and being vigilant are the best ways to protect against ALHTs and any other species of tick. Some of these strategies include:
Having regular tick treatments . Contact your veterinarian for more information about tick prevention for your animals.
. Contact your veterinarian for more information about tick prevention for your animals. Performing a tick check . Look around their eyes, ears, limbs, tail, and toes for any ticks. If a tick is found, safely remove it as quickly as possible.
. Look around their eyes, ears, limbs, tail, and toes for any ticks. If a tick is found, safely remove it as quickly as possible. Practicing tick prevention on pastures and lawns . Keep tall grass trimmed back along buildings and property edges, mow lawns, remove brush and leaf litter, and create mulch barriers to help make spaces tick safe.
. Keep tall grass trimmed back along buildings and property edges, mow lawns, remove brush and leaf litter, and create mulch barriers to help make spaces tick safe. Sending in ticks for identification. If you find an unusual-looking tick and/or think you have found on ALHT, please send it in to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Instructions can be found on Michigan’s Emerging Diseases website.
Overall, if you have any questions regarding the health of your animals, please consult your veterinarian.
Where can I learn more?
To learn more about the ALHT, where they have been found in the United States, and general preventative strategies, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website or MDARD’s website.
For more on ticks and tickborne diseases in Michigan as well as instructions for submitting ticks for identification, visit the Emerging Diseases website.
###
What fish are safe to eat in St. Clair County? Here’s what Michigan health department says
The 2025 Eat Safe Fish Guide provides Michigan residents with safety information for fish in popular fishing locations. The guide details recommended monthly servings for various fish species based on chemical contaminants like PFOS, mercury, and PCBs. Each year, MDHHS tests fish to determine what chemicals are present in those fish, including polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals” “Using the ESF Guide and following the MI Serving suggestions will keep you from getting too many chemicals in your body at once,” the guide states in its FAQ section. “Scientists set the limits so that you are protected from possible health problems from the chemicals, no matter how long they stay in you body,” it adds. “You are not allowed to eat more than one fish per person at a time. … You are not supposed to eat too many fish at one time. You are supposed to limit the amount of fish you eat to one per person per day,” it says. “There is no such thing as too much fish to eat.”
The guide details recommended monthly servings for various fish species based on chemical contaminants like PFOS, mercury, and PCBs.
Consumption limits are provided for specific locations, including Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River, and vary depending on the type and size of the fish.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released a guide on what fish are safe to eat, if you should limit servings and what fish to keep off your plate.
The 2025 Eat Safe Fish Guide provides Michigan residents with safety information for fish in popular fishing locations. Each year, MDHHS tests fish to determine what chemicals are present in those fish, including polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals.”
“Using the ESF Guide and following the MI Serving suggestions will keep you from getting too many chemicals in your body at once,” the guide states in its FAQ section. “Scientists set the limits in the ESF Guide so that you are protected from possible health problems from the chemicals, no matter how long they stay in your body.”
The guide includes sections on each county, including St. Clair County, a popular fishing destination. The guide breaks the portions of fish down by species and what body of water it comes from.
Summer fun: The coolest places to beat the heat in the Blue Water Area
Belle River fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Blue Gill PFOS Any 2 Rock Bass PFOS/PFOS and Mercury Under 7 inches/over 7 inches 2 (regardless of size) Sunfish PFOS Any 2 Yellow Perch PFOS Any 2
Black River (downstream of Fort Dam) fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Bluegill PFOS Any Do not eat Largemouth Bass PFOS Any Do not eat Rock Bass PFOS Any 6 per year Smallmouth Bass PFOS Any Do not eat Suckers PFOS Any 1 Sunfish PFOS Any Do not eat Yellow Perch PFOS Any 2
Burtch Creek fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Rock Bass PFOS Any Do not eat
Fort Gratiot Nature Preserve Pond (west of Parker Road) fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Bluegill PFOS Any Do not eat Sunfish PFOS Any Do not eat
Fort Gratiot Pond fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Bluegill PFOS Any 4 Sunfish PFOS Any 4
Howe Drain fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Rock Bass PFOS Any Do not eat
Lake St. Clair fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Black Crappie Mercury Under 9 inches/over 9 8 servings/ 4 servings Bluegill PFOS Any 6 per year Carp PCBs Any Limited* Catfish Dioxins Any Limited Freshwater Drum Mercury, PFBs Any 2 Largemouth Bass PFOS Any 6 per year Muskellunge Mercury Any Do not eat Northern Pike Mercury Any 2 Rock Bass PCBs Any 1 Smallmouth Bass PFOS Any 6 per year Sturgeon PCBs Any Limited Sunfish PFOS Any 6 per year Walleye Dioxins, PCBs, PFOS Any 6 per year White (Silver) Bass PCBs Any Limited White Crappie Mercury Under 9 inches/ over 9 8 servings/ 4 servings Yellow Perch Mercury Any 4
Pine River fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Black Crappie PFOS Any Do not eat Bluegill PFOS Any Do not eat Carp PFOS Any Do not eat Rock Bass PFOS Any Do not eat Sunfish PFOS Any Do not eat White Crappie PFOS Any Do not eat Other Species PFOS Any Do not eat
St. Clair River fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Carp PCBs Any Limited Freshwater Drum Mercury, PCBs Any 2 Largemouth Bass Mercury, PFOS/Mercury Under 18/over 18 2 servings/ 1 serving Rock Bass PFOS Any 2 Smallmouth Bass Mercury, PFOS / Mercury Under 18/over 18 2 servings/1 serving Sturgeon PCBs Any 2 Walleye Dioxins, PCBs, PFOS Any Limited White Bass PCBs Any 6 per year Yellow Perch PFOS Any 4
William P Thompson Lake fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Bluegill PFOS Any Do not eat Sunfish PFOS Any Do not eat Other species PFOS Any Do not eat
Lake Huron fish
Type of Fish Chemicals of Concern Size of Fish (inches) MI Servings per Month Atlantic Salmon Dioxins Any 2 Brown Trout PCBs Any 6 per year Carp Dioxins, PCBs Any Do not eat Catfish Dioxins Any Limited Chinook Salmon PCBs Any 6 per year Coho Salmon PCBs Any 6 per year Freshwater Drum Mercury Any 1 Lake Herring PFOS Any 2 Lake Trout Dioxins, PCBs Under 20/20-24/0ver 24 1 serving/6 per year/Limited Lake Whitefish Dioxins Any 6 per year Northern Pike PCBs Any 1 Rainbow Trout PFOS Any 1 Smelt PFOS Any 2 Steelhead PFOS Any 1 Suckers PCBs Any 2 Walleye Dioxins Any 6 per year White (Silver) Bass Dioxins, PCBs Any Limited White Perch PCBs Any 6 per year Yellow Perch Dioxins Any 2
More outdoor news: No license needed. How to fish for free in Michigan this weekend
Fish recommended for limited servings are recommended to not be eaten by children under 15, anyone with health problems, or people who are pregnant or plan to have kids.
The department notes in its guide that its serving are only suggestions, and that eating more than the recommended amount does not guarantee the fish will make a person sick. For anyone else the guide recommends only one or two servings per year.
More information, including how each concerning chemical can affect those who eat fish and what fish are safe in each Great Lake are safe to eat are available in the guide on the department’s website.
Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.
Source: https://www.washtenaw.org/1129/Health-Department