Latest news with #MDHHS
CBS News
11-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Legionella bacteria found in water system of Dearborn senior living facility
Local health officials in Wayne County, Michigan, have confirmed the presence of Legionella pneumonia, also known as Legionnaires' disease, at a senior living facility in Dearborn. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia that is sometimes fatal. The common signs include fever, cough, headache, chest pain and shortness of breath. The Wayne County Health, Human, and Veterans Services said Monday it is actively working with Allegria Village and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on the case. As part of the investigation into cases of Legionnaires' disease "among residents of Allegria Village," said the statement attributed to Avani Sheth, MD, MPH, the chief medical officer and division director of clinical care services. "Testing of the affected area's water system has detected the presence of Legionella bacteria, the organism that causes Legionnaires' disease." Health officials said they are working with Allegria Village on response steps that include disinfection and remediation of affected areas, alternative water sources where deemed appropriate and explaining symptoms of the disease to residents and staff. Cases of Legionnaire's disease have been on the increase during the past 20 years, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. It's not usually transmitted person to person, and healthy people typically do not get sick after infection. But the bacteria can settle into inside plumbing systems in larger buildings, the Wayne County health officials explained. People who are most at risk of exposure include adults over age 50, smokers and those who have chronic lung conditions. It can take five or six days, sometimes as much as 26 days, for someone infected with Legionnaires' disease to show symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. CBS News Detroit has reached out to Allegria Village for comment.
CBS News
08-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Michigan health officials confirm first West Nile virus human case in 2025
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the state's first West Nile virus human case in 2025. Health officials say the virus was detected in a Livingston County resident. MDHHS did not release any additional information on the resident. The first human case in 2024 was also detected in Livingston County. "It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness. Use insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during times when mosquitoes are active," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive. "These precautions are especially important during peak mosquito-biting hours, which are from dusk to dawn." Most people who are infected with WNV do not experience any symptoms or have a mild illness that could include a high fever, muscle weakness, confusion and severe headache. However, in some people, WNV can cause serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain. People over 50 are more likely to develop serious or life-threatening symptoms of WNV. Health officials recommend the following tips to protect you and your family from mosquito-borne illnesses like WNV. Note: The video above previously aired on July 17, 2025.
CBS News
20-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Michigan officials report lowest infant mortality rates in state history
Michigan is recording its lowest infant mortality in history, with a combination of mother-and-baby health initiatives credited for pushing up survival rates. The topic was among those discussed during the annual Maternal Infant Health Summit, which met June 17 and 18 in Lansing. The event, hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, included sharing ideas on how to improve the health of Michigan's new mothers and babies. "We are proud of the improvements we are making and will continue to make when it comes to the health of moms and babies," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, in a press release about the conference. Infant mortality is defined as the death of a baby who was born alive but died before their first birthday. The most common causes include prematurity, low birth weight, congenital anomalies and accidents. The data provided by state officials is as follows: During 2023, 607 Michigan infants under the age of 1 died. That's a ratio of 6.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. During 2022, there were 650 deaths for a ratio of 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative, launched in 2021, is getting credit for this improvement. The specific pieces in that initiative include continuing Medicaid coverage to one year after birth, making doula services available to expecting parents and the CenteringPregnancy model of care. Doulas are trained to provide guidance, educational and emotional support during prenatal, labor and delivery and postpartum times. There are more than 700 doulas on Michigan's Doula Registry; nearly 500 of whom are Medicaid-enrolled providers. CenteringPregnancy is an approach that integrates routine prenatal care with additional education about health, pregnancy and parenting within a group setting. In Michigan, there are currently 35 CenteringPregnancy sites and three CenteringParenting sites, including some medical providers and clinic locations in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Livonia, Pontiac, Sterling Heights, Westland and Ypsilanti.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials warn residents to avoid coming into contact with mysterious foam in local waterways: 'Help protect you, your family and your pets'
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a warning regarding foam on the surface of the state's bodies of water, from the Great Lakes to small streams. Contact with contaminated foam could prove harmful to human health. In many cases, foam on water surfaces contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — synthetic "forever chemicals" found in many common household items that linger in the environment without breaking down. Unchecked, PFAS can lead to myriad health concerns, from fertility issues to liver damage. Rising levels of contamination in Michigan's waters have given authorities cause for concern. Especially as summer approaches and people flock to cool off in lakes and rivers, the MDHHS has cautioned individuals to avoid contact with foam and rinse off in the case of a foam encounter. Beyond skin exposure, swallowing PFAS is of particular concern. "Foam can appear white, off-white, or brown and may have an earthy or fishy scent," 9&10 News reported. Research on the potential health consequences of PFAS exposure is only growing in conjunction with the number of PFAS-related lawsuits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS have been linked to reproductive, developmental, hormonal, and immune issues as well as cancer. Even more alarming is the fact that PFAS are more prevalent than we might care to observe. Used in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and more, PFAS leach from discarded items into landfills and, from there, make their way into our water supplies, increasing the risk of contamination. If you suspect you've been exposed to PFAS in your local water supply, authorities urge you to rinse off or bathe at the earliest opportunity, minimizing the duration of your exposure. "You can accidentally swallow PFAS, as well as bacteria, algae, viruses and other chemicals, if you do not rinse off or bathe after touching foam," MDHHS chief medical executive Natasha Bagdasarian said. "Rinsing off or bathing after water activities will help protect you, your family and your pets from harmful substances that may be in foam or water." Meanwhile, scientists and innovators are developing various PFAS cleanup technologies to help rid our waters of these toxins. One team of researchers at the University of Oxford recently experimented with phosphate salts as a means of breaking down PFAS. For your part, you can invest in PFAS-free alternatives to standard household items to ensure your safety. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Preliminary data shows opioid deaths dropping big in Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says its latest data shows opioid deaths continue to drop across the state. Nitrous oxide abuse up more than 500% in Michigan Provisional data from MDHHS says overdose deaths likely dropped by 34% from 2023 to 2024 — approximately 1,000 fewer lives lost. The agency called it 'continued progress' thanks to investments to combat oversdoses, both financially and in effort. Since 2019, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office has worked to secure more than from several drug manufacturers and retailers, providing funds for state treatment, recovery and prevention programs. 'The progress we are seeing in combatting the opioid epidemic proves what is possible when real investments are made in treatment and prevention,' Nessel . 'My office will continue working to hold those responsible for this crisis accountable to ensure the health and well-being of residents are put ahead of corporate greed.' 'You can do it': Woman who beat addiction aims to inspire others According to MDHHS, more than 1.3 million naloxone kits have been purchased and distributed, and nearly 34,000 have reportedly been used to reverse overdoses and save lives. Michigan's , which is powered primarily by opioids, has steadily climbed from 2000 to 2021. The MDHHS notes a rise in opioid prescriptions starting in 2000, a rise in heroin use starting in 2010 and the emergence of fentanyl in 2013. In Michigan, overdose deaths took a sharp rise in 2013, from 1,300 to 1,535. By 2017, the number was up to 2,686. Numbers dropped before another surge sparked in 2019, going from 2,354 to 3,096 in 2021. Since then, deaths have trended down. The state recorded 2,998 in 2022 and 2,931. The preliminary data recorded just 1,045 deaths from January through June of 2024, on track for roughly 2,100 for the year. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Lauren Rousseau, the president of the Northwest Wayne County Chapter of Face Addiction Now, says there is still a lot of work to do. 'White overdose deaths have declined significantly, due in part to the increased accessibility of Narcan, nonfatal overdoses remain high,' Rousseau said in a statement. 'Sustained funding, community engagement and a continued focus on reducing stigma are essential to turning the tide on the opioid crisis for good.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
