Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS provides tips to stay healthy and safe during flood events

LANSING, Mich. – Following the issue of a state of emergency in Wayne County by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in response to flooding and flood warnings, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing guidance to Michiganders on how to stay safe and healthy during flood events.

“Flood-affected residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local health departments as flooding can create dangerous conditions,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards and other injuries. MDHHS is providing guidance to help keep Michiganders healthy during flood events.”

If flooding occurs in your area, MDHHS recommends the following actions to protect you and your family:

During floods

• Stay out of flood waters. Flood water moves faster than it appears and can carry debris, which might injure you. Additionally, there is a danger of electrical shock from downed and exposed power lines. Children should never play around high water, storm drains, viaducts or arroyos.
• Avoid driving in flood water as vehicles can easily be swept away. If you are stranded and surrounded by flood waters, wait for rescue personnel rather than attempting to walk or drive through flood waters.
• Flood water can be dangerous to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flood water can contain dangerous bacteria and other pollutants, including raw sewage. Flooding can lead to contaminated ground water, drinking water and carry sewage from sewers or septic systems into yards and basements.
  • If flooding does occur in your area, avoid contact with flooded areas and wash up if contact does occur. Listen to public announcements or contact your local health department to find out if your tap water is safe to use.
  • MDHHS encourages Michiganders who get their drinking water from wells to get their well water tested following a flood event. More information is available in this document or by calling the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315.

After floodwaters recede

• Use caution when reentering a home or building that has been flooded. If you can, return to your home during the day so you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches. Do not turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and notify the gas company or the police or fire departments. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
• If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, CDC cleaning recommendations include washing and sanitizing flooded areas of the home. MDHHS provides recommendations to clean-up visible mold.
• Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after a flood. When preparing to clean up after flood, make sure you have the right safety gear including hard hats, goggles, N95 masks, waterproof and steel toe boots, earplugs if working with noisy equipment and rubber boots and gloves if sewage contamination is suspected or when using cleaning products such as bleach. While cleaning, work in teams in case you need to move heavy objects, rest as needed and drink water.
• Never use generators, pressure washers or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or even outside near an open window, door or vent. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas from these sources that can cause sudden illness and death.
• If you have any open cuts or sores that were exposed to floodwater, CDC wound care includes washing the wound with soap and water and applying an antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or sick.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid electrical lines, debris, insects and wild or stray animals.
• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and food with an unusual odor, color or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, breed in standing water. Flood waters can increase the population of mosquitoes and raises the risk for being infected. Regular use of EPA-approved mosquito repellents while outdoors can protect you from mosquitos.
• Take care of your emotional health. During and after a disaster, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family and your community recover from a disaster. Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.

For more information, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942 or your local health department.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2021

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-214-2112, [email protected]

First mosquito-borne virus of 2021 detected in Michigan mosquitoes
Residents urged to protect against mosquito bites

LANSING, Mich. – Mosquitoes recently collected in Bay, Oakland and Saginaw counties have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL). These are the first infected mosquito pools detected for 2021. Residents are reminded that the best way to protect themselves against JCV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), is to prevent mosquito bites.

Every summer in Michigan, bites from mosquitoes carry the risk of spreading diseases to people and animals. JCV sickened three Michiganders in 2020. Also reported were 32 cases of WNV and four cases of EEE, resulting in two deaths.

The JCV virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall. Illness can develop within a few days to two weeks following a bite from an infected mosquito. While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease in the brain and/or spinal cord including encephalitis and meningitis.

“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at MDHHS. “We urge Michiganders to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites.”

While the JCV is found throughout much of the U.S., cases have been increasing in the Midwest. This likely reflects increased awareness and testing but may also be due to an increase in the presence of the virus in the environment. This is the first year that the MDHHS BOL is offering virus testing of mosquito pools collected by local health departments and county mosquito control programs. Testing is being offered to improve detection and notification of mosquito-borne viruses.

JCV can be spread by mosquitoes that become infected when they feed on deer or other animals that have the virus in their blood. Infected mosquitoes spread the virus to other animals or people through bites. Arboviruses including WNV and EEE virus spread when mosquitoes contract the virus from biting infected birds then biting a human.

Residents can stay healthy by using simple, effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to avoid JCV and other mosquito-borne diseases:

• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS issues COVID-19 school guidance
to help keep kids and teachers healthy

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued recommendations for schools to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 within school buildings in an effort to reduce disruptions to in-person learning and help protect those who are not fully vaccinated.

“I am pleased with the progress of our vaccination efforts in Michigan, with 56% of Michiganders age 12 and older having received at least their first dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “These vaccines are the reason transmission of the virus in Michigan is at the lowest point in a year. However, as the school environment brings together large groups of individuals who may not yet be vaccinated, MDHHS is issuing this guidance to help protect Michiganders of all ages.”

To help schools prepare for the return of people to indoor settings in the fall, the guidance outlines mitigation measures designed to protect students, teachers and staff, and maintain in-person learning. Schools can layer multiple prevention strategies developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce transmission of the virus within school buildings.

This will help minimize disruptions to in-person learning and help protect the people who are not fully vaccinated, which currently includes all children under the age of 12 years. All prevention strategies provide some level of protection, and layered strategies implemented at the same time provide the greatest level of protection.

Key prevention strategies in schools include:

1. Promoting COVID-19 vaccination for eligible staff and students.
2. Correctly and consistently using well-fitted masks that cover the nose and mouth. CDC recommendations for when to wear a mask in school settings.
3. Social Distancing: Physical distancing, including cohorting children together to reduce potential exposures.
4. COVID-19 Screening, Testing and Contact Tracing
   • Encouraging students and staff to stay home if sick or having COVID-19 symptoms.
   • Encouraging students and staff to get tested for COVID-19 if having symptoms or if they are not fully vaccinated and are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.
   • Conducting screening
   • Implementing contact tracingand quarantine, collaborating with the local health department.
5. Maintaining Healthy Environments
   • Promoting handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
   • Routine cleaning to help maintain healthy facilities.
   • Avoiding crowded and/or poorly ventilated indoor activities (e.g., engaging in outdoor activities when possible and increasing ventilation for indoor activities).

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.  The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.