Here’s our weekly round-up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.
WAYNE COUNTY – Hand foot & mouth disease, strep throat, mononucleosis, water-related injuries, poison ivy rashes.
Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’ve had some really bad strep cases with mono. We always see Epstein-Barr Virus, the virus that causes mono, pretty regularly throughout the year. But we’ve seen a handful of throat infections with mono virus. It’s a reminder about sharing others’ utensils, water bottles or other food or drinks. We’re also seeing water injuries. Water safety, sun safety and boat safety are of the utmost importance this time of year in Michigan. We’re also seeing a fair amount of the summertime classic Hand-Foot-Mouth virus. Luckily, those kids are not very ill. But they can experience fevers and rashes on their hands and feet and sores in the mouth that can be painful for kids that can prevent them from eating or staying hydrated.”
Dr. Robert Moore -- Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“As summer unfolds and more people head outdoors, a noticeable rise in skin-related concerns is emerging across the region. The most common acute visit right now is poison ivy dermatitis. With warmer weather and increased contact with nature, exposure to poison ivy and sumac has become more frequent, leading to uncomfortable and persistent rashes. Recognizing these plants and steering clear of them is key to preventing this common dermatitis. For those gardening or exploring wooded areas, gloves and light protective clothing can go a long way in shielding the skin. As people embrace the season’s outdoor joys, being mindful of their surroundings and gearing up properly helps them stay safe and itch-free.”
OAKLAND COUNTY— Hand foot & mouth disease, asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries, dehydration, bee stings, poison ivy rashes.
Dr. Asha Shajahan -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
“As we settle into the peak of summer, the combination of heat and outdoor activity is shaping the health trends we’re seeing across the region. Many people aren’t staying properly hydrated, leading to a noticeable uptick in urinary tract infections—especially after time spent outside. Reactions to bee stings are also more common now, with insects becoming increasingly active in the warmth. And with gardening and nature hikes in full swing, poison ivy exposure is another frequent concern—causing itchy rashes that can be surprisingly persistent. So, whether you’re working outdoors or unwinding in nature, protect your skin, know your surroundings, and drink plenty of water to stay ahead of these seasonal hazards.”
Sarah Rauner -- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, emergency center, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We have seen an increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease. It causes fever, sore throat, rashes, and lesions in the back of the throat. Typically, it is seen in younger children, however it can be any age. We are also continuing to see our asthma/reactive airway disease issues due to the humidity and the air quality. This can be with or without fevers and runny nose. Lastly our summer injuries and rashes as well. Things that bite, sting, and cause contact irritation are on the rise. Have your children continue to wear their helmets and protective equipment to avoid preventable injuries.”
Dr. Robert Wahl -- Vice Chief of Emergency, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township
“People are coming in with Musculo-skeletal injuries– sprained wrists, broken clavicles, broken legs from horsing around outside or playing on the water. And there’s a viral issue that’s going around that’s leaving people weak and tired. Also, people going out in the heat doing yard work are getting dehydrated. And if you are elderly or have heart disease, don’t go out and cut the grass in this heat.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week, we are seeing several asthma and COPD exacerbations due to poor air quality. To help with this, limit outdoor activity, use air purifiers indoors, and keep rescue inhalers readily available.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Hand foot & mouth disease, asthma flare-ups, croup, cold viruses, stomach viruses, upper respiratory infections, COVID.
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“Still seeing upper respiratory infections including a similar amount of COVID as compared to last week. Also seeing some GI illness without clearly identifiable cause. We have seen a few patients with underlying lung problems presenting for breathing problems with the smoke and air quality issues, though the numbers have been low.”
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing cases of croup, human rhinoenterovirus. There are some GI illnesses, hand/ foot/mouth disease and asthma. There are some cases of orthopedic trauma and burns.”
MONROE COUNTY – Heat-related issues, outdoor injuries, breathing problems.
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Emergency Center
“We have seen a steady number of outdoor injuries, including falls, sports injuries and heat intolerance. We recommend taking breaks from the outdoors, wearing protective gear during sports activities and staying hydrated. We are also seeing an increase in breathing problems due to the air quality from the Canada wildfires. We recommend staying inside when the air quality is poor.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Air quality issues, COVID, asthma & COPD flare-ups, sports injuries.
Dr. Erin Cuddeback -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“While it has been the most common condition treated in the emergency department throughout the summer, there has been a noticeable uptick in the volume of orthopedic and soft tissue injuries with the beginning of fall sports practices. Air quality issues may have been a significant factor in the rise in patients seeking treatment for breathing complications stemming from a lung condition, such as asthma or COPD. Though not reported in high volumes, there remains a steady but low level of viral activity, specifically upper respiratory infections and gastroenteritis.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Air quality related issues, including cough, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath seen this week along with a few COVID cases.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY -- COVID, breathing problems, outdoor injuries.
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center
“We have seen a slight uptick in patients with COVID over the last week.”