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 – Breathing problems, cyclosporiasis, Heat-related illnesses, and dehydration
Dr. Jaime Hope -- Medical Director, Emergency Center, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Outpatient Center – Livonia
“We are seeing the Cyclospora outbreak. Patients are coming in with significant diarrhea, some with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It is important to stay well hydrated, particularly in this hot weather. We are seeing heat-related illness as well. If possible, it is best to avoid strenuous activities and outdoor work during the hot parts of the day. Wear sunblock and UV protection, take frequent breaks, cool down with moving air (fan) and/or air conditioning, and hydrate. Check closely in young kids and vulnerable adults.”
Dr. Avery Harrell -- Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“We are definitely seeing an uptick in cases of diarrhea, which we presume to be from the cyclosporiasis outbreak. We are also seeing some heat related illnesses. As always, I recommend people hydrate well and try to limit outdoor activities during the heat of the day. As a heads up, the air quality is projected to worsen over the next several days due to wildfire smoke coming from Canada, so I recommend people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, to minimize their time outdoors.”
Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“We are getting a lot of patients who are concerned because of diarrhea. Several have tested positive for cyclosporiasis, and we have contacted those individuals to begin appropriate treatment. We’ve also seen an increase in heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps and heat exhaustion. We anticipate seeing similar trends continue throughout the week.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“Seeing a fair number of patients with symptoms, suspicious for cyclosporiasis. Treating with antibiotics.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Breathing problems, cyclosporiasis, gastrointestinal illnesses, heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“We continue to see patients with cyclosporiasis, often presenting with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and fatigue for several days. Prevention starts with good hand hygiene, washing fruits and vegetables, drinking safe water, cooking food thoroughly, and practicing food and water safety while traveling. Early recognition and prevention remain key to reducing the impact.”
Dr. Josh Newblatt -- Pine Knob Urgent Care
“Seeing large amounts of GI related illness resulting in diarrhea and dehydration. Also with this extreme heat having increase amount of heat related illness such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sun burn.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Breathing problems, cyclosporiasis, gastrointestinal illnesses, asthma flare-ups, croup, outdoor injuries
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“This week, we are seeing some mild URIs, either incidentally or causing exacerbations of COPD or asthma. We are also seeing many patients with diarrhea this week. The symptoms are consistent with cyclospora, but test results are not immediately available. The symptoms are generally mild to moderate.”
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“This week we’ve seen lots of GI illness, asthma, croup, orthopedic injuries and e-scooter related trauma. We haven’t seen any cases of cyclosporiasis yet.”
MONROE COUNTY – Breathing problems, gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, severe sunburns
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“We are seeing a high number of patients with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. Many of these cases have been diagnosed as cyclosporiasis, and we are seeing them primarily in adult patients. We recommend avoiding foods and water that may be contaminated and seeking medical attention if you suspect you may have cyclosporiasis. As the weather gets warmer, we are also seeing an increase in heat- and sun-related illnesses and injuries, ranging from heat exhaustion and heat stroke to severe sunburns. We recommend limiting time in extreme heat when possible, staying well hydrated and wearing sunscreen to help prevent heat- and sun-related health issues.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Breathing problems, gastrointestinal illnesses, coughs, colds, bronchitis, outdoor injuries, heat-related illnesses, dehydration
Dr. Benjamin Doerr -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“The extreme temperatures of the past week led to a substantial increase in the volume of patients treated for varying degrees of heat illness, specifically dehydration, resulting in fatigue and muscles aches and pains. Common summer outdoor activities continue to cause a high number of patients to experience various orthopedic and soft tissue injuries. Personal motor bikes, such as e-bikes, continue to be the cause of many accidents and injuries, specifically to teens and young adults.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“We continue to see patients with diarrhea, as well as colds, coughs, bronchitis, injuries from falls and outdoor activities.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Breathing problems, cyclosporiasis
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center
“We’ve been seeing a high number of cyclosporiasis cases over the past week. Although there is no clear cause of the outbreak as of this very moment, we are encouraging residents to wash their fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.”