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 – Seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, ear infections, gastrointestinal illnesses.
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“I’m seeing lots of allergy symptoms, kiddos with asthma and some ear infections; those are the big things. I’ve had some kids that have had problems with diarrhea, but not a ton, because they’re seeing it in the news and trying to manage it at home. But lots of my families are avoiding vegetables, which is not ideal. I’ve been encouraging people to buy their vegetables whole and washing them, instead of buying bagged, so we’re protecting ourselves but not abandoning the healthy diet.”
Dr. Ali J. Bazzi -- Pediatrician, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“We are seeing increased cases of viral gastroenteritis which is not unusual this time of year. Many people are worried about cyclosporiasis, but enterovirus is more likely to be the cause in most kids and only requires supportive care.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Gastrointestinal illnesses, breathing problems, bee stings, heat-related illnesses, skin rashes, outdoor injuries, tick encounters.
Dr. Steve McGraw -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield/Novi
“We are continuing to see diarrhea related issues with symptoms similar to cyclosporiasis. With recent issues surrounding air quality, we are seeing patients related to respiratory conditions. We have also seen an increase in bee stings; those with allergies should be carrying epi-pens when outside.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“We’re seeing more patients this summer with skin rashes caused by gardening and outdoor activities. Wearing sunscreen, gloves, long sleeves, and long pants while working outside, along with washing your skin after gardening, can help protect against both sun damage and common plant-related rashes.”
Dr. Trevor Eckenswiller -- Emergency Physician, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We’re still seeing some gastrointestinal illnesses, though cases have declined since the beginning of the month when cyclosporiasis was at its peak. We’re also continuing to see select cases of influenza and COVID-19.”
Dr. Adam Haezebrouck -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Rochester
“We are still seeing a fair number of diarrheal illnesses. Also, heat-related episodes of dizziness and dehydration. Even with the cooler temps, it is important to keep up with hydration.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“Common visits we have seen recently are injuries from kids playing outdoors. We have also seen an increase in tick-related incidents.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Gastrointestinal illnesses, croup, asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries, respiratory infections.
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing cases of GI illness, which are not related to cyclosporiasis. There is also croup and asthma. We have seen lots of orthopedic injuries, trauma related to e-scooter and motor vehicle collisions and several submersion injuries.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are still seeing a fair amount of diarrhea and GI illness. There have been a few mild respiratory infections causing trouble for those who are sensitive.”
MONROE COUNTY – Breathing problems, asthma & COPD flare-ups, gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, Norovirus.
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“We have been seeing a high number of respiratory issues, including asthma exacerbations and COPD flare-ups, related to poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires. We are seeing this across all age groups, but especially among older adults and people with chronic respiratory conditions. We recommend staying indoors as much as possible when the Air Quality Index is elevated. If you must be outdoors, consider wearing a mask to reduce exposure. We have also seen an increase in abdominal complaints, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The most common diagnoses associated with these symptoms are cyclosporiasis and norovirus. We recommend thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables before eating and practicing good hand hygiene to help prevent illness.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Outdoor injuries, gastrointestinal illnesses.
Dr. Joseph Carlier -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Patients seeking care from non-life-threatening soft tissue and orthopedic injuries have continued its summer trend of steadily high volumes. There has been a noticeable and unseasonable increase of patients seeking care for mild gastrointestinal distress and symptoms of nausea.”