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 – Outdoor injuries, strep throat, stomach viruses, cyclosporiasis, asthma flare-ups
Dr. Kelly Levasseur -- Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency Department, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We still are still seeing a bunch of strep throat, and still some vomiting/diarrhea illness. A little bit of it is cyclospora, but most of it is viral gastroenteritis. But injuries – we’re seeing so many scooter and electric bike injuries! Wear helmets, please! And teach your kids how to drive them. They’re running into cars, being run over by cars and running into each other. We’ve seen all kinds of injuries from them: some minor scrapes and abrasions, broken bones, some terrible head injuries and internal injuries. There are also common summertime injuries: falls off monkey bars, playing and tripped and fell. But we’ve really seen a jump in injuries from motorized scooters and bikes.”
Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“We are still seeing cases of diarrhea, including some confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, although many individuals are presenting out of concern rather than illness. We are also continuing to see asthma exacerbations, but at lower rates than during periods when wildfire smoke was more prevalent.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Seasonal allergies, upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, strep throat, ear infections
Dr. Rena Daiza
Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“We’re seeing an increase in seasonal allergy symptoms this week, including sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, and runny noses. To help reduce symptoms, keep windows closed on high pollen days, shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors, and consider using a daily antihistamine (such as cetirizine or loratadine) or a steroid nasal spray if needed. If your symptoms are severe, persistent or causing trouble breathing, please seek medical advice.”
Dr. Matthew Compton -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township
“We’re still seeing some cases of infectious diarrheal illness, although significantly fewer. Also, we have experienced a significant decrease in asthma/emphysema cases with the improvement in air quality. We’re beginning to see some increase in upper respiratory infection cases, as well as the continuation of summertime injuries in the young and old alike.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“Patients with cyclosporiasis symptoms continue to be common. We are also seeing more cases of tennis elbow, lumbar and cervical strains and poison oak, which are all common issues related to working outdoors.”
Dr. Adam Haezebrouck -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Rochester
“We have been seeing a slight uptick in COVID-related visits as of late.”
Walled Lake MinuteClinic -- Denise Neubauer, MinuteClinic NP
•In Walled Lake, we’re seeing an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly diarrhea, with some cases raising suspicion for Cyclospora, as well as an increase in ear infections.
•To help reduce your risk of gastrointestinal illness, wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, practice good hand hygiene, and stay well hydrated if you become ill.
•Ear infections are also common this time of year and can sometimes develop after swimming or following a viral illness. Persistent ear pain, drainage, or fever should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Farmington Hills MinuteClinic -- Kim Page, MinuteClinic NP
•In Farmington Hills, we’re seeing an increase in strep throat and a high volume of sports physicals as families prepare for the upcoming school sports season.
•If your child plans to participate in athletics, don’t wait until the last minute to schedule their sports physical. Bringing any required school forms to the appointment can help ensure they’re ready for the season.
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Gastrointestinal illnesses, croup, sore throats, outdoor injuries, strep throat, poison ivy, bug bites
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We have been seeing lots of GI illness—belly pain, vomiting, secondary dehydration—not related to cyclosporiasis. We have also seen croup, sore throat/viral illness, some burns and lots of orthopedic trauma, some burns.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We continue to see a few cases of GI illness this week in the adult ED. Minimal URI and respiratory complaints this week.”
Ann Arbor MinuteClinic -- Lindsi Shaw, MinuteClinic Regional Quality Lead & FNP
•In Ann Arbor, we’re seeing more skin complaints, including poison ivy and insect bites, along with an increase in strep throat.
•When spending time outdoors, wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and wash exposed skin after possible contact with poison ivy.
•If you develop a sore throat with fever, swollen glands, or pain with swallowing, consider being evaluated for strep throat. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the spread to others.
MONROE COUNTY – Upper respiratory viruses, seasonal allergies, asthma & COPD flare-ups, gastrointestinal illnesses, Norovirus
Dr. Laura Grima -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“For the past week, we have continued to see increased levels of viral upper respiratory infections, asthma and COPD exacerbations, and allergic rhinitis in both children and adults. These conditions may be related to seasonal changes as well as the recent increase in smoke from wildfires. We have also seen a slight uptick in viral gastroenteritis, including illnesses such as norovirus. The incidence of cyclosporiasis appears to be decreasing. Overall, our recommendations remain the same: continue washing your hands regularly, especially as children transition back to school.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Outdoor injuries, strep throat
Dr. Erin Cuddeback -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“There has been a very noticeable uptick in the volume of patients seeking care after traumatic injuries, most notably orthopedic injuries suffered during activities, falls, and motor vehicle and boating accidents. While not a trending condition, there have been several pediatric patients treated for strep throat, which is unseasonable for this time of year.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Cyclosporiasis, seasonal allergies, outdoor injuries, bee stings
Dr. Bashar Yalldo -- Henry Ford Byron Family Medicine- Howell
“We are continuing to see patients with symptoms of cyclosporiasis, and we have seen some more positive test results there as well. We are also seeing a rise in patients experiencing seasonal allergies.”
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center
“Diarrhea cases remain present but have decreased considerably compared to recent weeks. Meanwhile, bee stings have been common this past week, and our teams are continuing to care for patients involved in bicycle, moped, and ATV accidents.”