NATASHA BAGDASARIAN

Michigan is using data to score counties across the state and track vulnerability to harm from substance use in that area.

The state’s top doctor is bracing for ‘an especially bad cold and flu season’ at a time when COVID-19 continues to hospitalize and kill people

File photoDeaths linked to COVID-19 have now surpassed 40,000 in Michigan since the pandemic began in 2020, the state health department reported. More than 36,400 deaths have been confirmed, while 3,676 were probably caused by COVID-19, the state said Tuesday on its coronavirus website. “Throughout the pandemic, we have seen deaths predominantly occurring in… those who are older, those who are unvaccinated, those who have comorbidities,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive. “That has been something that we’ve seen nationally and in the state of Michigan,” Bagdasarian told the Detroit Free Press. Wayne County has logged some 8,700 deaths linked to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.

60,000 children are hospitalized with RSV every year and according to officials, there were more cases per week in October than any other week in 2020.

Corewell Health East, formerly Beaumont Health, is restricting child visitors because of high volumes of patients with respiratory viral illness, including respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Children 5 and younger are the largest group of patients visiting emergency departments in southeast Michigan, the Oakland County Health Division reported. “Everyone can do their part to help stop or limit the spread of respiratory illnesses in our community. Michigan doesn’t track RSV by case counts, though the CDC does have some data on lab-based testing. Like other viruses, RSV spreads through respiratory droplets that are shed when an individual talks, coughs, or sneezes.

Michigan officials are urging residents to check their furnaces and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly this weekend.

Photo: ShutterstockMichigan health officials say that as temperatures get colder and the nights longer, residents should take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by checking to ensure furnaces and carbon monoxide detectors are properly working while turning back the clocks for the end of daylight saving time Sunday, Nov 6. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a gas that forms whenever a fossil fuel is burned. “Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include flu-like symptoms – headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion and nausea,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. CO poisoning can be prevented by practicing the safety tips listed below and knowing the symptoms of exposure. To protect yourself and your family from CO, follow these safety tips:

Michigan doctors have seen a rise in emergency room visits and hospital admissions, especially with young children, due to spread of a respiratory infection known as RSV. While individuals of all ages can get the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), young children, as well as elderly and immunocompromised individuals, tend to be most susceptible to severe cases. Like other viruses, RSV spreads through respiratory droplets that are shed when an individual talks, coughs, or sneezes. Young children can also benefit from suction of mucus to clear airways. In a typical year, physicians might see a rise in RSV cases in December, January and February.

Under the previous definition of high blood lead levels, there were 1,907 Michigan children who hit that mark in 2021. Under the change, families with children who have confirmed blood lead levels of 3.5 µg/dL or greater will be eligible for things like nursing case management, home environmental lead investigations, and lead abatement. Following the lead of federal officials, Michigan recently adjusted its elevated blood lead level threshold and updated its lead level data through the Michigan Environmental Public Health Tracking system. Meanwhile, eight counties didn’t report a single case of elevated lead levels, including Alger, Crawford, Gladwin, Keweenaw, Lake, Oscoda, Presque Isle, and Schoolcraft. For more information about lead hazards, blood level testing and other lead services, visit Michigan.gov/MiLeadSafe.

All Michigan households are eligible to request free COVID tests through a partnership with the state’s health department.

Michiganders are eligible for another round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. An additional 289,000 self-administered tests will be available upon request for 58,000 households, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday, Sept. 30. Interested residents can order their free COVID tests online through AcessCovidTests.org, or by calling 211 and requesting assistance ordering free tests. Residents can also get free tests through their private health insurance, as those companies are required to cover up to eight at-home COVID tests per month for each person covered by a health plan. The federal government stopped taking orders for free at-home tests earlier this month.

All Michigan households are eligible to request free COVID tests through a partnership with the state’s health department.

Flu vaccines are available at local health departments, doctors’ offices and pharmacies across Michigan.

Michigan pharmacists may be empowered to prescribe women self-administered hormonal birth control, including oral contraceptives, the skin patch and the vaginal ring, Gov. “Access to birth control is critical to a woman’s ability to plan her family and chart her own destiny. Almost 30% of women of childbearing age have reported difficulty obtaining or refilling birth control prescriptions, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, reported. The licensing bureau has determined they are “otherwise qualified by education, training or experience” to prescribe birth control. Most hormonal birth control methods contain a combination of estrogen and progestin.

Governor Whitmer announced that pharmacists in Michigan are now able to prescribe hormonal birth control in partnership with doctors.

File photoAfter the federal government’s approval, the state now has “bivalent” booster shots available that target Omicron variant of COVID-19, Michigan’s health officials said Wednesday. The Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters target two strains of COVID-19: the original strain of the virus and the most widely-spread Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5). Michiganders can begin getting the bivalent vaccines as they become available, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said. “The bivalent booster will help fight the Omicron subvariants, including BA.4 and 5. Influenza vaccines, which are now available in Michigan, can also be co-administered with the COVID-19 bivalent booster doses.

The next generation of COVID-19 vaccines are now available in Michigan. Bivalent booster shots developed by Pfizer and Moderna to target the omicron variant of coronavirus are available at a number of pharmacies throughout the state, according to the federal vaccine finder. Among the pharmacies reporting bivalent boosters in stock and available via appointment are Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS and Costco. “The bivalent booster will help fight the omicron subvariants, including BA.4 and 5. The new shots are authorized for use as a single booster dose, administered at least two months after a previous COVID vaccine.

West Nile virus has been detected in two samples of mosquitoes gathered in Macomb County.

Shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been distributed to clinics

The CDC said this week that it's still unclear what kind of contaminated food is causing the spike in illnesses.

She also provided the state’s latest abortion data, noting the greater safety of abortion services compared to the rate of pregnancy complications. Kallman didn’t call any witnesses Wednesday, and he didn’t cross-examine the state’s witnesses. Kallman appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, but the motion did not persuade the court of the “existence of manifest error requiring reversal,” reads the brief three-sentence order. Whitmer has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to take up her lawsuit and review the abortion ban, but the court has not yet elected to do so. A ballot initiative to legalize abortion services collected more than 750,000 signatures this summer.

Michigan has it’s first known case of West Nile virus, detected in a blood donation from an Oakland County resident, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported on Wednesday, Aug. 17. The Oakland County donor experienced no symptoms of illness, according to the state health department. To prevent West Nile virus and other diseases carried by the insects, residents are encouraged to use bug repellant and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants while outdoors when mosquitos are active, typically early and late in the day. West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus because it fed on an infected bird. As of August 9, a total of 54 cases of West Nile virus disease in people have been reported this year to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

West Nile virus has been detected in a blood donation from an Oakland County resident.

Michigan health officials are urging residents to take precautions to make sure their food is safe as three health departments investigate an increase in the number of illnesses linked to E.coli bacteria.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the increase of E. coli cases.

If you're planning any outdoor activities, you may want to break out the bug spray after the first human case of the West Nile virus in 2022 has been reported in metro Detroit.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and local health departments are investigating an increase in illnesses related to E. coli bacteria.

The number of infections are up nearly 5 times the same period last year

KENT COUNTY, MI -- State health leaders are advising the public to practice food safety and wash hands because of a jump in E. coli cases in parts of Michigan. Health officials in Oakland, Kent and Ottawa counties are investigating a recent increase of E. coli cases. Symptoms of E. coli infections often involve stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Health experts say hand washing is important to prevent E. coli infections. · Never placing cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the increase of E. coli cases.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is expanding its partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation to provide free COVID-19 tests for households across the state.

Michiganders have another chance to access free at-home COVID-19 tests. “We encourage residents to take advantage of these free tests as many families get ready to head back to school. We are grateful for our partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation to ensure equitable access to tools that prevent COVID-19.”The free test program, known as Project Act, is separate from the federal government’s free test program. Residents have had access to three rounds of free at-home tests through COVID.gov/tests, beginning in January. Additionally, MDHHS said private health insurers are required to cover up to eight at-home COVID tests per month for each person covered by a health plan.

Michigan’s top doctor says the state is confident it can still limit transmission of monkeypox, even as cases continue to grow daily.

Michigan health officials are urging people who have been exposed or suspect they have been exposed to monkeypox to get vaccinated.

DETROIT, MI -- Detroit residents with a known or suspected exposure to the monkeypox virus can receive a vaccine in an effort to reduce further spread. Administration of the vaccine -- Jynneos -- is recommended within four days of exposure to prevent the onset of illness for both monkeypox and smallpox. Michigan’s known case count has nearly doubled since there were 19 known cases as of July 20. “We have issued guidance to our local health department partners to help ensure those most at risk from MPV are prioritized. Read more on MLive:Abortion ban injunction to stay but prosecutors can enforce, appeals court saysWhen will an omicron-specific COVID vaccine be available?

Health officials in Michigan are urging residents who have been exposed, or suspect they have been exposed, to the monkeypox virus, to contact their local

If you have been exposed to monkeypox or suspect you’ve been exposed you should contact your local health department about getting vaccinated.

Michigan is hosting on Thursday a virtual town hall to discuss COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 5 and older than 6 months. It is to livestreamed beginning at 1 p.m. July 28 on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Facebook page. RELATED: Questions answered: Where and why should Michigan children 6 months to 4 receive COVID-19 shots? About 2.4% of children younger than five, fewer than 14,000, have received at least an initial dose in Michigan, according to state health department data last updated July 20. Children too are less likely than older groups, especially the elderly, to become seriously ill or die of COVID-19.

The site shows the latest numbers, signs and symptoms, plus ways to keep your family safe.

“We are continuing to encourage Michigan parents to get their kids vaccinated against everything that they might be due for,” she said. They answer questions from parents and children as they arise, and offer a safe space to discuss those concerns. The state health department knew there would be hesitancy by some to get their children vaccinated against COVID. I wish there were more kids who had had the COVID-19 vaccine, which we know is incredibly safe and effective. The Moderna shot calls for two doses four weeks apart, though there’s been discussion about eventually needing a third dose.

Health officials have long expected to see another rise in COVID-19 cases this fall as students return back to school and social gatherings move back indoors. “We’re doing better than a lot of the country.”In Michigan, cases are higher than they were this time last year however, even with a move to more at-home testing. The fall tends to be a time of increased viral infections as school resumes and the colder weather moves Michiganders indoors. Schools and youth programs make up a large portion of the state’s weekly COVID outbreaks. Bagdasarian also suggested talking to your physician to see if you qualify for any COVID therapeutics in the instance you get COVID.

LANSING - A new website set up by the state’s health authority has the most up-to-date info on the monkeypox virus.

Michigan has 19 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the state as of Wednesday.

Michigan's Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says the BA.5 omicron subvariant is more transmissible than previous strains.

As of Monday, June 27, Michigan was aware of 339 active COVID-19 outbreaks, of which 188 -- or 55% -- were reported from long-term care facilities. The setting type has long been among the two most common for COVID outbreaks, with the other top reporter being K-12 schools. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said long-term care facilities are always a place of concern given the number of at-risk people living together. Settings still included in Michigan’s weekly outbreaks reports include schools, long-term care facilities, childcare and youth programs, corrections facilities, health care centers, and homeless shelters. Melissa Samuel, president and CEO for HCAM, said there’s no indication that COVID cases are more rampant in long-term care settings compared to the general population.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends that Michiganders and visitors avoid foam on Michigan waterbodies such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

More than 3,200 children ages 4 and younger got their first shot of COVID vaccine across Michigan within their first 10 days of eligibility. State health officials did note the number could be higher due to reporting lags. Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID vaccines are now available to infants and young children under emergency use authorization. Thus, the state health department recommends COVID vaccination for all eligible children, even if they previously had the disease. Throughout the state, about 66.4% of residents 5 and older have gotten at least a first dose of COVID vaccine, and 61.1% have concluded their initial dosage.

As the weather is warming up and people visit Michigan throughout the summer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that visitors avoid any foam on any waterbodies, including lakes, rivers, and streams.

The infected person is quarantined and not a threat to others, officials say

The first probable case monkeypox case in Michigan has been detected in Oakland County, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday.

The Monroe County Health Department has started providing COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 6 months through five years old by appointment only.

BAY CITY, MI - Mosquitoes in Bay County tested positive for the first mosquito-borne virus of 2022. Bay County Mosquito Control reported that the mosquitoes were from Kawkawlin Township and that control efforts will take place in the area to reduce adult and larval mosquito populations. According to Bay County Mosquito Control, JCV was also detected in Bay County in 2021. Bay County Mosquito Control gave the following tips on how to lessen the risk of mosquito bites:Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most actives, specially between dusk and dawn. More from MLiveExpect lane closures on Bay City’s Independence Bridge during upcoming inspectionPollen causing intermittent closures at Bay City State Park’s spray park‘We truly did act as one city,’ Bay City crews praised for work after severe storm last week

Six Michigan residents were sickened with the virus last year

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week recommended all children 6 months to 5 receive COVID-19 vaccines. More than 400,000 additional Michigan children may now receive the inoculations. For the Pfizer vaccine, children 6 months to 4 years receive 1/10 of the adult dose. For the Moderna vaccine, children 6 months to 5 receive a quarter of the adult dose and each dose is separated by four weeks. Systemically, the most often noted symptoms were headache and fatigue in older children and irritability in younger children.

Michigan State Police is urging residents to protect themselves during the heat wave, also offering tips to prevent heat illness.

Meteorologists are warning Michiganders about extreme heat Wednesday as there is an excessive heat watch being advised and The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a few tips to keep cool during the high-temperature day.

Meteorologists are warning Michiganders about extreme heat Wednesday as there is an excessive heat watch being advised and The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a few tips to keep cool during the high-temperature day.

As of Wednesday, there have not been any known or reported Michigan cases of monkeypox, a viral illness reported recently in several countries that do not normally find monkeypox, including the United States. It is spread through close contact, skin-on-skin, with lesions, bodily fluids or with materials contaminated with the virus. “However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk,” the CDC says. There are also vaccines licensed in the United States to prevent smallpox, and the smallpox vaccine can protect people from monkeypox. Vaccines and therapeutics are available through the federal government and would be mobilized in Michigan if needed, Bagdasarian said.

Over 73,800, or 51.7%, of Monroe County residents ages 5 and up have gotten at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging the people of Michigan to quit commercial tobacco use in recognition of World No Tobacco Day (May 31).

Today is World No Tobacco Day and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to quit commercial tobacco. This year, though, the World Health Organization is focusing on the tobacco industry’s environmental impact. Because 90% of tobacco production occurs in the developing world, the environmental burden most affects countries lacking resources to cope with these problems, the state health department notes. “Reducing commercial tobacco use would increase the overall well-being of populations by reducing death and disease and increasing environmental sustainability,” the state health department reports. For residents in need of assistance in quitting tobacco, the Michigan Tobacco Quitline – 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Michigan surpassed the 6 million vaccinated residents mark as the calendar flipped to 2022. That is where she said vaccine messaging needs to be targeted. “We have to do more, clearly.”There also continue to be disparities in vaccine rates across race and ethnic groups. Michiganders can expect to see COVID-19 vaccine messaging across various channels including TV, radio, billboards, and social media, as long as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Read more on MLive:Top doc says Michigan still in post-surge phase despite COVID trendsIs this COVID wave winding down?

Despite a rise in new COVID cases and test positivity, Michigan remains in the post-surge phase of the pandemic cycle, according to state officials. They include:Response – Local and state public health implement rapid response to a surge. Local and state public health will monitor conditions that could lead to future surges. Michigan has been in the recovery phase since early March, when daily case counts dropped below 850 after peaking above 5,000 in January. Michigan COVID data for Thursday, May 26As of Wednesday, May 25, Michigan hospitals were treating 1,072 patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

Reports of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are increasing across Michigan, according to MDHHS.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging Michiganders to take precautions to avoid tick bites while spending time outside this summer.

A new online tool lets Michigan residents track down the nearest spots where they can find testing and therapeutic treatments for COVID-19.

Using a new online tool, Michigan residents can now locate COVID-19 treatments or medications available near them. These therapies, available to some considered more likely to develop severe disease, are used to reduce the chance of hospitalizations, emergency room visits and deaths. Solv., a web service that helps patients make appointments or video visits and schedule tests, provides phone numbers and operating hours. People are eligible for monoclonal antibodies, laboratory-produced molecules that act as substitute antibodies, when they are older, obese, pregnant or have chronic kidney disease, diabetes, immunosuppressive disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease or neurodevelopmental disorders. Deaths are down, as are the number of COVID patients in intensive care.

Michigan residents who are dealing with a COVID-19 infection can now search for potential treatment options near them.

COVID-19 cases are expected to increase through May

Michigan health officials are encouraging residents to continue taking steps to prevent COVID-19 spread, as an omicron subvariant is expected to trigger a rise in cases.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents that yes, COVID-19 remains a threat. Overall, the seven-day average of new, confirmed cases in Michigan is the highest it has been since February. RELATED: Cases, hospitalizations up again: Michigan COVID data for Thursday, April 21This is not unexpected, according to the health department. The state health department encourages people to test before group celebrations and gatherings, especially when vulnerable people, older people and residents with pre-existing medical conditions, will be in attendance. Last week, about 1,600 people received a first dose, according to the state health department.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first influenza-related child death in Michigan for the 2021-2022 flu season, the agency announced.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first influenza-related child death in Michigan for the 2021-2022 flu season.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges sexually active Michiganders to do their part and make testing for STIs a part of their regular health routine.

Michigan is expanding a program to offer free at-home COVID tests at local libraries, with now 70 locations offering tests.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian has talked a bit about this before, but this is really the most concrete she’s been on our path to put the worst of the pandemic behind us, hopefully.

Michigan’s top doctor provided a thorough update on the state’s COVID situation Friday, talking about how long the current lull in cases might last, addressing the likelihood of upcoming surges, monitoring the BA.2 variant and calling the chance of eliminating the virus anytime soon a “pipe dream.”

Postal Service started mailing free at-home rapid antigen tests to people who requested them in January. “A lot of things came late,” agreed Rafael Meza when asked about the respirator masks and at-home tests. He is a professor of epidemiology and global public health in the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. She also received the free at-home tests. “I’ve been going out, and I haven’t gotten sick at all.”Hamed said still is important to have the at-home tests.

As Michigan’s COVID situation continues to improve, the state health department is further easing some of its guidance related to quarantining and case reporting. The most significant change made Friday, March 11, was the move away from home quarantining for individuals who are exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19. Instead, that individual should monitor themselves for symptoms for 10 days and consider wearing a mask around others for that time. This move away from at-home quarantining does not affect guidance for health care, long-term care, corrections or other high-risk settings. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also rescinded its requirement that schools must report confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19.

Michigan health officials have updated the state’s quarantine and isolation guidelines as COVID cases continue to drop following the omicron surge.

We’re talking with Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, as the state adjusts its pandemic response strategy with cases slowing down.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News.

Michigan’s chief medical executive says residents should prepare for COVID to continue to come in waves.

This week on Flashpoint, the state of Michigan’s chief medical officer Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian discussed the COVID-19 pandemic in our state -- have we seen the worst of it or is it yet to come?

A medical team from the military is being sent to Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital as COVID cases in Michigan continue to spike.

Michigan’s record high COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations could peak in late January or early February before beginning to drop.

Here are tonight's top stories.

With Michigan in the midst of its most dramatic COVID spike to date, health officials held a briefing to address this surge and talk about where the state is heading.

Michigan public health leaders and physicians are scheduled to provide an update on current COVID-19 metrics as they urge residents to protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Michigan public health leaders and physicians are scheduled to provide an update on current COVID-19 metrics as they urge residents to protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Michigan public health leaders and physicians are scheduled to provide an update on current COVID-19 metrics as they urge residents to protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Michigan health officials updated their K-12 school quarantine and isolation guidance to reflect updates made by the CDC.

Michigan health officials say the state has received its first shipment of newly authorized COVID-19 pill treatments, but it’ll only be prescribed in certain situations due to limited supply.

Local 4′s Dr. Frank McGeorge spent some time on Wednesday talking with Michigan’s chief medical officer, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian to get her take on the trends being seen in Michigan and across the nation.

Michigan health officials are urging residents to avoid the emergency department at hospitals, outside of a life-threatening situation, to help alleviate pressure on health care systems as COVID continues to surge. That includes needing a COVID-19 test.

Michigan health officials are urging residents to avoid the emergency department at hospitals, outside of a life-threatening situation, to help alleviate pressure on health care systems as COVID continues to surge.

Michigan’s record-high number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has dipped, the first drop in 49 days as health leaders continue to urge vaccinations while describing a dire situation inside hospitals.

Officials with the Henry Ford Health System held a virtual news conference Wednesday morning to provide an update on COVID-19 hospitalizations, vaccinations and the virus’ impact on operations.

“We’re in a critical stage right now. We are surging. We’re leading the nation in terms of cases. We are trailing in terms of vaccinations, and we have omicron here.”

“We’re in a critical stage right now. We are surging. We’re leading the nation in terms of cases. We are trailing in terms of vaccinations, and we have omicron here.”