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 – COVID, viral illnesses, strep throat, insect bites & stings, tick bites, school sports injuries.
Dr. Jaime Hope -- Medical director, Emergency Medicine, Beaumont Outpatient Campus – Livonia, a part of Corewell Health
“There is a lot of viral stuff going around, just in time for back to school. We have also been seeing the usual stings and bites, so make sure to use DEET containing bug repellent and check yourselves, your kids, the elderly, vulnerable adults, and pets for ticks. They often aren’t felt and may be hiding in hair and skin folds. With the cooler temperatures this week, heat stroke is less likely, but it remains important to stay hydrated and use sun protection. Lastly, we’ve been seeing back-to-school sports injuries. It is imperative to use protective gear properly and consistently and use safe techniques, even in practices and scrimmages. Concussions are a serious concern and should be reported to coaches and parents to follow safe return-to-play guidelines.”
Dr. Kelly Levasseur -- Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“COVID is definitely up. We’re also seeing quite a bit of strep throat and other viral illnesses. Please emphasize to kids as they head back to school the importance of hand washing.”
Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Department
“We continue to see a slight uptick in COVID numbers.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – COVID, insect stings, poison ivy, viral fevers, Fifth disease, stomach viruses.
Sarah Rauner -- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Center, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing a good number of fevers with viral symptoms. Those symptoms range from a runny nose and cough to vomiting and diarrhea. Also, we are seeing parvovirus, otherwise known as fifth disease. This is when an individual has a fever for a few days and then a rash on the cheeks and body. As the summer ends and school is back in session, make sure to remind kids to wash their hands and stay home if they are sick.”
Dr. Matthew Compton -- DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Chief of Emergency Medicine, Commerce Township
“We’re seeing cases of COVID, and we expect further increases with the start of the school year. It’s also stinging insect and poison ivy season. And please be safe over the Labor Day weekend, boating, playing sports, etc.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week we continue to see upper respiratory infections due to COVID and other viruses. We are also seeing cases of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) that can cause diarrhea or vomiting. If an initial bland diet and home self-care is not helping, patients should seek out an evaluation from a healthcare provider. "
Emergency Department, Trinity Health Oakland
“Trinity Health Oakland has seen a slight increase in GI complaints, and continues to see a steady rate of COVID.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“This week, we have seen a lot of generalized weakness, falls, chest pain and respiratory issues.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – COVID, stomach viruses, insect bites & stings.
Emergency Department, Chelsea Hospital
“We have been seeing an increase in COVID admissions over the past week.”
Monroe County – Did not report this week
Macomb County – Did not report this week
LIVINGSTON COUNTY -- COVID, insect bites, ragweed allergies.
Emergency Department, Trinity Health Livingston
“Trinity Health Livingston is seeing a slight increase in COVID this week.”