To help you understand what vaccines you (those 11 years and older) might need, you can complete the Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz online. Then print your results and discuss them with your doctor or health care professional next time you make an office visit.
Take the quiz!
Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19)
Click below for up-to-date information.
To protect the public’s health and reduce the spread of COVID-19, VBCDHD has made temporary adjustments to public health services offered in Van Buren and Cass County. Important updates to note:
ALL individuals entering the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department will receive a health risk assessment (questionnaire) and temperature check prior to entering the building.
> We are working with Emergency Mgmt to ensure emergency medical supplies are continuing to arrive and be designated appropriately.
Public Health Alert
NEW Update for Algal Toxins in Driskels Lake, Cass County - People and pets should continue to stay out of water with accumulations of algae or aquatic plants.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department, working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is issuing an update to the July 1 st public health advisory regarding algal toxins that were found in Driskels Lake in Cass County. Since the previous advisory, additional testing at the MDHHS Laboratory shows that toxin continues to be present in areas of Driskels Lake, specifically among clumps of algae. The most recent samples were taken on July 1 st and were taken from multiple locations around the perimeter of the lake. These toxins can make people and animals sick when swallowed or breathed in.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department continues to advise that people and pets stay out of water in Driskels Lake that contains visible accumulations of algae or aquatic plants. People and pets could accidentally swallow water containing toxins when swimming in these areas. If people have any doubts whether algae is present in an area, they should stay out and keep pets out of the water. Do not let dogs drink lake water. Monitor children and pets closely to ensure they do not eat or play with algae or aquatic plants in the water or on the shoreline. If people and dogs enter the lake, rinse them off and monitor for illness. Boating or jet skiing through areas with algae or aquatic plants on the water’s surface can cause sprays that may contain the toxin and should be avoided.
Click to see the complete press release:
NEW -update- Driskels Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update 07-09-2020
2020 Schedule: FREE Hearing & Vision Screening clinics for Preschool & Kindergarten
Warm Weather is here and so are biting insects!
See our Mosquitoes & Ticks - What you need to know page for Important information about these biting insects and the diseases they may carry.
Backyard Poultry Safety
Whether you are building your first coop or are a seasoned backyard poultry owner, you should know the risks of keeping poultry and the simple things you can do to stay safe.
For advice on keeping you, your family, and your flock healthy, visit CDC’s Backyard Poultry page.
Immunizations
Did you know that vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise in Michigan?
We’re proud to partner with @IVaccinate to help keep Michigan’s kids safe and healthy. Learn more at www.IVaccinate.org.
Click here to learn more about our Immunization Program.
STDs increase again in Michigan
regular testing urged to prevent spread of diseases
See the 10/29/2019 MDHHS Press release HERE
10/24/2019 Kalamazoo County Investigating Cases of Rare Gonorrhea Infections - Click Here for the Press Release
> Public Health Alert. Incidence of gonorrhea continues to rise in Van Buren and Cass Counties.
Drug Resistant Gonorrhea: An Urgent Public Health Issue Watch this video from the CDC for more information.
E-cigarette, vaping users urged to seek medical attention if they feel ill.
MDHHS E-Cigarettes Website: Click HERE to learn more about e-cigarettes and vaping.
CDC Resources: For the Public: What you need to know - Click HERE to learn more.
Food Safety
Each year 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illness. Learn more about keeping your families food safe.
Outbreak Investigation of Cyclospora: Fresh Express Bagged Salads RECALLED June 27, 2020
> Check out the CDC's Food Safety Page.
> Go to FoodSafety.gov. for up-to date Recall & Alerts and Food Safety information.
>Food Safety Tips for your Holiday Turkey.
>Click here to Watch a short video on how to prep your turkey with food safety in mind.
Hepatitis A is in Michigan Communities
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water and close contact with persons who are infected. Hepatitis A can affect anyone. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.
The best way to protect against hepatitis A is to get the hepatitis A vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider to get the two doses you need for protection. Need help paying for your vaccine? Your local health department or your federally qualified health center may have hepatitis A vaccine available for little cost.
Help stop the spread of hepatitis A in Michigan a brochure from MDHHS.
Information regarding the Hepatitis A Outbreak in Michigan.
> Click here for the latest information from MDHHS.
> NEW Click here for 9-20-19 MDHHS Press release update.
> Click here for information from your Van Buren Cass District Health Department.
> Click here for the MDHHS Letter to Providers.
> June 6, 2018 Genesee County Public Health Advisory - Hepatitis A.
Important Information
Providers Click HERE For HIV Treatment as Prevention information from the CDC
Michiganders Being Warned About Scam Local Public Health Calls. Thursday, March 7, 2019
Click here to see the State of Michigan Attorney General / MDHHS Press Release.
Click here for the online State of Michigan Attorney General Consumer Complaint/Inquiry Form.
The incidence of gonorrhea continues to rise, Providers click here for more information.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is on the rise Click here for Information on Pertussis.