Three locations to better serve you.
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!
E-cigarette, vaping users urged to seek medical attention if they feel ill.
10/4/2019 Press Release: MDHHS reports first death in the state from vaping-related lung injury. Click HERE for more information.
8/28/2019 Press Release: MDHHS investigates rising trend of e-cigarette/vaping-associated respiratory illness - click HERE for more information.
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.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Risk Increasing in Southwest Michigan -Use insect repellent and take other precautions outdoors.
10/14/2019 MDHHS Press Release: Fifth death due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis announced; new animal case confirmed. Michiganders urged to continue taking precautions until hard frost occurs.
10/8/2019 MDHHS Press Release: State completes planned aerial treatment targeting 14 counties. New EEE cases announced: Michiganders urged to continue taking precautions.
9-27-19 Alert for Van Buren and Cass County Residents: Due to the large geographic distribution and number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in humans and animals, coupled with warm weather projections, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and 12 local health departments have decided to conduct aerial spraying in high risk areas combat further spread of the deadly disease EEE.
Spraying is scheduled take place starting Sunday, Sept. 29 starting at 8 p.m. However, the ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. Residents are encouraged to visit www.Michigan.gov/EEE for up-to-date information. Spraying will occur in the following 14 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. All of these counties have cases of EEE in people, animals or both. Visit www.Michigan.gov/EEE for more detailed information. See the complete MDHHS 9-27-19 Press Release HERE.
9-20-19 Update on EEE: see the MDHHS 9-20-2019 Press Release HERE.
9-17-2019 Update on EEE: Health Officials are asking that the public consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. This would include such events as late evening sports practices, games or outdoor music practice. MDHHS is making this recommendation out of an abundance of caution to protect the public's health and applies until the first hard frost of the year. see the MDHHS 9-17-2019 Press Release HERE
Be aware: EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) is one of the most dangerous viruses on the planet, and it's right here in our own backyard.
Residents can stay healthy by following steps to avoid mosquito bites:
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Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
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Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
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Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches. Symptoms of California encephalitis virus include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and lethargy. Residents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing these symptoms and have been exposed to mosquitoes.
8-16-2019 - Michigan Residents Reminded to Protect Against Mosquito Bites
Mosquito Bites: Everyone is at Risk!
See our "Mosquitoes & Ticks - What You Need To Know" page.
October is the Time To Get Your Flu Shot!
Click here for the 2019 Community Flu Clinic Schedule
The Health Department has Flu Vaccine available for everyone 6 months of age and older. Call the Health Department’s clinical services at 269-740-4155 for more information, to discuss your options or to schedule an appointment.
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.
TB Testing
7/15/2019 ALERT: There is currently a shortage of TB skin testing serum.
Who Should Get Tested for TB?
TB tests are generally not needed for people with a low risk of infection with TB bacteria.
Certain people should be tested for TB bacteria because they are more likely to get TB disease, including:
•People who have spent time with someone who has TB disease
•People with HIV infection or another medical problem that weakens the immune system
•People who have symptoms of TB disease (fever, night sweats, cough, and weight loss)
•People from a country where TB disease is common (most countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia)
•People who live or work somewhere in the United States where TB disease is more common (homeless shelters, prison or jails, or some nursing homes)
•People who use illegal drugs
Van Buren Cass District Health Department currently has the opportunity to do a blood test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold) which is another alternative to screen for tuberculosis. The cost is $50.00.
Health Care Providers:
Please note UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS for screening Health Care Personnel for tuberculosis.
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.
Food Safety
Each year 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illness. Learn more about keeping your families food safe.
6-12-19 FDA Alert Public Health Alert Concerning Hepatitis A Virus Contamination of Kroger Brand Frozen Blackberries and Costco Kirkland Signature Brand Three Berry Blend.
Check out the CDC's Food Safety Page.
Food Safety at Fairs and Festivals. Click HERE for tips to have a safe eating and drinking experience!
EGGS - Handle With Care: Like meat, poultry, seafood and produce, eggs are perishable and need to be handled properly to prevent foodborne illness. Occasionally, eggs with clean, uncracked shells can be contaminated with bacteria, specifically Salmonella Enteritidis. Click HERE to learn what you can do to have a safe and egg-cellent spring and summer!
Home canning this summer? Learn how to keep food safe.
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.
Understanding PFAS
PFAs Fact Sheets:
Coping with the stress that environmental contamination can cause
Links to Michigan.gov / PFAS Response:
PFAS - Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here to learn more about PFAS chemicals and how they can impact your health.
PFAS in Van Buren County
IMPORTANT
NEW 08/08/19 - PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING scheduled for 8/21/19, click here for more information.
NUEVO 08/08/19 - REUNION DE INFORMACION PUBLICA 8/21/19, haga clic aquí para obtener más información. .
06/28/2019 Residential Well Sampling Update - ENGLISH
MAP of Residential Well PFAS Du-Wel Study Areas (updated 6-21-2019)
06/21/2019 Residential Well Sampling Update - ENGLISH
Residential Well Sampling Update (5-30-2019)
MAP of Residential Well PFAS Study Area (updated 5-30-2019)
5-28-2019 PFAS news release #2 English
5-28-2019 PFAS news release #2 Spanish
5-9-2019 PFAS News Release
Any Resident with questions about the ongoing investigation should contact Hartford Township at 269-621-4658 or EGLE's Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.
Measles; It Isn't Just a Little Rash
Measles; It Isn't Just a Little Rash.
For more information go to www.cdc.gov/measles 
Measles Vaccine: Our Best protection - click here for more information.
Click here for 2019 Michigan Measles Outbreak Information
> April 17, 2019, Two new cases of measles in Southeast Michigan, case count is 42. Detroit and Oakland County residents affected; exposure sites in Ingham and Kent counties. Click here for MDHHS Press Release
> April 15, 2019, New, unrelated, case of Measles confirmed in Washtenaw County. Click here for MDHHS Press Release
** Local Healthcare Providers Resources:
Click here for Suspect Measles Evaluation Worksheet
Click here for Measles Outbreak Information from VB Cass DHD (4/1/19).
Click here for Measles Testing Guidance at Michigan Bureau of Labs.
Hand Foot & Mouth Disease - What you need to know.
* This disease is common in young children.
* It causes fever, mouth sores, and a rash.
* It is contagious.
* Is it usually not serious. The illness is typically mild, and most infected people recover in a week or two.
* Children not acutely ill and who have no weeping lesions are usually able to remain in school/daycare.
* Wash your hands often to lessen your chances of getting sick
Backyard Chickens and Other Poultry
Backyard chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella. After you touch a bird, or anything in the area where birds live and roam, wash your hands so you don't get sick! Click here to get the facts.
Press Releases & Important Information
8/28/2019 Press Release: MDHHS investigates rising trend of e-cigarette/vaping-associated respiratory illness - click HERE to view. E-cigarette, vaping users urged to seek medical attention if they feel ill.
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.
> Michiganders urged to take precautions against norovirus. Click here for the 1/7/19 Press Release
> Public Health Alert. Incidence of gonorrhea continues to rise in Van Buren and Cass Counties. Providers click here for more information.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is on the rise Click here for Information on Pertussis.
Drug Resistant Gonorrhea: An Urgent Public Health Issue Watch this video from the CDC for more information.