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HomeEmergency PreparednessHot Topics

Quick Links

  • Extreme Cold: Winter Weather Guide to Preparedness
  • Extreme Heat
  • West Nile Virus
  • Lyme Disease
  • Biological Agents
  • Ebola Virus Information

Winter Weather Preparedness

When temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can be a challenge.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some great information to keep you healthy during colder months. Click here for some Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Weather including Hypothermia, Frostbite, and basic personal safety.

West Nile Virus

fight-the-biteWhen dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease, along with others that mosquitoes can carry. Take the commonsense steps below to reduce your risk:

  • avoid bites and illness;
  • clean out the mosquitoes from the places where you work and play;
  • help your community control the disease.

Something to remember: The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a single mosquito bite remains low. The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, although people of all ages can become ill.

For more information:

  • MDHHS West Nile Virus (WNV) Site
  • CDC WNV Home
  • Michigan West Nile Virus Hotline — 1-888-668-0869

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

lyme-disease

Erythema migrans (EM) is a red, circular, rapidly expanding patch that appears at the site of the tick bite within 3 days to 1 month after the bite of an infected tick. It is usually not painful or itchy.

Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful in the later stages of disease. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, landscaping, and integrated pest management. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tick-borne diseases as well.

Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease:

  • Chills and fever
  • Headaches
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • A characteristic skin rash (Erythema migrans)

Clinical Lyme disease in domestic animals may involve many organ systems. Fever, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, swelling and pain in one or more joints, kidney disease, heart disease, and nervous system disorders have all been reported. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian. A Lyme disease vaccine is available. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriateness of vaccinating your pet and also to discuss recommendations for avoiding ticks.
For more information:

  • Michigan Department of Agriculture Lyme Disease Information
  • CDC Lyme Disease

bioterrorsignBiological Agents

  • Anthrax
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  • Tularemia

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News from the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department

ALL individuals entering the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department are REQUIRED to wear a FACE COVERING (mask).

____________________

Office Locations

UPDATE:  As of Monday, May 3, 2021: Our Hartford & Mattawan facilities moved and merged into one new Lawrence location.

Van Buren/Cass District Health Department’s NEW Public Health Education Facility at 260 South Street, Lawrence, MI 49064

 
Lawrence – Administration ~ Community Dental Clinic ~ Environmental Health ~ Public Health Nursing
260 South Street
Lawrence, MI 49064
269-621-3143 / Get Directions »

 
Dowagiac – Community Dental Clinic ~ Environmental Health ~ Public Health Nursing
302 S. Front St
Dowagiac, MI 49047
269-782-0064 / Get Directions »

 
Hartford & Mattawan – these locations were closed, ALL services are being provided in our Lawrence and Dowagiac offices

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(*The Dowagiac office Environmental Health and Public Health Nursing hours may differ, it is recommended that you call 269-782-0064 to confirm staff availability.)


For an After Hours Public Health Emergency contact the appropriate county Sheriff Dispatch.

Van Buren County: phone  269-657-3101

Cass County: phone 269-445-1560

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Van Buren / Cass District Health Department complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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