A child from Kalamazoo County recently died as a result of the flu. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed this is the first pediatric flu death of the 2021-2022 flu season in the state. There is currently a a rise in flu-like illnesses and hospitalizations that is not typically seen this time of year, according to MDHHS.

"It seems to have come a little bit later. Flu season usually goes on till about March," says Amy Shears, Immunizations Supervisor at the Kent County Health Department. Shears says the increase in numbers illustrates the need for all people to receive flu vaccines. "It gives me goosebumps," says Shears. We have to keep our children safe."

Flu vaccine is available at all our clinic locations by calling (616) 632-7200 to make an appointment.

Human rabies cases are incredibly rare but they are always fatal. That’s why on April 4, 2022, when U.S. Representative Ami Bera was bit by a red fox on Capitol Hill, Capitol Police, and DC Health worked quickly to identify the animal and its offspring. The red fox, that authorities believe had bit eight other people, and its kits (babies) were euthanized and tested for rabies. The fox tested positive for the disease and Bera and the others who were bit have all now completed a course of rabies vaccinations that will save their lives.

Please remember that rabies is not uncommon in animals in Michigan. Most cases identified in the state are among bats. We test dozens of bats every year for residents who have captured them in their homes. Individuals who find bats in their homes may have to undergo expensive rabies vaccinations if they can’t have the bat tested so the easiest way to avoid these shots is to have the bat tested.

On a recent episode of the “A Matter of Public Health” podcast, our staff offered advice on what you can do to protect your family from this rare but fatal disease. You can listen to the episode here. If you find a bat in your home, contact the Health Department at (616) 632-7100 as soon as possible.

April 10 through 16 marked STD Awareness Week, a week set aside to focus on the growing problem of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the impact they continue to have on people’s lives.

In Kent County, sexually transmitted infections continue to rise. Over the last ten years, gonorrhea cases have more than doubled and syphilis cases have also dramatically increased. So far, there have been four cases of congenital syphilis (syphilis infection in a baby) in the last two years. Young people between the ages of 15-24 make up a large majority of these infections.

KCHD’s Personal Health Services programs provide several services to combat the spread of STIs through testing, treatment, risk reduction, and education. Our sexual health clinic is open to anyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay. The clinic provides testing and treatment for the most common STIs: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Testing and treatment is also available for Hepatitis C and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for those who are at risk for HIV infection.

Because STIs are most common in people ages 15 to 24, and do not always have symptoms, we encourage anyone in this age group to get tested. Call 616-632-7171 to schedule an appointment or stop in our clinic at 700 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Your appointment will be confidential and free of charge.  

Hear April Hight of KCHD’s Personal Health Care Services talk more about the issue on this episode of the “A Matter of Public Health” podcast.