News and Articles

Disability-Inclusive Disease Outbreak Preparedness

Alice Frame, MA - MDHHS Disabilities Health Unit Coordinator

Accessibility and inclusion should be an integral part of the emergency preparedness and response planning and implementation processes. In the case of disease outbreak or epidemic, advanced planning leads to better outcomes in meeting the unique needs of at-risk populations. The more planning done ahead of time, the more effective the response efforts will be in meeting those needs. People with disabilities may be more likely to contract certain diseases and illness due to pre-existing conditions, immunosuppressant medications, or other contributing medical or lifestyle factors.

Disability-Inclusive Disease Outbreak Preparedness>>

Training & Events

Rural and Ready Conference

Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The Region 8 Rural and Ready Symposium will take place on August 1, 2019 from 8:30am to 5:00pm at Lake Superior State University.  This year's symposium will cover topics including mass casualty preparedness, active shooter mitigation, smart 911, personal and business preparedness and human trafficking in the Upper Peninsula.  The cost to attend is $45.  Register online at the Chippewa County Health Department website.

The Michigan Update

Measles Update – Going Viral

Meghan Weinberg, PhD, MPH - Region 1 - Regional Epidemiologist - MDHHS

Until the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in 1963, nearly everyone contracted measles by age 15 years [1,2]. Thanks to vaccination, the number of cases decreased to the point that measles was declared eliminated (meaning no evidence of endemic transmission) in the United States in 2000. However, measles is common in other countries and unvaccinated travelers are at risk of acquiring the virus. Once imported, a single case can spark an outbreak, particularly in communities with low MMR vaccination rates.

Measles Update - Going Viral>>

State Police Encourages Michiganders to Create Emergency Preparedness Kits for Pets

In honor of National Pet Preparedness Month, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging Michiganders to create an emergency preparedness kit for their pets to ensure complete family readiness during an emergency or disaster.

To create a pet preparedness kit, ensure the following items are readily available in a safe location:

• Pet food, water and bowls
• Pet carrier, leash and collar
• Photo of your pet or ID and a photo of you with your pet
• Immunization, veterinary records and pet medications
• First Aid Kit
• Contact list of pet-friendly hotels, veterinarians, and out-of-town friends and family
• Toys, rope and sanitation bags

To learn more about being prepared before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit https://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares.

Research

Hurricane-Associated Mold Exposures Among Patients at Risk for Invasive Mold Infections After Hurricane Harvey — Houston, Texas, 2017

In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented flooding and devastation to the Houston metropolitan area. Mold exposure was a serious concern because investigations after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005) had documented extensive mold growth in flood-damaged homes. Because mold exposure can cause serious illnesses known as invasive mold infections, and immunosuppressed persons are at high risk for these infections, several federal agencies recommend that immunosuppressed persons avoid mold-contaminated sites. To assess the extent of exposure to mold and flood-damaged areas among persons at high risk for invasive mold infections after Hurricane Harvey, CDC and Texas health officials conducted a survey among 103 immunosuppressed residents in Houston. The survey collected data regarding mold cleanup activities and personal protective equipment use.

Hurricane-Associated Mold Exposures Among Patients at Risk for Invasive Mold Infections After Hurricane Harvey — Houston, Texas, 2017>>

Tools & Resources

Measles Outbreak Toolkit for Local/State Health Departments

This web page provides resources for local and state health departments regarding measles outbreaks. It provides links to graphics, letters, templates, and a video about signs and symptoms of measles. This information can be posted on health department web sites, or the entire website can be syndicated on health department websites for continuously updated content.

Measles Outbreak Toolkit for Local/State Health Departments