|
Communicable diseases are reported to the Ottawa County Department of Public Health for surveillance and investigation to prevent their spread. The data in the monthly disease reports are provisional, based on current reports in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) made by local health departments. The MDSS is a dynamic, continually active system; counts of disease are constantly changing as cases are investigated, confirmed as cases, or ruled out as not meeting the case definition. Each monthly disease report reflects this constant activity as the numbers may slightly fluctuate each month.
Therefore, it should be kept in mind that numbers in the monthly disease reports are NOT final and should be used only to generally monitor trends over time. Unknown, suspected, probable and laboratory-confirmed cases of the reportable condition are included in the report. Click to view or print the most recent monthly reportable diseases summary. Specific data requests and questions should be directed towards:
Derel Glashower, MPH, CPH
Senior Epidemiologist
dglashower@miottawa.org
(616) 393-5785
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through 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 is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. 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, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat.
You received this email as a subscriber to Diseases & Outbreaks or Disease & Health Reports. To find other Ottawa County health-related reports, please visit miOttawa.org/healthdata. For more Ottawa County topics or to make any changes to your subscriptions, please click here.
|
