COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – After a rough winter for illnesses, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency Health Officer Rebecca Burns told the agency’s Board of Health on Thursday that Michigan’s influenza activity is starting to decline.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services MDHHS has confirmed six pediatric flu deaths in Michigan and there have been 134 influenza-associated pediatric deaths nationally this flu season.
Even though the month of March is almost over, Burns says it is still not too late to receive vaccinations that prevent or lesson symptoms of respiratory diseases; influenza, COVID, and RSV.
She is encouraging everyone to reach out to their Provider, Pharmacy, or local health department to schedule recommended vaccinations.
Meanwhile, the Measles outbreak in other parts of the country is continuing to concern Burns and other health officials. USA Today reported an outbreak of ten cases in Ashtabula County near the Pennsylvania border. Nine of the cases were linked to an unvaccinated man. More cases have been reported around the country in the first three months of 2025 than for all of 2024.
Burns reported on Thursday the agency is reviewing their Measles Response Plan and has been participating in statewide meetings with the M.D.H.H.S. now that there has been the first confirmed case of measles in Michigan for 2025. Burns said that one case of measles in Oakland County resulted in 56 contacts.
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