Michigan’s rapidly growing cyclosporiasis outbreak is causing concern as health officials work to track down the source. Use the special alert graphic below to help your community avoid infection and assist officials in investigating the source.
This month’s newsletter also covers:
Mental health: Michigan’s latest heat wave fueled conversation about how SSRIs may increase heat sensitivity.
STIs/STDs, substance use: After two Michigan counties identified HIV cases that may be linked to drug use, commenters urged safe syringe disposal.
Vaccines: A new report about a child rabies death prompted questions about what to do after potential exposure.
No specific produce grower or supplier or produce type has been identified as the source, but the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced this week that “current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out.” Share the graphic below to show community members how they can continue to help officials identify the source.
As the outbreak grows, MDHHS recommends that residents, especially people in Southeast Michigan, take precautions when cleaning and preparing produce. Visit MDHHS’s Infectious Disease Outbreaks page for updated case counts and resources.
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Michigan heat wave prompts warnings about how medications for mental health conditions impact heat sensitivity
What’s happening:
During Michigan’s previous heat wave, local organizations and individuals online warned that taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions—can increase the risk of heat-related illness and dehydration.
Commenters encouraged those who take SSRIs to stay out of the heat when possible and drink water, especially when spending time outside.
Some shared that they were unaware of this risk, which mirrors discussions from last summer and demonstrates how this conversation persistently aligns with rising temperatures in Michigan.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Common medications for mental health conditions can increase heat sensitivity. These include SSRIs, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers.
Anyone taking these medications should continue taking them as prescribed by their health care provider. Ask your provider if you have any questions about how your medications impact your heat tolerance.
Staying indoors during high temperatures, drinking fluids, and wearing loose, lightweight clothing and finding shade can help prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
If you’re outside and experience heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, clammy skin, a fast pulse, or a headache, get to a cooler place as soon as possible and drink water.
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Michigan residents discuss safe syringe disposal following HIV cases and conversation about prescription medication
What’s happening:
In late June, MDHHS linked seven HIV cases to a cluster of infections in Ingham and Jackson counties that may be related to intravenous drug use.
Separately, Michigan social media users expressed confusion and concern about disposing of syringes for prescription medications like hormone replacement therapy.
Some responding to the HIV news expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use drugs. Others urged people who use syringes for any purpose—including prescribed medications—to safely dispose of them and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Syringes, including those used for prescribed medications, need to be disposed of in a specific way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like HIV.
Michigan law requires people to place syringes in a sealed, puncture-resistant, plastic container labeled “sharps” before putting them in the trash.
Sterile syringes are a key part of stopping infectious diseases tied to illicit drug use. Find syringe services programs—which provide harm reduction tools like sterile syringes, safe syringe disposal, infectious disease testing and treatment, and more—using MDHHS’s map.
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Report on Canadian child’s rabies death prompts vaccine questions in Michigan
What’s happening:
A June report highlighted the 2024 death of a Canadian boy from rabies after contact with a bat.
In response, Michigan social media users asked what to do after being scratched or bitten by wildlife. Some also questioned why the rabies vaccine is not a routine vaccine and is only given after a possible exposure and in specific situations.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Rabies is a rare, nearly always fatal virus most commonly transmitted through animal bites.
If you come into contact with wildlife—even if you’re not sure if you’ve been scratched or bitten—seek medical care right away. Wash any wounds with soap and running water for 15 minutes. A health care provider will assess your rabies risk, as you may need a rabies vaccine to stop the virus from making you sick.
Some vaccines, like the rabies vaccine and vaccines for traveling to certain places, are given when someone has a higher chance of encountering a specific germ because of where they’re going, their job, or a possible exposure.
Talk to your health care provider about which vaccines you need both routinely and for special circumstances.
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