We’re monitoring continued discussion on cyclosporiasis in Michigan and emerging conversation about vaccines following an executive order earlier this week.
Cyclosporiasis
On August 3, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported two deaths from cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness spreading across the U.S. Cases are now declining in Michigan, and on August 6, the state advised residents to return to routine guidance for washing and eating produce, including lettuce and salad greens. While the outbreak is subsiding, anyone with severe intestinal symptoms should contact a health care provider for testing and treatment.
Vaccine executive order
On August 10, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for sweeping changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. The order kicked off a flurry of conversation online, with commenters expressing support for vaccines and repeating common vaccine myths—including around autism.
Announcements about potential changes to vaccine policy frequently lead to confusion and frustration, even among people who support vaccines. Communicators can address questions early by reminding Michigan families that they can continue to follow the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which aligns with MDHHS recommendations.
We will continue to monitor conversations and provide updates as new questions emerge.
Keep reading for insights, talking points, and shareable content responding to other recent conversations about substance use, measles, and mRNA vaccines. Content is also available in Spanish and Arabic.
Substance use
Michigan overdoses related to tainted cocaine prompt discussion about prevention
What’s happening:
In late July, Michigan news outlets reported that at least four overdoses and one death near the Michigan-Wisconsin border were linked to cocaine mixed with an unidentified substance.
In response, social media users discussed losing loved ones to overdoses. Others highlighted the importance of tools like naloxone and drug test strips to help prevent opioid overdoses.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Drugs that appear to be cocaine may be mixed with deadly substances like fentanyl (a potent opioid) or xylazine (a non-opioid sedative).
Tools exist to help people prevent and reverse overdoses. Test strips can detect fentanyl or xylazine in drugs, giving people more information about what they may be taking. Narcan, also known as naloxone, can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives.
Anyone in Michigan can use these tools, and they’re good to keep on hand in any first aid kit.
Because drugs may contain unknown substances, bystanders should give Narcan any time they see signs of an overdose, including shallow or slow breathing, loss of consciousness, cold or clammy skin, small (“pinpoint”) pupils, or blue lips or nails.
Back-to-school MMR vaccine messaging draws scrutiny ahead of new Michigan measles cases
What’s happening:
Michigan health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles before school starts as the U.S. reports its highest number of measles cases in 35 years.
In response, commenters repeated common myths about measles and the MMR vaccine, including false claims about the seriousness of measles and the vaccine’s safety.
Plus, two measles cases were recently reported in Osceola County and Missaukee County, which prompted more public health messaging about the importance of MMR vaccination. While general public conversation about these cases has been low, some commenters expressed apathy toward continued measles news.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
As kids head back to school, checking that they’re up to date on routine vaccines is an important way to prepare for a healthy year of learning. Contagious diseases like measles can spread very quickly among unprotected students.
Measles isn’t “just a rash.” It can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
The MMR vaccine is extremely effective at protecting against measles and is the only safe way to prevent infection.
Michigan students need the MMR vaccine before starting kindergarten, along with other vaccines that help protect them and their classmates. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children receive the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years.
Check with your child’s doctor before the first day of school to make sure they’re up to date on vaccines.
Share this in response
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mRNA vaccines come under attack following Fauci hearing and FDA flu vaccine approval
What’s happening:
On July 29, a Senate committee questioned Dr. Anthony Fauci about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking a resurgence of debunked myths nationwide, including in Michigan.
Social media users falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines don’t have benefits and are unsafe, with some specifically expressing distrust in mRNA vaccines.
Then, on August 5, the FDA approved an mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older, pending an additional clinical trial. The approval sparked a wave of posts attacking mRNA vaccines, echoing false claims about the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
While uncertainty remains about who will be able to get the new mRNA flu vaccine this fall, communicators can get ahead of questions about how these vaccines work.
Helpful messaging, plus tips for responding to anti-mRNA comments online:
mRNA technology isn’t new. It has been researched for decades, and mRNA vaccines now have years of real-world use and safety monitoring behind them.
mRNA vaccines teach your immune system how to make a harmless piece of a germ so it can recognize and respond to it later. This technology can help scientists update vaccines to better match viruses that change quickly, like COVID-19 and the flu.
Like all vaccines, mRNA vaccines undergo safety testing before they’re available and continue to be monitored while they’re in use.
New mRNA vaccines may bring familiar myths and false claims about the technology back into online conversations. When people have genuine questions, focus on what the vaccine protects against, what we know about its safety, and why the technology may offer new ways to protect people from disease.
Reminder: Not every anti-mRNA comment requires a response. Prioritize people asking genuine questions and avoid prolonged debates with commenters repeatedly promoting false claims or conspiracy theories.
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Thanks for reading,
The MI Health Communications Initiative team
The Public Good Projects, 401 Park Ave S, 10th Floor, Ste 3786, New York, NY 10016, United States
