Health Department

September 2, 2026

Heat Advisory: Livingston County residents should take steps to protect themselves from risks related to hot weather. Heat and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or death. Anyone can be affected by heat, but people most at risk include those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.

Learn how to spot the signs of heat-related illness and how to stay cool.

Stay Cool

If you are outside, especially for a long time, you can:

• Stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Take breaks when you can.
• Do outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day or evening, if possible.

When you are indoors, you can:

• Use fans, but only if indoor temperatures are less than 90°F. In temperatures above 90°F, a fan can increase body temperature.
• Use air conditioning or find a location that has air conditioning like a library or shopping center or dial 211 to find a cooling center near you.

Check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they have chronic medical problems or live alone. Check on pets.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids

• Carry a water bottle. Drink and refill it throughout the day.
• Consider limiting beverages high in sugars and sodium, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Check your urine color. When it’s light yellow or clear, it usually means you are drinking enough water.

Know the Symptoms

If your body gets too hot, you can get sick. Know the symptoms of your body overheating and know when to seek medical care.

Symptoms can include:

• Muscle cramping
• Unusually heavy sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Nausea

August 21, 2026

A bat found in Livingston County has tested positive for rabies. This is the first rabies case in an animal reported in the county this year. The Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) wants everyone to remember: If you have contact with a bat, check it out before you let it out!

What to Do If You Are Exposed to a Bat

Bat bites can be very small and hard to see, so it’s important to act right away. If you have contact with a bat:

• Capture the bat. A bat can be tested for rabies, which may prevent you from needing expensive shots.
• Report the exposure. Use LCHD’s secure online form to report any bat contact or animal bite.
• Call for guidance. Contact LCHD at 517‑552‑6882 for testing guidance and next steps. Leave a message. Our staff will return your call.

Visit our Rabies webpage for additional instructions and resources.

Read the full press release. 

September 2, 2026

Outbreak Summary

About Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the protozoan parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) that contain the parasite.

Cyclosporiasis Fact Sheet

Transmission

People become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with feces (poop) that contains the parasite. Cyclospora needs to be in the environment for about 1 to 2 weeks after being passed in stool to become infectious for another person. Because of this, it is not spread directly from one person to another.

In the past, foodborne outbreaks were linked to fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and romaine lettuce. No commercially frozen or canned produce has been connected to Cyclospora infections.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Slight fever
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Symptoms usually begin about 1 week after exposure to the parasite but can begin as short as 2 days or as long as 2 weeks after exposure to the parasite.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to see a healthcare provider. Diagnosis requires a stool sample, and the illness can be treated with antibiotics. If not treated, the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times.

Prevention

Here are some ways to reduce your risk:

• Cook produce to 158°F (70°C) or higher to kill Cyclospora.
• Always wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

Resources

• LCHD Cyclosporiasis Fact Sheet
• CDC Cyclosporiasis Overview
• Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
• U.S. Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
• University of Minnesota Produce Handling Tips
• FDA Cyclosporiasis Cleaning Recommendations
• FDA Outbreak Investigations
• FDA Health Advisories
• FDA Recalls and Safety Alerts

Updated July 16, 2026

Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) encourages residents to take precautions against mosquito and tick bites this summer. Mosquitoes in Michigan may carry viruses like West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), which can be passed to people or animals through a bite from an infected mosquito. Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and anaplasmosis, and can cause Alpha-gal syndrome, also known as the red-meat allergy or tick-bite meat allergy.

It only takes one bite to transmit disease. Everyone in the community should take steps to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes or ticks. 

• Preventing Mosquito Bites
• Preventing Tick Bites