Health Department

August 5, 2024

A bat in Livingston County has tested positive for rabies. The bat, found in Brighton, is the first rabies-positive animal identified in Livingston County this year. The Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) is reminding community members: If you have contact with a bat, check it out before you let it out!

If you have contact with a bat, don’t release it until you talk with the Health Department. Bat bites are so small they are often undetectable. Costly rabies post-exposure treatments can be avoided if bats are safely captured and sent for rabies testing.

Report all bat exposures and animal bites to the Health Department using our secure online form. LCHD staff are available to talk through possible exposures and determine if there was any risk of rabies exposure.

Click here to read the full press release.

June 5, 2024

Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) is encouraging 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

May 3, 2024

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in several poultry flocks and dairy herds across Michigan.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called “bird flu,” is a virus found among various species of birds. HPAI viruses can infect domestic poultry, which includes chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl. The virus also infects a wide variety of other birds, including wild migratory waterfowl. HPAI has even been detected in various species of mammals—presumably after the animals come into contact with infected wild birds.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus in birds and poultry that can be spread directly by infected wild birds or animals or indirectly through any item that has been exposed to the virus, such as equipment, feed, or the clothing and shoes of caretakers. It is crucial for every farmer/producer to protect their animals from wild birds and the germs they could be carrying.

• Prevent contact between your animals and wildlife.
• Wash your hands before and after handling animals as well as when moving between coops or other farms.
• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops or other farms.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for animals.
• Keep feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Talk to your veterinarian about any animal health-related concerns. Suspected HPAI infections can be reported using the information below:

Domestic Animals

• 800-292-3939 (daytime)
• 517-373-0440 or 412-847-2255 (after-hours)

Wildlife

• 517-336-5030
• Eyes in the Field: a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Online Form

Find the latest HPAI updates and learn more prevention tips by visiting Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.

April 24, 2024

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed several cases of measles across multiple Michigan counties. These are the first confirmed cases of measles in the state since 2019. MDHHS is recommending unvaccinated individuals ages 1 year and older receive measles vaccination to protect themselves and those around them.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present.

The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. It is also effective if used within 72 hours of a measles exposure to prevent illness. With the risk for community spread, parents are encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on all their childhood immunizations, including the measles vaccine.

Learn more about measles including prevention tips and common symptoms by visiting: milivcounty.gov/health/disease-control/measles.

February 28, 2024

There has been a significant increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases in Livingston County since the end of 2023. Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) is using this opportunity to remind residents that everyone is recommended to get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime and annual testing is recommended for people at higher risk.

Testing is the only way to know your HIV status. Free, rapid, and confidential HIV testing is available at LCHD by appointment. HIV self-tests are also available to ship directly to your home.

Learn more and schedule an appointment by visiting: milivcounty.gov/health/personal-health/hiv-testing.