Promote Health. Protect Life. Prevent Illness.
1142 S. Van Dyke Rd.
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: 989-269-9721
Program Overview
The philosophy of the Huron County Health Department Communicable Disease Program is to reduce the incidence of communicable disease and infections through investigation, data collection, entry and analysis, case management, education, treatment or referral for care, feedback to providers, reporting of illnesses, enforcement of laws, and prevention.
Services Available
Our public health system in Huron County depends on reports of diseases to help monitor the health of our community and to help with the framework for preventative action.
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Provide education to clients, health care providers, and the public regarding the spread and control of communicable diseases/infections.
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Promote health by way of education and preventive treatment.
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Provide for collection and transport of specimens for diagnosis, when appropriate.
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In the event of certain communicable diseases or infections, we investigate, follow-up and report as required by Michigan law.
Community Awareness Corner
Spring 2025
Update on
Measles in Michigan
and the US
As of April 17, 2025, a total of 800 confirmed measles cases were reported by 25 jurisdictions: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
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There have been 10 outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 93% of confirmed cases (567 of 607) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.
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For more data and updates on measles cases in the United States (updated Fridays): Measles Cases and Outbreaks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)​​​​​​​
Planning an International Trip?
Measles cases in the United States usually originate with unvaccinated people who get infected in other countries. Typically, 2 out of 3 of these unvaccinated travelers are Americans. Click here to learn more about protecting yourself from measles when traveling internationally.
Tick Talk!
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In the United States, Lyme Disease occurs most commonly in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions. Lyme disease bacteria are spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with FDA-cleared tests. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
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Best way to prevent Lyme Disease is to prevent tick bites. This will reduce your risk of other tickborne diseases as well.
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What to do after a tick bite
Remove attached ticks as soon as possible. Depending on the type of tick and how long it was attached, antibiotic prophylaxis might help prevent Lyme Disease. Call your doctor if you develop fever, rash, or other symptoms.
Ticks & Lyme Disease
Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. The affected premises is currently under quarantine, and the birds were depopulated to prevent disease spread.
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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
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Whether it’s a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, following a few key steps is fundamental to protecting the health and vitality of Michigan’s domestic birds:
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Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
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Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
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Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
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Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
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Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
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Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
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Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
MDARD is continuing to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to quickly respond to reports of sick domestic animals to best mitigate the spread of HPAI and provide outreach.
Reporting Possible Cases
For Domestic Birds
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for multiple sudden deaths in the flock, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, diarrhea, sneezing/coughing, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected in domestic birds, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
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For Wild Birds
If anyone notices what appears to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations, please report these cases to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by:
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Using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app. Choose the “Diseased Wildlife” option among the selections for “Observation Forms.”
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Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.​
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Stay Up to Date
Subscribe to receive email notifications by visiting MDARD’s website and clicking on the “Avian Influenza” link. After entering a valid email address, subscribers will receive updates and alerts regarding the status of avian influenza in Michigan whenever there are new developments to report. Additional resources can also be found at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.
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For more information on proper use of personal protective equipment to protect against avian influenza, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ website.
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More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks through preventative measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.
