With proms, band concerts, and graduations happening, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) asks the public to make informed decisions as they celebrate spring, youth, and achievements. The region continues to see high transmission rates with the BA.2 variant.
Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, have been confirmed in Antrim and Otsego counties. No human illness has been associated with this detection. The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is sharing this information to recommend precautions for people who own or work with birds, including poultry, or hunt wild birds. HPAI in birds is not a food safety concern if poultry and eggs are handled and cooked properly.
In the last 14 days, from April 26-May 10, there were 389 reported cases of COVID-19 in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) reported. While the severity of illnesses continues to be significantly less than before vaccines were introduced, the uptick represents a 172% increase compared to the 14 days prior.
