What’s Going Around in Metro Detroit: Gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, breathing problems
Here’s what’s going around Metro Detroit
Sarah Mayberry, M.P.H., Senior Medical Producer
Published: July 24, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Here’s our weekly round-up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals
WAYNE COUNTY –Gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, breathing problems, rashes, hand foot & mouth disease, strep throat
Dr. Daniel Ridelman — Vice-Chief, Emergency Department, DMC Harper University Hospital
“We’ve definitely been seeing a lot of patients with diarrhea and other GI complaints. We don’t test all patients, but we assume many are part of the outbreak. Because it can take up to seven days to develop symptoms, there’s no telling where we are at in the outbreak cycle. We’ve also been seeing a lot of heat exhaustion cases, primarily in elderly patients or those who work outside. And we’re seeing the occasional non-specific viral syndrome and other upper respiratory infections, like pharyngitis and uvulitis. We have not seen patients affected by the wildfire smoke, so the warnings seem to be helping. Recently, I’ve seen multiple patients with blood pressures over 200 systolic because of nonadherence with their prescribed medications. While not a true emergency by itself, over time, uncontrolled hypertension leads to disability and early death.”
Dr. Kevin Dazy — Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We are seeing a lot of GI illnesses with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that may or may not be part of the outbreak. We are also seeing a lot of rashes and topical skin infections, which we often see in the summer months. There are still some viruses going around, and we’re starting to see some cases consistent with hand-foot-mouth disease, which is caused by a virus. And the wildfire smoke puts kids with asthma and respiratory problems at risk.”
Dr. Zafar Shamoon — Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“We’ve continued to see cases of asthma exacerbations and other respiratory issues, though fortunately those have been improving. We’re also still seeing cases of diarrheal illness caused by parasites. In addition, we’ve treated a number of injuries from children falling off bicycles and electric scooters, making summer safety an important reminder for families.”
Dr. Avery Harrell — Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“We continue to see more patients dealing with diarrhea than usual for this time of year, but a bit less than last week. With the cooler, cleaner air the last several days, we are also starting to see a slowdown in respiratory and heat related illnesses as well. We continue to see common summer injuries as well, including biking and scooter injuries.”
Canton MinuteClinic — Lindsi Shaw, NP
Common Visits:
•Sports physicals picking up
•Skin conditions (eczema and tinea)
•Strep throat circulating among children participating in summer camps
Community Education: Families should schedule sports physicals early to ensure children are ready for activities. Eczema can often be managed with regular moisturization, while tinea (ringworm) is contagious and should be treated promptly. Encourage good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items to help limit the spread of strep throat
OAKLAND COUNTY –Gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, breathing problems, poison ivy
Dr. Rena Daiza — Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp
We are seeing patients who have been affected by the poor air quality. Poor air quality can irritate your lungs, worsen asthma or COPD, and increase the strain on your heart, especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. On days with poor air quality, limit time outdoors, keep windows closed, use air conditioning or an air purifier if available, and wear a well-fitting N95 mask if you must be outside for extended periods
Dr. David Donaldson — Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We’re still seeing plenty of patients with diarrhea-related symptoms, but respiratory complaints have tapered off now that the smoke has cleared.”
Dr. Josh Newblatt — Pine Knob Urgent Care
“Still seeing GI complaints such as diarrhea. Increased upper respiratory illnesses especially in those vulnerable, such as, asthma and copd related to poor air quality.”
Waterford MinuteClinic – Samantha Rosso, NP
Common Visits:
•Diarrhea-related illness
•Urinary tract infections
Community Education: Staying hydrated is important during warmer months and can help support urinary tract health. Individuals experiencing persistent diarrhea or signs of dehydration should seek medical evaluation
Rochester Hills MinuteClinic – Teresa Pfaff, NP
Common Visits:
•Diarrhea-related illness
•Sports and camp physicals
•Allergic dermatitis related to plant exposure
Community Education: Learning to identify common irritant plants and washing exposed skin promptly after outdoor activities may help prevent allergic dermatitis. Camp and sports physicals remain an important part of preparing for summer and back-to-school activities
WASHTENAW COUNTY –Gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, breathing problems, croup, outdoor injuries
Dr. Brad Uren — Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are continuing to see several cases daily of adults with gastrointestinal illnesses consistent with cyclosporidia. Most require only supportive care and are discharged. There are low levels of upper respiratory infections as well as a few individuals with underlying lung problems having breathing difficulties during the poor air quality days.”
Dr. Stuart Bradin — Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing GI illnesses-some cyclosporiasis but mostly viral. There is also croup, asthma, some burns and lots of orthopedic injuries.”
Ann Arbor MinuteClinic – Sean Sullivan, NP
Common Visits:
•Asthma exacerbations
•Diarrhea-related visits
Community Education: Summer allergens, air quality changes, and outdoor activities can trigger asthma symptoms. Patients should follow their asthma action plan and seek care if symptoms worsen. For diarrhea-related illnesses, frequent handwashing, staying hydrated, and proper food handling can help reduce spread. With ongoing reports of Cyclospora illness in the community, individuals experiencing prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or fatigue should seek medical evaluation
MONROE COUNTY – Cyclosporiasis, gastrointestinal illnesses, shortness of breath
Nicholas Schenk, MD, FAAFP
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“We are continuing to see a fair amount of diarrheal illness. A large percentage of cases continue to be cyclospora, but we are also seeing other gastrointestinal illnesses. Continue to wash and peel fruits and vegetables whenever possible, and if you develop a diarrheal illness, be sure to wash your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of infection. We are also seeing a fair number of patients experiencing shortness of breath from noninfectious causes, particularly among those with a history of respiratory conditions. The recent high humidity and poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfire smoke may be contributing to these symptoms. We recommend staying indoors as much as possible when air quality is poor. If you must be outdoors, limit strenuous activity.”
MACOMB COUNTY –Breathing problems, gastrointestinal illnesses, outdoor injuries, cyclosporiasis, colds
Dr. Anthony Joslin — Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“There has been a noticeable, though slight, increase of patients seeking care for complications of chronic lung condition, such as COPD, as a result of the poor air quality. There has been a slight uptick in patients seeking care for gastrointestinal distress. Summer activities continue to send patients to the emergency and trauma center with minor orthopedic and soft-tissue injuries.”
Dr. Maria Samuel — Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“We recently saw a parvovirus infection and rash seen, as well as cases of diarrhea with cyclosporiasis. Few viral colds are seen, and difficulty breathing from asthma and COPD is also seen due to bad air quality.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY –Gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, swimmer’s ear, ATV & e-bike injuries
Dr. Bashar Yalldo — Henry Ford Byron Family Medicine- Howell
“We are continuing to see patients with diarrhea issues. These have not been confirmed to be cyclosporiasis, but the symptoms seem to be similar. We have also seen a few cases of swimmer’s ear as well.”
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center
“We continue to see ATV and E-bike injuries. We are also seeing a large volume of patients dealing with abdominal pain and diarrhea complaints.”
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved
