What’s Going Around in Metro Detroit: Dehydration, heat-related illnesses, tick bites, cyclosporiasis
Here’s what’s going around Metro Detroit
Sarah Mayberry, M.P.H., Senior Medical Producer
Published: August 21, 2026 at 3:36 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
Dr. Avery Harrell — Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“Our emergency department has been seeing several patients with dehydration and heat-related illness, along with nosebleeds and tick bites. Hot weather and outdoor activity can quickly lead to dehydration, so residents should drink plenty of fluids, take breaks from the heat, and watch for symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or nausea. We are also continuing to see gastrointestinal illnesses, including cases of cyclosporiasis, as well as seasonal allergies and other common summertime injuries.”
Dr. Kevin Dazy — Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We are seeing some viral infections consistent with hand-foot-mouth, which is more common this time of year. This is a good reminder with school starting to remind our kids about hand hygiene! We also want to make sure back-to-school physicals are complete and vaccines are up to date, any medications that kids need for or at school are approved and ready, and it’s important to start a consistent sleep schedule.”
Dr. Glen Clark — Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“There has been a notable increase in nonspecific viral illnesses, with patients testing negative for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. These cases have been observed primarily in the adult population and are predominantly presenting with upper respiratory symptoms. Additionally, there has been a significant decline in positive Cyclospora test results.”
Dr. Robert Sherwin — Emergency Physician, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
“No more diarrhea – that’s good! Not a ton of viral stuff right now. We saw some bad trauma, including e-bike and motorbike accidents. People need to pay attention to themselves and the vehicles around them. A brief lapse of attention can change a life forever.”
Canton MinuteClinic — Reported by Romika Glenn, NP
Current trends:
•Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs)
•Contact dermatitis
•A few cases of strep throat
•One case of Influenza A
•One case of COVID-19
•Increased volume of sports physicals
Community Education
Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Symptoms may include cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue. Most URIs are viral and improve with rest, hydration, and symptom management
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin rash caused by irritation or an allergic reaction to substances such as plants, soaps, fragrances, or chemicals. Avoiding known triggers and seeking medical evaluation for persistent or severe rashes is recommended
Strep Throat: Strep throat commonly causes sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and painful swallowing. Unlike many sore throats, strep requires testing and, if positive, antibiotic treatment
Flu and COVID-19: Both flu and COVID-19 can cause fever, body aches, cough, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms. Staying home when sick and practicing good hand hygiene can help reduce spread
Sports Physicals: Families should complete sports physicals early to ensure students are ready for athletic participation before practices and competitions begin
Dr. David Donaldson — Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“Respiratory illnesses remain relatively low, but we’re starting to see an increase in pediatric sports-related injuries, along with some cases of mononucleosis and strep throat.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo — Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“We are continuing to see contact dermatitis and poison oak/ivy. We are also seeing back related injuries from lifting heavy objects, particularly by pools and other outdoor areas.”
Dr. Rena Daiza — Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp
“Primary care is seeing more rashes this time of year as people spend more time hiking, enjoying the outdoors, and working in their gardens. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, staying on cleared trails when possible, and checking your (and pets!) skin for ticks or plant exposure after being outdoors.”
Dr. Josh Newblatt — Pine Knob Urgent Care
“Seeing another uptick of GI illness with nausea and diarrhea. Continued sports related injuries with the start of fall school sports.”
Waterford MinuteClinic — Reported by Samantha Rosso, NP
Current trends:
•Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs)
•Two cases of mononucleosis (mono)
•Increased cases of chlamydia
Community Education
Mononucleosis (Mono): Mono is often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and can result in fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and prolonged tiredness. Individuals diagnosed with mono should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding physical activity, as an enlarged spleen can occur
Chlamydia: Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and may not cause symptoms. Routine screening, especially for sexually active individuals at risk, is important because untreated infections can lead to serious health complications. Early detection and treatment are highly effective
Viral Respiratory Illnesses: Washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill remain some of the best ways to prevent the spread of common respiratory infections
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis, croup, outdoor injuries, asthma flare-ups, upper respiratory infections, pneumonia
Dr. Stuart Bradin — Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing lots of GI illness – cranky pain, vomiting, dehydration- not cyclosporiasis related. There has been an increase in respiratory illness- croup and asthma and several cases of orthopedic trauma.”
Dr. Brad Uren — Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are occasionally seeing some GI illness including cases suspicious for cyclospora. We are seeing some low levels of upper respiratory infections as well.”
Ann Arbor MinuteClinic — Reported by Lindsi Shaw, NP
Current trends:
•Asthma exacerbations
•Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs)
•Pneumonia
Community Education
Asthma Exacerbations: Respiratory viruses are a common trigger for asthma symptoms. Patients with asthma should:
•Continue taking prescribed controller medications
•Keep rescue inhalers readily available
•Follow their asthma action plan
•Contact their healthcare provider if symptoms are worsening or requiring more frequent rescue inhaler use
Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Common symptoms include cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and headache. Most viral illnesses improve with rest, fluids, and supportive care. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that may develop following a viral illness or other respiratory infection. Symptoms can include:
•Persistent or worsening cough
•Fever
•Chills
•Shortness of breath
•Chest discomfort
•Fatigue
Patients should seek medical evaluation if respiratory symptoms worsen, breathing becomes difficult, or fever persists. Early assessment is especially important for young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma
Dr. Laura Grima — ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“This week, we are seeing an uptick in viral upper respiratory infections and viral gastroenteritis, including norovirus, as well as an increase in strep throat
As always, we recommend frequent handwashing. As the school year gets underway, it is also a good time to ensure immunizations are up to date and to schedule annual physical exams when appropriate.”
Dr. Stephanie Hernandez — Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Orthopedic and soft tissue injuries continue to be treated in high volume, with a significant portion of injuries resulting from incidents on the water while boating. Allergens and humid conditions have caused some asthma sufferers to experience minor breathing complications. There has been a noticeable number of patients seeking care for an adverse reaction from a bee or other insect sting.”
Dr. Maria Samuel — Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Pneumonia is one thing we have seen recently, as well as some coughs, and colds. Falls and injuries are causing some medical visits, and we are still seeing patients with diarrhea related illnesses.”
Shelby Township MinuteClinic — Reported by Lisa Ramesbottom, NP
Current trends:
•Increased cases of strep throat
Community Education
Strep Throat Awareness: As strep throat activity increases, patients should be aware of symptoms including:
•Sore throat
•Fever
•Swollen lymph nodes
•Pain with swallowing
•White patches on the tonsils
Testing is recommended when symptoms suggest strep, as treatment may help shorten illness duration and reduce complications
Dr. Bashar Yalldo Henry Ford Byron Family Medicine- Howell
“We are seeing sinus infections as well as seeing an uptick with patients reporting issues with poison ivy.”
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