OC Department of Public Health

06/03/2026

West Nile virus has been found in a mosquito in south central Ottawa County during our routine summer monitoring. No human cases have been reported in Ottawa County this year.

This is a good reminder to protect yourself from mosquito bites this summer:

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors

Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk

Remove standing water around your home — bird baths, pet bowls, and containers that collect rain are common breeding spots

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4a8YPIo and miottawa.org/outdoorhealth.

05/29/2026

Join Ottawa Food for the next Real Food Can Cultural Meal from Nepal!

Experience the flavors and traditions of Nepal!

Join us for a special Nepal Community Meal celebrating food, culture, and community. Whether you'd like to learn how to prepare Nepalese dishes or simply enjoy a shared meal, everyone is welcome.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Cooking Class Experience
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cultural Community Meal
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Intersection Ministries
945 136th Avenue, Holland, MI 49424
*Enter through the North Entrance (Basement Kitchen) for the cooking experience.

Registration is required and space is limited.

Register here: https://bit.ly/434WH0s

05/27/2026

Last week, Ottawa County Parks and Department of Public Health teamed up with Calvin University Wildlife Biologist Dr. Will Miller to give an in-depth presentation all about West Michigan's tick populations, the diseases they can transmit, and how to protect yourself and loved ones while enjoying the one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences available in Ottawa County. The event was incredibly well-attended!

If you missed Tick Talk and want to know more about tick safety this summer, the recording is now live on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/jlyZfd_x0PM

05/23/2026

Headed outdoors this weekend? Check out the latest episode of Ottawa Out Loud for tips to keep you safe all summer long!

05/19/2026

It's not too late to join us for Tick Talk tonight! We hope to see you there!

Don’t miss Tick Talk tomorrow evening! Join Dr. Will Miller of Calvin University and the OC Department of Public Health for an informative evening on ticks, vector-borne diseases, and outdoor safety, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

🗓️ Tuesday, May 19 | 6-8 PM
📍 Hemlock Crossing County Park

This program is free and registration is not required.

05/15/2026

Today, we are announcing one additional measles case, from the same household as the other cases. We are not announcing any public exposure sites.

"This continues to be a true team effort," noted Dr. Gwendolyn Unzicker, Medical Director. "We're grateful to this family and our community partners for their ongoing collaboration. This fourth case was an anticipated household contact, and the family's commitment to staying home during the monitoring period is the reason we have no new public exposures to announce today."

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ugZmQJ

05/15/2026

The No Body Contact Advisory for Lloyds Bayou Creek has ended.

It's important to remember that all surface water—creeks, rivers, and lakes—naturally contain bacteria and other germs that can cause illness. Taking a few simple precautions whenever you are near or in the water can help protect you and your family:

-Do not swallow surface water or get water in your mouth.
-Wash your hands with soap and water before eating.
-Take children on regular bathroom breaks, and make sure young children wear clean swim diapers.
-Do not swim when you are sick, as you can spread germs to others in the water.
-Avoid water that looks murky, smells bad, or appears polluted in any way.
-Avoid swimming right after heavy rainfall.
-Shower when you get home.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4uP76t1

05/14/2026

You might've heard that there's an upTICK in tick sightings this year, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the great outdoors!

Parks & Recreation, the Department of Public Health, and Calvin University's Dr. Will Miller are teaming up for Tick Talk, a free presentation on ticks, the illnesses they can cause, and how you can safely enjoy the outdoors.

Tuesday, May 19th 6-8 PM Hemlock Crossing Park, West Olive

05/12/2026

The Power of Nurses — National Nurses Week 2026

Every day, OCDPH nurses are making a difference in the health of our community.

Our clinical and community health nurses serve families and neighbors across programs including Children's Special Health Care Services, the Maternal Infant Health Program, Ottawa Pathways to Better Health, the Elevated Blood Lead Level program, Communicable Disease, Immunizations, Sexual Health, and Family Planning and Women's Health Services. They educate, support, and provide skilled, compassionate care at every stage of life.

This National Nurses Week, we recognize the power behind their work — and the difference it makes for Ottawa County.

Thank you, nurses. We're grateful for all you do.

05/12/2026

Please avoid contact with the water at Lloyds Bayou Creek.

Contact includes any direct skin contact with the water, including swimming, wading, or walking in the water. Contact also includes fishing, kayaking, canoeing, touching the water or water's edge with bare hands, handling equipment or gear (including bait) that has been in the water, and any activity that may cause splashing. Visitors should also keep children and pets away from the water's edge until the advisory is lifted.

Read our no body contact advisory issued today: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/bulletins/416cda5?reqfrom=share