Van Buren/Cass District Health Department

08/27/2026

Back-to-school season is a good time to make sure your child’s vaccines are up to date.

Children spend a lot of time together at school, which can increase the spread of illnesses such as measles and whooping cough. Vaccines help protect your child, their classmates, and the community.

Before the school year gets busy, talk with your child’s healthcare provider about recommended vaccines.

Learn which vaccines are required for school in Michigan: bit.ly/michigan-school-Voices for Vaccines

Call VBCDHD at (269)621- 3143 to schedule your immunization appointment.

08/26/2026

Michigan has confirmed its first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in five years.

EEE is a rare but serious mosquito-borne illness and is considered one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.

As mosquito activity continues, take steps to protect yourself and your family:

✔Use insect repellent.
✔Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
✔Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity.
✔Remove standing water around your home.

Stay informed and learn more about EEE, mosquito-borne illnesses, and prevention at https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases

08/25/2026

Weekly Arbovirus & Rabies Update

Here is this week’s summary of mosquito-borne viruses (arboviruses) reported in our county and surrounding areas. Staying informed helps protect you, your family, and our community.

Highlights include updates on arbovirus activity, positive mosquito pools, animal cases reported in 2026.

Learn more about rabies and arbovirus activity, including prevention tips and current updates, at https://vbcassdhd.org/environmental-health/mosquitos-ticks/ .

08/22/2026

Do not eat, sell, or serve, Calco and Everything Sprouts-brand alfalfa sprouts. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. See the advisory for additional information. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-salmonella-sprouts-august-2026

08/21/2026

Happy national immunization month! Why are you grateful for vaccines?

08/19/2026

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed a locally acquired case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a Roscommon County resident. This is the first human case of EEE reported in Michigan since 2021.

EEE is a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home.

Take these precautions:

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Follow the product label.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks when outdoors.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
Remove standing water from items around your home, including birdbaths, pools, tires and containers.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in areas without window screens.
Do not use insect repellent on children under 2 months old. Use protective clothing and mosquito netting instead.

EEE can cause fever, headache, chills and nausea. In severe cases, the infection can progress to inflammation of the brain, causing disorientation, seizures or coma.

For more information and current Michigan surveillance updates:

Michigan EEE Information: https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/eastern-equine-encephalitis

CDC EEE Information: https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/

Weekly Michigan Arboviral Report: https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases

Protect yourself and your family by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, especially when spending time outdoors.

08/14/2026

Before your new Michigan Bridge Card arrives, take a moment to make sure your mailing address is current. Update your information at Michigan.gov/MIBridges or contact your local office or caseworker.

Remember:
• Your new Bridge Card will be mailed at no cost.
• Your benefits and account will stay the same. Only the card is changing.
• Your current Bridge Card will continue working until you activate your new card or until Oct. 30, whichever comes first.

Questions? Call 1-888-678-8914.

08/14/2026

08/12/2026

Is your child starting childcare or preschool?

Make sure their vaccinations are up to date before the school year begins. Michigan has specific immunization requirements for children attending childcare and preschool. These requirements help protect children in group settings where vaccine-preventable diseases can spread.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), vaccines required for childcare and preschool may include:

• DTaP — Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Hib — Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Polio
• MMR — Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella — Chickenpox

The number of doses required depends on your child’s age and vaccination history. If your child has not received a required vaccine, documented immunity or an appropriate exemption may be required. During a disease outbreak, children who are not fully vaccinated may be excluded from childcare or preschool.

Need to get your child vaccinated?

Children’s immunization clinics are available at both of our locations:

LAWRENCE
260 South Street, Lawrence, MI 49064
Every Thursday
8:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Call 269-621-3143 ext. 1300

DOWAGIAC
302 S. Front Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
8:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Call 269-782-0064

We provide routine vaccinations for children from birth through age 18. Eligible children may also qualify for vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.

08/12/2026

City Foods, Inc. is recalling approximately 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pastrami and corned beef products that may be contaminated with Listeria. For details: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/city-foods-inc--recalls-ready-eat-pastrami-and-corned-beef-products-due-possible