Health Division Kicks Off Flu Season

Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) will once again offer the flu vaccine that guards against four flu viruses this season beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6. This year’s vaccine protects against Type A H1N1, H3N2, and two Type B strains which are most likely to occur this season. “Our goal is to keep our residents healthy,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “We urge them to take the necessary precautions against the flu this season and every season.” “Get a flu shot to protect … [Read more...]

Two Confirmed Cases of West Nile Virus in Oakland County

Recently, the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) received laboratory confirmation from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of two human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Oakland County. So far this year, two mosquito pools, a crow and a blood donor have also tested positive for WNV. “All residents are strongly urged to follow prevention tips to protect themselves from WNV, especially those who are 50 and older who are more susceptible to severe symptoms,” said Kathy … [Read more...]

Health Officials Confirm Crow Positive for West Nile Virus in Oakland County

Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) today said a crow collected in Oakland County tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services laboratory confirmed the positive test. Mosquito pools in Oakland County have also tested positive for WNV in recent weeks. “This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community,” said Kathy Forzley, OCHD manager / health officer. “Many of us are spending time outdoors, especially with the … [Read more...]

Oakland County Health Division Celebrates National Public Health Week

Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), under the leadership of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, celebrates the 20th annual National Public Health Week (NPHW) held the first week in April by highlighting how public health is critical to our community’s health and improves quality of life. Through a strong public health system, people can live longer lives and reduce the risk of chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. We have seen improvements in the past … [Read more...]

Oakland County Health Division Kicks Off Flu Season

With the weather turning colder, the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) will once again offer the flu vaccine that guards against four flu viruses this season beginning Sept. 30th. This year’s vaccine protects against Type A H1N1 and H3N2 and two Type B strains which are most likely to occur this season. “Our goal is to keep our residents healthy,” County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “We urge them to take the necessary precautions against the flu this season and every season.” … [Read more...]

Educate and protect yourself against West Nile Virus

Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), under the leadership of L. Brooks Patterson, is urging individuals to take precautions to minimize mosquito exposure and protect themselves from West Nile Virus (WNV) after the virus was identified in a bird in Oakland County. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, this is the first species testing positive for WNV in Oakland County. As of August 15, 2014, there are no human cases of WNV in the state of Michigan or Oakland … [Read more...]

Health Division announces Infographic/Poster Contest for High School Students

In honor of National Public Health Week and Alcohol Awareness Month, Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) is hosting an infographic/poster contest and inviting high school students to creatively convey the consequences and impacts of binge drinking on youth and teens. Students have a chance to win a $100, $50, or $25 iTunes gift card and will receive community service hours. “We have many creative students in Oakland County,” said Kathy Forzley, OCHD manager/health officer. “We want to tap … [Read more...]

Oakland County Health Division Issues Safe Sleep Guidelines to Prevent Infant Death

Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), under the leadership of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, issues guidelines to protect infants from unsafe sleep arrangements during National Safe Sleep Month this September. “OCHD is bringing a train-the-trainer program with safe sleep display to 30 community locations this September, including community service agencies, hospitals and physician offices,” said Kathy Forzley, Manager/Health Officer. “We hope these trainings encourage … [Read more...]