Finally, welcome to summer! Summer in Michigan offers warm weather and longer days. Encourage families to enjoy outdoor activities like walking, biking, and swimming while taking advantage of fresh summer fruits and vegetables. It's essential for children to play outside and participate in educational activities, such as library programs or reading at home.
A big concern this summer is vector-borne illnesses. With patients spending more time outdoors, it’s important to remind them about the high number of ticks in our communities. Be sure to talk about how to prevent ticks on both people and pets. This season is already showing a noticeable rise in tick activity.
Our newsletter provides important updates on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, as well as the latest statistics on measles and chickenpox cases in our counties.
Although summer has just begun, preparations for back-to-school are already in full swing. We are excited to announce our upcoming "Ready for Kindergarten" clinics, where children can receive immunizations, oral health assessments, and hearing and vision screenings—all in one appointment. Please share these dates with your patients. If you have any questions about vaccinations or how to best prepare your pediatric patients for school this fall, feel free to give us a call.
Wishing you all a joyous and safe summer!
Karen Luparello, DO, MPH,
Medical Director
luparellok@bhsj.org
517-933-3125
Kratom and Opioids
Health professionals are key partners in addressing the opioid epidemic. Whether identifying a patient who has developed a dependency, or treatment for overconsumption, it is up to you to share resources and treatment options. Below are some links that talk about a new, easily accessible substance, which can be found online and in some gas stations, called Kratom. Also, we have included educational materials for your patients as well as a link on where to pick up Naloxone for yourself and your patients.
Kratom, a Southeast Asian botanical, was historically consumed as crushed or brewed leaves for pain relief, mood enhancement, and to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms. In the United States, kratom has shifted from these traditional preparations to a rapidly expanding commercial market of powders, tablets, gummies, and concentrated energy shots
During 2015–2025, U.S. poison centers documented 14,449 kratom exposures; the 3,434 exposures reported in 2025 represent an increase of approximately 1,200% compared with the 258 reported in 2015
To Learn More about Kratom, Health Risks, and Clinical Considerations visit:
Sadly, nearly all of us have been affected by someone struggling with opioid dependency. It is vital that we review our available resources to ensure we can fully support friends, family, and patients navigating a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Below are tools and resources to improve opioid awareness within your practice.
As of May 15, 2026, the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) has commenced seasonal testing for arboviruses on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens. Due to increasing cases of Powassan Virus transmitted by ticks in the Great Lakes region, the MichiganBureau of Laboratories (BOL) has added Powassan virus (POWV) antibody testing to the Arbovirus Encephalitis Panel (IgM) that currently includes West Nile Virus (WNV), St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), La Crosse Virus (LACV), and Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).
Local laboratories can submit specimens with prior approval from BOL. If you have a patient who requires this type of diagnostic testing, please contact your local laboratory for approval, collection, and specimen handling requirements. Any positive laboratory testing results should be reported to the Local Health Department
As of June 6th, 2026, three mosquito pools from Kent (2) and Ottawa counties have reported positive tests for West Nile virus (WNV). In 2025, Michigan had 50 people test positive for WNV.
Lyme Disease
Although Lyme disease is currently lower than previous year-end totals, we are just entering tick season, and tick counts are trending upward compared to previous years. Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in Michigan, transmitted by blacklegged deer tick bites.
Chicken Pox
We recently had a brief outbreak of Chickenpox in the St. Joseph region, which is trending as an isolated situation.
Please remember to include a Varicella test when testing for Chickenpox for confirmation purposes.
Measles Update
There have been no confirmed cases of Measles in our jurisdiction in recent months. There was an outbreak in Michigan that led to a new recommendation from MDHHS. This outbreak has been addressed, and the recommendation has now expired. We urge you to continue to be alert. As of June 5, 2026, there have been 14 confirmed cases in the state of Michigan. In 2025 there were a total 30 confirmed measles cases for the state of Michigan. As of June 4, 2026, there have been 2,030 confirmed measles cases nationwide. In 2025, there were 2,288 confirmed measles cases in the United States.
National HIV Testing Day (June 27th)
Our agency offers free curbside HIV testing and condoms. Please direct patients to our website or have them call their local office to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit our website below.
A new section for infants 6-11 months old was added to the Substitutions Cheat Sheet,including the fruit and vegetable cash value benefit (CVB) for some or all of the jarred infant fruits and vegetables.
2026-2027 New Eligibility Guidelines:
Updated eligibility guidelines are now available for families. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides free nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and connections to community resources. Based on 2026-2027 income guidelines, a family of four may qualify if the family earns up to $29.35/hour. Grandparents or guardians raising young children may also be eligible. Full eligibility details can be found at www.bhsj.org/wic. An updated flyer will be included in the next edition.
The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment is a free, non-invasive screening designed to ensure students enter the classroom healthy and "ready to learn." By identifying dental issues that can cause pain or interfere with speech, nutrition, and focus, these quick visual exams—conducted at preschools, schools, and Round-Up events—help remove preventable barriers to academic success. No treatment is performed during the screening; however, families are provided with referrals and can receive assistance from Local Health Departments to find a dental home or enroll in the Michigan Healthy Kids Dental Program. Please encourage parents to utilize these assessments to ensure their children meet the health milestones necessary for a successful transition into kindergarten.
Please share this flyer with families who have children entering Kindergarten or Young 5's. We will offer Hearing and Vision Screenings, Immunizations, and Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments on the dates and at the locations mentioned.
