Health Topics

A - Z Index

Browse through a list of health topics affecting Washtenaw County.

1,4-Dioxane

There is an area in Washtenaw County where the chemical 1,4-dioxane is underground.

Bed Bugs

Learn about how to get rid of bed bugs.

COVID-19

Extreme Weather

Find information regarding staying healthy in extreme weather.

Communicable Disease Fact Sheets

View symptom, treatment and prevention facts about communicable diseases.

Fight the Bite

Protect yourself and your loved ones from bites this season! In our area, bats and other animals can carry rabies, mosquitoes can carry West Nile, and ticks can carry Lyme disease.

Flooded Homes

In the event of flood damage to a home, it is important to document everything.

Flu

Influenza is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers and ponds. Toxins found in cyanobacteria (cyanotoxins) that can be found in blooms can be harmful to people and animals.

Hepatitis A

There is an outbreak of hepatitis A among adults in Washtenaw and other Michigan counties. Vaccination and good handwashing can prevent the spread of illness.

Hepatitis C

Healthy Food

Our programs and partnerships focus on connecting people to community food resources, promoting the benefits of healthy eating, and helping people build the skills and motivation to eat healthier.

Immunizations

Find information about available vaccines and fees, vaccine waiver information, school health and other immunization information.

Infant Mortality

In Washtenaw County, black infants are two times more likely to die than white infants before their first birthday, and more than two times more likely to be born premature or low birth weight.

Lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children.

Lice (PDF)

Learn about how to get rid of head lice.

Lyme & Ticks

Washtenaw County is now confirmed as an area where Lyme disease can be transmitted.

Marijuana

Adult-use recreational marijuana is now legal in Michigan. Here's what you need to know about the law and the health effects.

Mental Health

Mold

Mold is found virtually everywhere - both indoors and outdoors.

Mpox

Information about mpox

Mosquitoes

Information about mosquito-related illnesses and how to prevent them

Naloxone

Norovirus

Have you or your family recently been ill with vomiting and diarrhea? There is a good chance it was caused by a norovirus.

Obesity

The Washtenaw childhood obesity surveillance project began in 2013. Through the Health Improvement Plan (HIP) collaborative, the Washtenaw County Health Department worked with St. Joseph Mercy Health System and the University of Michigan Health System to create the Washtenaw Child BMI Dataset.

Oil & Gas Exploration

Oil and natural gas exploration have been taking place across the country for decades. Recently, interest has grown in exploring parts of Michigan, including Washtenaw County.

Opioids

Washtenaw County has seen an increase in opioid overdose deaths. Opioids include prescription painkillers like OxyContin, fentanyl, methadone and Vicodin and street drugs like heroin.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis or "whooping cough" continues to be diagnosed in Washtenaw County.

PFAS

What to know about perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and your health.

Rabies

All animal bites and exposures to bats should be reported to Washtenaw County Health Department.

Radon

Radon test kits are only $10 at the Washtenaw County Health Department's Environmental Health Division and Ypsilanti Township's Residential Services Department.

Rats & Mice

Information on prevention and control of rodents (rats and mice).

Sexual Health

Sexually transmitted infection/disease (STI / STD) testing and treatment, HIV testing and counseling, PrEP, pregnancy testing, vaccinations and more.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide attempts and suicide completions, especially among young people, are of growing concern in Washtenaw County.

Tobacco

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Michigan.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) occurs when you inhale the TB germ when a person with TB disease coughs, sings or speaks. The bacteria usually attacks the lungs, but can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain.