Michigan
Michigan has 29 confirmed rabies cases: Here’s what you need to know
There have been 29 confirmed cases of rabies in Michigan so far this year.
That data is as of Thursday, Aug. 17. Nineteen of those cases were in bats, nine were in skunks, and one case involved a stray cat.
Rabies has been detected in Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Bay, Clinton, Barry, Ingham, St. Joseph, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and Lenawee counties.
Most recent confirmed rabies cases
The most recent confirmed cases of rabies in michigan occurred in Livinston, Macomb, and Oakland counties.
According to the Livingston County Health Department, a rabid bat was found inside a home in Howell. That is the first rabies case in Livingston County since 2021. People in Livingston County can call the LCHD at 517-552-6882 or report an animal bite online.
A stray kitten found in Oakland County on June 14 was euthanized after developing symptoms of rabies.
There were three skunks found to have rabies in June of this year in Macomb County.
Two rabid skunks were found within three miles of each other in Macomb Township and a third skunk with rabies was found in Clinton Township in June. In each of those cases, the skunks attacked family pets. Anyone who sees a potentially rabid skunk is asked to call Macomb County Animal Control at 586-469-5115.
What to do if you find a bat in your home
If you or your pets have any contact with a bat you should contact your healthcare provider.
Any direct contact with a bat should be considered a possible exposure to rabies. If you find a bat in the same room as someone that should also be considered direct contact, especially if the person was a child, sleeping, or intoxicated. Bat bites can be very small and can go unnoticed.
If someone has been exposed to a bat, do not let the bat go free. Capture the bat and contact your local health department. Your health department can set up rabies testing through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories, the only laboratory in Michigan that can test animals for rabies.
If the bat is unavailable for testing, the exposed person may have to undergo treatment. If the bat can be tested and is found not to have rabies, then treatment is not needed.
How to protect yourself, your pets from rabies
You should visit your veterinarian on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all cats, ferrets, and dogs.
Even if an animal is kept inside, keeping their vaccination against rabies up-to-date is important in case they are ever exposed to a stray animal carrying the disease.
Michigan law requires ferrets and dogs to be currently vaccinated against rabies.
If you are exposed to a wild animal, you should wash all bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
If you think you or your animal may have had contact with rabid wildlife, you should immediately contact your veterinarian or MDARD at 800-292-3939 to determine the next steps.
What are the symptoms of rabies in a person?
The early symptoms of rabies in people may include fever, headache, general weakness, and discomfort.
People may also feel a prickling or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. The symptoms can last for days.
Over time, neurological symptoms may appear. Those can include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, partial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and the fear of water.
Once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always deadly.
What are the symptoms of rabies in an animal?
Animals with rabies may behave strangely or in unexpected ways.
The early symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
The later symptoms include weakness, difficulty walking, paralysis, seizures, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, and aggression.
What is the treatment for rabies?
To prevent rabies in a person that has potentially been exposed, the person undergoes a series of injections called Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis.
People who have never received rabies vaccinations in the past must receive both the rabies antibody (rabies immune globulin, or HRIG) and the vaccine. People who have already been vaccinated will only need the rabies vaccine.
Once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. At that point, treatment is only supportive.
The state of Michigan has more information about rabies available online.
Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Michigan
Bagel sandwiches, coffee drinks are stars at newly opened Cafe Fuel in Jackson
JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Cafe Fuel is now welcoming customers to enjoy coffee and company in downtown Jackson.
In October, Fortress Cafe closed its location inside Lean Rocket Lab, leading the nonprofit to open a coffee shop of its own called Cafe Fuel. The new business opened its doors Monday, Dec. 9.
Fortress Cafe is closing downtown store, but new coffee shop will take its place
“Everybody’s super excited to be back and loving all the new options they can pick from,” Director of Member Services Sierra Sibson said.
People can find a variety of sandwiches, bagels, soups, salads, English muffins and coffee drinks. Popular are the steamed bagel sandwiches, which are usually made with bacon and eggs, or turkey and cheese, Cafe General Manager Faith Seneff said.
“It’s kind of a new thing that people haven’t heard a lot about, but you make your sandwich, put it in a steamer that we have, and it softens it,” Seneff said. “It kind of melts all the flavors together.”
Soups are hits with patrons so far, Seneff said. Options rotate between chicken noodle, broccoli cheddar, loaded baked potato and a tomato basil bisque.
Baked goods come from Jackson’s Doughnation Bakery and The ABC Bakery in Summit Township. Additionally, there is a space where the nonprofit can showcase those participating in the LOCAL Fellows Program, Sibson said.
Fortress Cafe is closing downtown store, but new coffee shop will take its place
“We’re just trying to utilize local businesses and bring more people in the space,” Seneff said.
Cafe Fuel still brews coffee from Fortress Cafe, which operates a farm and other locations, and Cafe Fuel makes a variety of lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew and hot chocolate.
Coffee fans can join a mug club for $29.99 a month. They will receive a Cafe Fuel mug and can fill it with free drip coffee or get $1 off specialty beverages, Sibson said.
Aside from the food, Lean Rocket Lab reconfigured the seating of the cafe to offer more comfortable options, including, high-top chairs, tables and couches. So far, both Sibson and Seneff have enjoyed seeing the seats full.
“We had a lot of people that are regulars that come in here and they like to work up here, have meetings with each other,” Sibson said. “I think they’re excited to be back.”
Cafe Fuel, 133 W. Michigan Ave., is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
More information can be found on its Facebook page and website.
Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Jackson” daily newsletter.
Michigan
Michigan DNR issues winter safety reminders amid fluctuating weather
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges outdoor enthusiasts to stay safe as fluctuating winter conditions continue across Michigan.
According to a press release issued Friday (Dec. 20), proper preparation and caution are key to avoiding accidents while enjoying activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and hiking.
Winter Safety Tips
The DNR recommends dressing in light, adjustable layers to avoid overheating or freezing. Check weather and road conditions, and carry essential equipment like ice picks, ropes, flashlights, and backup gear.
“The right gear is definitely essential to going out,” said DNR conservation officer Brandon Vacek. “I mean, you want to make sure you’re dressed in layers to that you know you can adjust accordingly.”
Further, Vacek said people should travel with a buddy, inform someone of your plans, and ensure your communication devices work in remote areas.
“That goes back to always having, you know, a plan, leaving some information with someone about where you’re going and when you’re set to return,” said Vacek.
Staying hydrated and fueled with snacks is also important, according to the news release, and if you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to stay home.
Ice and Snowmobile Precautions
Ice conditions are unpredictable, so wear a flotation device and keep ice picks accessible, advised Vacek. Furthermore, snowmobilers should ride on the right-hand side of trails, keep speeds safe, and avoid alcohol.
Riders aged 12 to 16 must obtain a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety certificate to operate without a guardian or crossroads.
Last winter, the DNR reported that there were 19 snowmobile fatalities, highlighting the importance of caution.
For more safety tips and trail updates, visit Michigan.gov/RideRight and Michigan.gov/DNR/Education/Safety-Info.
Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Michigan
Washington transfer LB Khmori House sets Michigan visit
Michigan is expanding its board at linebacker during the winter transfer portal cycle by hosting the second linebacker target of the week.
Washington rising sophomore LB Khmori House is set to visit Ann Arbor on Sunday according to his agents.
House will join Georgia linebacker Troy Bowles as linebacker visits who have been on campus this week.
Maize & Blue Review can confirm that Bowles was on campus on Thursday.
House appeared in 9 games as a freshman for the Huskies this season, recording 33 total tackles, one forced fumble and an interception.
Stick with Maize & Blue Review for more Transfer Portal coverage.
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