OC Department of Public Health

04/21/2026

In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), we've confirmed a case of measles in an Ottawa County resident. OCDPH is working to notify any individuals who may have been exposed. There are no public exposure sites to announce at this time; if public exposure sites are identified, it will be announced on miottawa.org/measles. This is the county’s first case of measles since 1991.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3OPvqeZ

04/10/2026

Thanks to Ottawa County Parks and Recreation for sharing this important reminder!

Tick season is already here. We want to highlight why tick awareness matters so much right now. Lyme disease cases in Ottawa County nearly doubled in just one year — from 44 in 2024 to 91 in 2025. That's a trend we're watching closely.

Tick season runs well into fall, so make checking part of your routine every time you come inside. And don't forget to check your kids and your pets too!

Now that the weather in Michigan is warming up, tick activity is increasing!

After enjoying time outdoors, be sure to check yourself, your kids, and your pets. Some ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. Cases in Ottawa County nearly doubled from 44 in 2024 to 91 in 2025.

Stay safe with these tips from the OC Department of Public Health:
• Use repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. You can also treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas. Tuck pants into socks.
• Stay in the center of trails and avoid tall grass while visiting parks.
• Talk with your veterinarian about tick prevention options for pets.

A quick check goes a long way. ✔️

And don’t worry, you won’t see one this big on the trail.

Find more tips: news.miottawa.org/ticks

Photo caption: Blacklegged tick under a microscope at 3x magnification to show detail. Actual size ranges from about 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch.

03/23/2026

We've issued a No Body Contact Advisory starting today for Ottawa Creek and portions of the Grand River. You can find details about the affected areas in our community update.

New No Body Contact Advisory Issued for Ottawa Creek and Portion of the Grand River Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 03/23/2026 03:51 PM EDT Community Update Media Contact Alison Clarkaclark@miottawa.org | 616 494-5597 New No Body Contact Advisory Issued for Ottawa Creek and Portions of...

03/23/2026

Spring break travel plans? You don’t have to travel internationally to be exposed to measles. It’s currently spreading in many popular spring break destinations—South Carolina, Florida, Utah, Arizona, and just across the border in Canada. Three cases have also been confirmed in Michigan.

Measles spreads easily in crowded places—airports, theme parks, and hotels— and you don’t even have to see the contagious person, because the virus stays in the air for up to two hours after they leave the space.

Before you leave, check your level of protection:
• Have you had two MMR vaccine doses?
• Have your kids had their doses?
• Born before 1957 and not sure?

If you're not sure, check your records or call your doctor. Not sure how to find your records? Check here for tips:http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3065.pdf

Questions before you leave? Call us at 616-396-5266 or visit miottawa.org/measles. And enjoy your trip!

03/20/2026

"The training and ongoing collaboration with the health department has been invaluable to our operation. Their expertise has not only enhanced our team's understanding of food safety but also fostered a stronger sense of accountability and professionalism." — Jenna Stamp, Director of Food Service, West Ottawa Public Schools

Your team could experience the same impact!

Our FREE Restaurant Resilience Training is coming up soon, and spots are still available:

Who: Front and back of house restaurant staff and leaders
When: March 30, 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Where: Ottawa County Administration Building,12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive

In this hands-on training, you'll gain practical tools for:
• Stronger team communication
• Effective conflict resolution
• Building a culture of accountability
• And more leadership essentials

Register today! http://bit.ly/46Lopkb

Questions? Contact Sierra at scheutz@miottawa.org

03/06/2026

Curious about what we've been up to? Take a look at our 2025 Annual Report! This year's report — Advancing Public Health Through Innovation — is interactive and highlights the work we've done to promote and protect health for all in our community.

We're proud of what our team has accomplished, and none of it would be possible without our incredible community partners and the residents we serve.

View the report here: https://bit.ly/4rUCy8c

01/22/2026

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen when you use a space heater. CO is dangerous because it blocks your body from taking in the oxygen it needs. You can't see, taste, or smell CO, but it can cause serious illness or death in just minutes. Babies, pregnant women, older adults, people with heart or lung disease, and people with anemia are at a higher risk for problems with CO poisoning. Follow Ottawa County Emergency Management to stay updated on the weather and for more safety tips.

Cold temperatures are settling in across Ottawa County, and many households are using space heaters to stay warm. Space heaters can help, but only when they are used safely.

Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, curtains, bedding, and clothing. Never place a heater in a doorway or hallway where it could be knocked over or block an exit.

Only use space heaters that have automatic shut off features and tip over protection. Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips.

Turn space heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Never leave a heater running unattended.

Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Test them today and replace batteries if needed.

Staying warm is important, but staying safe matters just as much. Please share this message to help keep our community safe during this cold spell.

01/20/2026

We are continuing to address weather-related issues at our Coopersville Sustainability Center. With the additional snow predicted overnight, we are making the decision to close the Center again tomorrow. We will update this page as soon as the Center can reopen. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this interruption in service may cause.

01/19/2026

Our Coopersville Sustainability Center will be closed for the rest of the afternoon due to weather. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

01/15/2026

HEALTH ALERT: Dangerous Supplements - Stop Using Now

Some dietary supplements sold as "tejocote root" or "Brazil seed" contain a poisonous plant. These products are still available online.

If you have these products:

1. Stop using them immediately
2. Throw them away
3. Call your doctor right away - even if you haven't used them recently

If you feel sick after taking these supplements:

-Call 9-1-1 for emergency help
-Or call Michigan Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7)

Where these products are sold: Online at Amazon, eBay, Etsy, TikTok, and other websites

Why this is serious: Yellow oleander is a poisonous plant that can harm your heart, stomach, and nervous system. It can be deadly.

See the full product list: bit.ly/4qHAS1n

12/10/2025

Our Coopersville Environmental Sustainability site is closed today due to the weather. The Grand Haven site is open.

11/26/2025

Traveling with baby this holiday season?

As you head out to celebrate with loved ones, remember that safe sleep goes with you! Here are key reminders for travel:

✅ Plan ahead: Arrange for a safe sleep space at hotels and your destination. If a hotel provides a crib, confirm it meets current safety standards.

💤 Keep it simple: Baby needs a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only—no blankets, bumpers, or soft toys in the sleep area. Use a wearable blanket instead.

💬 Share current guidelines: Safe sleep recommendations have evolved over the years—share updates with grandparents and other caregivers.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/SafeSleep