What's Going Around?

An intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, usually spread through fresh produce or water contaminated with infected stool. Most cases in the U.S. are linked to imported fresh herbs, berries, and leafy greens.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR

Watery diarrhea — often frequent, sometimes with loss of appetite, bloating, or gas.

Fatigue & cramping — stomach cramps, nausea, and low-grade fever are common.

Onset — symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure and, if untreated, can last weeks or come and go for over a month.

HOW IT SPREADS

Not direct contact — the parasite needs days to weeks outside the body to become infectious, so it does not spread person-to-person like a cold or flu.

Contaminated produce — fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs irrigated or washed with tainted water.

Contaminated water — untreated water swallowed while drinking, swimming, or preparing food.

PREVENTION TIPS

Simple habits that cut your risk at the source

1. Rinse produce well

Wash fruits and vegetables under running water, even if you'll peel them, and scrub firm items with a clean brush.

2. Know your water

Drink treated or bottled water when traveling, and avoid swallowing water from pools, lakes, or rivers.

3. Watch high-risk foods

Take extra care with raw herbs (basil, cilantro), berries, and pre-cut salad mixes, especially imported ones.

4. Keep prep areas clean

Wash cutting boards, knives, and countertops after contact with unwashed produce.

5. Practice good hand hygiene

Wash hands with soap before cooking or eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

6. See a doctor if symptomatic

A stool test can confirm infection; it's treated with a course of prescription antibiotics.

Seasonal allergies, or hayfever, are very common at this time of year. Typical symptoms include watery, itchy, red eyes; a clear runny nose; sneezing; and an itchy palate or throat. The most common triggers are trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall!   

Effective non-sedating medications are now available for children over the age of 2 without a prescription for treatment of seasonal allergies. These include loratadine (generic Claritin), Claritin, and Zyrtec. These medications can be given as needed for allergy symptoms. If you think your child has seasonal allergies and he or she is not responding to medication OR if you are not sure, please make an appointment in our office.

Many children do not require allergy testing if they respond to treatment with medication as needed. 

Flu season in Michigan can last until June

Symptoms: Fatigue, body aches, sudden onset high grade fever, poor appetite

Treatment: Rest, hydration, sometimes antivirals

Prevention: Hand washing, avoid toughing the face unless hands are washed,

avoid close contact with sick persons. Flu vaccine annually

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/2025-2026.html

Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common viral illness caused by the Coxsackie A-16 virus (a member of the enterovirus family). Its name describes the location of the rash during the illness.

Typically children experience fever and small blisters in the mouth in the first few days followed by small blisters on the hands and then feet.  Sometimes the rash is seen in the diaper area as well.  The mouth blisters can be painful.  Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be given as needed for pain relief.  It is important to make sure your child receives plenty of fluids.  Cold liquids may provide pain relief as well.  

Call our office for an appointment if you think your child may be showing symptoms of dehydration during this illness (urinating less than every 8 hours, dry mouth, or lethargy); if the fever persists after the first 3-4 days; or if you cannot keep the pain under control.

The first case of Measles in 2025 MI was reported in March in an adult that

travelled internationally

Symptoms of measles: High grade fever, body aches, red rash, white spots in

the mouth, redness of the eyes, fatigue

Prevention: MMR vaccine

Also called the stomach flu” (This is unrelated to influenza)

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, body aches

Symptoms last for 2-4 days

Treatment: Rest, hydration, anti emetics could help to prevent dehydration

Signs to watch for: Decreasing wet diapers, dry cracked lips, lack of

tears, fatigue/headaches.

Prevention: Proper hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, keeping surfaces

clean at home and daycare facilities

We are currently seeing quite a bit of strep throat. If your child has a fever, sore throat, headache, or stomachache without any other viral symptoms like congestion or cough, it may be strep throat. Bacteria, called Group A strep, cause this type of sore throat. To diagnose strep throat, your physician will require a swab of your child's throat, and antibiotics will be needed if the strep test is positive.