Residents across Metro Detroit are experiencing a range of illnesses, from common fall viruses and respiratory infections to gastrointestinal issues and seasonal allergies. Doctors and hospitals in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Macomb counties have provided insights into the most prevalent health concerns currently circulating.
In Wayne County, Dr. Kelly Levasseur, Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, reported an increase in "the typical vomiting-related illness, with diarrhea." Dr. Levasseur also observed persistent cases of strep throat, noting that children, particularly those aged 10 and under, frequently present with symptoms like abdominal pain, headache, or fever in addition to a sore throat. While flu and RSV cases were not widely noted by Dr. Levasseur, some COVID-19 cases were identified. Dr. Ali J. Bazzi, a pediatrician at Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital, confirmed the return of common fall viruses including rhinovirus/enterovirus, influenza, and RSV. Dr. Bazzi highlighted that infants younger than eight months became eligible for RSV immunization on October 1, and flu vaccines are now available for all eligible patients. A surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases was also reported by Dr. Bazzi. From the Emergency Departments at DMC Detroit Receiving and DMC Sinai-Grace Hospitals, Dr. Erin Brennan noted seeing non-flu and non-COVID viral upper respiratory infections that include a sore throat, alongside regular patient visits.
Oakland County is also seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses. Dr. Whitney Minnock, Pediatric Chief of Emergency at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, reported a rise in both flu and RSV cases, along with a significant increase in croup. Dr. Minnock advised that now is a good time to get the flu vaccine. Dr. Josh Newblatt from Pine Knob Urgent Care indicated that allergy season appears to be in full swing, contributing to upper respiratory illnesses. Dr. Newblatt also observed many cases of strep throat and gastrointestinal illnesses involving vomiting and diarrhea.
In Washtenaw County, Dr. Stuart Bradin, Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine, reported cases of croup, various respiratory illnesses including enterovirus, COVID-19, asthma flare-ups, and some gastrointestinal illness. Dr. Bradin also noted that many college students have been treated for viral illnesses presenting with sore throat, myalgias, and congestion. Dr. Brad Uren, Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Michigan Medicine, observed a mix of upper respiratory infections, including COVID-19, among adult patients. According to the most recent MDHHS MI Flu Focus report, influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are at moderate levels, with influenza A H3N2 currently dominating the 2026-2027 influenza season. Wastewater detection for both influenza A and B is currently at low levels in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
Monroe County is experiencing an increase in viral upper respiratory infections, though Dr. Laura Grima of ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency clarified that most are not related to COVID-19 or influenza. Dr. Grima also noted that seasonal allergies, manifesting as allergic rhinitis with symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough, are affecting many patients. Dr. Grima emphasized the importance of frequent and thorough handwashing to prevent germ spread and recommended staying up to date on immunizations, including the annual influenza vaccine.
Macomb County has also seen a growing number of patients with viral upper respiratory infections, presenting with cough, congestion, and slight fever, which have not tested positive for the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, according to Dr. Christopher Shamass, an Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb. Dr. Shamass also reported mild viral infections causing gastrointestinal distress, such as light nausea and diarrhea. While allergy and asthma complications have notably tapered off from summer levels, pediatric patients continue to arrive at the trauma center with broken bones and other orthopedic and soft tissue injuries, largely resulting from youth sports.
