November 01, 2017
Nov. 1, 2017
LANSING, Mich. -- Lt. Gov. Brian Calley today announced the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to coordinate Michigan’s response to the hepatitis A outbreak. The Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC) also was activated Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to direct the response and provide guidance to the multiple local public health jurisdictions in the prevention and investigation of cases.
Since August 1, 2016, there have been 457 confirmed cases of hepatitis A, including 18 fatalities, associated with this outbreak in the City of Detroit and Huron, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties reported to MDHHS.
“The health and safety of Michiganders is the top priority as we work to contain and prevent this deadly virus from spreading further, “Lt. Gov. Calley said. “Activating the SEOC will ensure that all state and local agencies are working together to combat this outbreak.”
The SEOC is overseen by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and coordinates response and recovery efforts by state agencies and local government. The SEOC is staffed by members of state agencies for decision making and information coordination during disasters or emergencies in the state of Michigan.
The CHECC provides support to impacted jurisdictions including local health departments, hospitals, EMS, healthcare coalitions and other healthcare providers. This coordination and communication support includes responding to requests for health-related resources, developing and distributing guidelines and educational materials to meet the needs of this outbreak.
More information about the hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan and current recommendations are available at www.michigan.gov/hepatitisAoutbreak. Michigan residents are also encouraged to contact their local health department for more information or vaccination.
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