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Michigan Department Of Community Health Removes Precautionary Budd Lake Health Advisory

May 22, 2007

On May 17, 2007, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) discovered the presence of fish disease called Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in Budd Lake, a 175-acre lake in central Clare County. VHS cannot infect humans and is not a threat to human health.

Recently, Budd Lake experienced a very large and initially unexplainable die-off of fish beginning April 30. As a precautionary measure while tests were being completed, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) coordinated with the Central Michigan District Health Department and the DNR, to put into place a public health advisory. Given the results of the recent tests, MDCH has removed this public health advisory.

MDCH would like to remind people using any Michigan Lake to following these tips:

- Avoid eating fish that appear unhealthy (i.e., slow moving, bloated, floating).

- Use the 2007 Michigan Family Fish Consumption Guide (1-800-648-6942 or go to www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics).

- Thoroughly cook fish to kill germs before eating.

- Avoid scummy water, as it may be caused by blue-green algae that can make people sick.