Environmental Health
The Environmental Health Division of the District Health Department No. 4 provides services that aid to protect public health and help ensure the protection of the environment within our community. Programs administrated and services provided through this division are authorized by the state of Michigan or within the jurisdiction of our local environmental health code.
Environmental Health Portal
DHD4 is launching this portal for community members to view public records and inspection results from local restaurants, public pools and campgrounds. View the portal here.
Mold spores continually drift through the air. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. Mold can grow on wet or moist wood, paper, carpet, and food. The term “black mold” is often used to describe the growth of mold on surfaces, and gives the perception of something evil or harmful. However when any mold, good or not, grows on a surface, it will generally look dark, or black. Molds don’t need to be feared, but simply controlled so they do not get out of hand.
There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
The attached references provide information regarding mold in residential locations. You may contact the health department in your county to obtain further information on mold or obtain information on environmental consultants that can help identify molds and remediate problems.
Mold complaints for renters in the City of Alpena can call the City Inspector at 989-354-1760. Outside of Alpena city limits, renters can call the Township Inspector at 989-358-2737.
District Health Department No. 4 does not have jurisdiction over bed bug complaints.
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on the blood of people and animals when they sleep. Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Their slim flat bodies allow them to fit into the smallest of spaces and stay there for long periods of time, even without a blood meal. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home or poor personal hygiene. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease but can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. If you think you may have bed bugs, it is important to do a thorough inspection and begin treatment as soon as possible. Treating a bed bug infestation early will save much time and expense. Please read below for important information on how to deal with bed bugs.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most commonly transmitted by a rabid animal bite. The majority of reported cases occur in wild animals such as racoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. The virus infects the central nervous system resulting in disease within the brain and then death. In people, the symptoms initially included fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe including insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, increase in saliva, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water. Typically, death occurs within days after the onset of these symptoms.
When bringing in animals for rabies testing.
- No live animals.
- Anything larger than a bat, only bring in an intact head. DHD4 cannot remove the head or submit an animal’s body.
- Keep head and spine intact. Do not crush or damage head or upper spine otherwise it cannot be tested.
- Keep refrigerated (do not freeze) until specimen is brought in.
**DHD4 does not give the rabies vaccine. Call your healthcare provider if you think you have been bitten by an animal with rabies.**
Contact EH
Alpena County
District Health Dept. No. 4
100 Woods Circle, Suite 200
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 356-4507
Fax: (989) 354-0855
Cheboygan County
District Health Dept. No. 4
825 S Huron St. Suite 1
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 627-8850
Fax: (231) 627-9466
Montmorency County
District Health Dept. No. 4
12480 State Street
Atlanta, MI 49709
Phone: (989) 785-4428
Fax: (989) 785-2217
Presque Isle County
District Health Dept. No. 4
106 E. Huron, Suite A
Rogers City, MI 49779
Phone: (989) 734-4723
Fax: (989) 734-3866
