On Thursday, September 10, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) received information about a potential ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts in Hastings, MI, and at the Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Department. Presumptive testing of the substance indicated the presence of ricin. Confirmatory testing has since confirmed the presence of ricin.
Testing was offered to residents and employees of Tyden Lofts, as well as first responders who were concerned that they may have been exposed to ricin. Being offered a test does not mean that a person was exposed. Testing can help address concerns and make sure anyone who needs follow-up can get the care and support they need.
The health and well-being of pets remaining in the building has been a priority from the beginning of the response. Officials have been able to safely access the building, pets have been provided with ample food and water. As of Saturday, response partners have been working to safely retrieve the remaining pets. The health department and its partners recognize how important pets are to their families and will continue to make their care and safe removal a priority as response activities allow.
Response teams have now moved into the sampling phase at Tyden Lofts, an important next step in the response plan. Teams will collect environmental samples to help determine whether ricin is present and whether additional cleanup or other actions are needed. This is an important next step toward allowing residents to safely return to their homes. Residents should not return to Tyden Lofts until they are told it is safe to do so. We understand how difficult the uncertainty has been for residents and their families, and we are working as quickly as possible to move as safely as we can through this process.
BEDHD has issued orders restricting access to Tyden Lofts while testing, assessment, and any necessary remediation are completed. Residents, employees, contractors, visitors, and other individuals are not permitted to enter or re-enter affected areas unless specifically authorized.
The orders were issued under the authority of the Michigan Public Health Code. Access restrictions will remain in place until the necessary public health actions are completed, and the health department provides written notice that the restrictions have been lifted.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We understand the community has questions and concerns, and we are committed to sharing timely and accurate information throughout the response.
