LANSING, MI – A Michigan country music festival held near Brooklyn, Michigan, has been connected to more than a dozen COVID-19 cases.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Saturday, July 24, that its staff is working with local public health departments on an investigation of COVID-19 illness associated with the Faster Horses Festival.
The music and camping festival was held at the Michigan International Speedway in Lenawee County from July 16-19.
At least 17 cases of COVID-19 have been identified among the fest’s attendees, including individuals who were at the festival while they were infectious, the MDHHS reports. Those who attended may have been exposed to the virus, the agency cautioned.
“Although we have made great progress with vaccination in our state, the virus continues to circulate in Michigan and across the country,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “Attendees at the festival may have been exposed and are urged to get tested if they are not fully vaccinated or if they develop symptoms. "
Also at this year’s festival, three men staying in a camper at a nearby campground died of carbon monoxide poisoning on July 17. The deceased men – Kole Sova, 19; Richie Mays Jr., 20; and Dawson Brown, 20 – had been been attending the event.
The body of 30-year-old Croswell woman Melissa D. Havens was also found the morning of July 17 at festival grounds. Police have not yet disclosed the cause or manner of Havens’ death.
People with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or have symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Individuals experiencing severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, inability to wake or stay awake or pale or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, should seek emergency care immediately, MDHHS advised.
Attendees of Faster Horses are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 if they have not been fully vaccinated, or have been vaccinated but develop symptoms. Testing sites are available across the state, many of them offering free COVID-19 testing. Please visit Michigan.gov/coronavirustest to find a testing site near you.
More than 5 million Michiganders 16 and older have received at least their first dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. MDHHS encourages all eligible Michiganders, those age 12 years and older, to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are able. The vaccine is our best protection against the virus and how we can end this pandemic together. To locate a vaccine, visit VaccineFinder.org.
As of Friday, July 23, Michigan has had 899,921 confirmed COVID-19 cases, resulting in 19,883 deaths.
Read more:
Faster Horses headliner Luke Combs pays funeral costs for families affected by tragedy at the event
Vigil brings hundreds to Michigan Center after Faster Horses tragedy: ‘A reflection of their legacy’
Police identify woman who died at the 2021 Faster Horses Festival