MDHHS: COVID-19 cases connected with Faster Horses Festival

LANSING, MI - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) say its working with local public health departments on an investigation of cases of COVID-19 illness associated with the Faster Horses Festival, held July 16-19.

The Faster Horses Festival was a three-day country music and camping festival held at the Michigan International Speedway in Lenawee County. At least 17 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in this year’s attendees, including individuals who were at the festival while they were infectious. If you attended the Faster Horses Festival, you may have been exposed to the virus.

"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. "

People with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or have a wide range of symptoms – from mild to severe illness. 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. 

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.

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit: Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine
For more information about COVID-19 in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.