WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – The Wayne County Public Health (WCPH) division is reporting a new case of mpox.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral illness that primarily spreads through close, personal, and/or intimate contact with infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Initial symptoms include a flu-like illness consisting of fevers, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms followed by development of a rash that resembles pimples or blisters. Symptoms usually first appear within 21 days after exposure. A person is contagious from when symptoms start until scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed (usually takes two to four weeks).
The health department said risk to the public remains low at this time because it does not spread easily between people. This is the 19th case in Michigan in 2024, according to the health department.
An mpox vaccine is available and recommended for people who are at risk or potential risk for mpox. Anyone who has only received one dose should receive a second dose as soon as possible.
Mpox vaccinations are available at no cost and testing at low to no cost at Wayne County Public Health Division, by calling 734-727-7101.
More informatio nabout the mpox vaccine is available at michigan.gov, waynecounty.com/mpox, and cdc.gov/mpox.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, according to the CDC.
The virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal.
It was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. The source of the disease is still unknown. The first human case was recorded in 1970.
Virus types
There are two types of Monkeypox virus: clade I and clade II, according to the CDC:
- Clade I causes more severe illness and deaths. Some outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the people who get sick, although more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates. Clade I is endemic to Central Africa.
- Clade II is the type that caused the global outbreak that began in 2022. Infections from clade II mpox are less severe. More than 99.9% of people survive. Clade II is endemic to West Africa.
Symptoms of mpox
People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3–17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of mpox can include
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
You may experience all or only a few symptoms.
More information on how mpox spreads is available at CDC.com.