Michigan now has 77 confirmed or suspected monkeypox cases

There are currently 77 confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox in the state as of Wednesday, according to health officials.

Monkeypox is a 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. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal.

If you think you have monkeypox or have had close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox you should visit your healthcare provider.

Click here to view an interactive map of the cases being tracked in Michigan and learn more about the symptoms of monkeypox.

Read more: Where is monkeypox in Michigan? Here’s a map of cases and everything you should know about symptoms

What is Michigan doing?

MDHHS is following these strategies when it comes to vaccination:

• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Vaccinating individuals following intermediate or high-risk exposure to MPV to prevent illness.
• Expanded Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP++): Vaccinating individuals with risk behaviors in geographies, settings, events or venues with known MPV transmission in the last 14 days.

The CDC recommends the vaccine be given for PEP within four days from the date of exposure. It it’s given between four and 14 days it can reduce symptoms but may not prevent monkeypox.

How many vaccines does Michigan have?

Michigan has received more than 3,800 doses of JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccine was distributed to hubs that will redistribute vaccines to other areas of the state as needed.

Hubs are in the following areas (Phone numbers and links to the county health departments are also posted):

• Detroit: 313-876-4000
• Oakland County: 248-858-1280
• Washtenaw County: 734-544-6700
• Kent County: 616-632-7100
• Kalamazoo County: 269-373-5200
• Ingham County: 517-887-4311
• Genesee County: 810-257-3612
• Grand Traverse County: 231-995-6111

Health departments might contact eligible individuals who have been identified as close contacts. If you know or suspect that you have had contact with someone who has monkeypox, you should contact your local health department for more information.

Read more: Michigan residents: Contact your health department for a vaccine if you’ve been exposed to monkeypox