Monkeypox in Michigan: Symptoms to Look For
It was bound to happen at some point. After months of hearing about monkeypox, the first probable case of the virus has been detected in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The department confirmed this week that the probable case was found in Oakland County.
According to the MDDHHS, preliminary testing for the case has been labeled a presumptive positive result for orthopoxvirus. Monkeypox is part of the orthopoxvirus family of viruses, MDHHS explained. Confirmatory testing is currently happening the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to officials, the infected the person is isolating and is not a risk to the general public. As of this weekend, the United States has 306 confirmed cases in 27 states and Washington D.C., according to the MDHHS.
“MDHHS works closely with local health departments and providers across the state to protect the health of Michigan residents through rapid detection and response,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, said in a statement. “Monkeypox is a viral illness that spreads primarily through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, bodily fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact. It is important to remember that the risk to the general public is low. However, Michiganders with concerns about monkeypox should see their provider to be evaluated for testing.”
So, what are standard monkeypox symptoms? According to the MDHHS, symptoms of the virus include fever; headache; muscle aches and backache; swollen lymph nodes; chills; exhaustion; and a rash that can appear as pimples or blisters. The rashes show up on the face and inside the mouth and other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. In addition, the rashes progress through these stages before falling off: macules, papules, vesicles; pustules; and, finally, scabs. For more information on monkeybox, visit the CDC’s website.
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