Michigan tracks 225 monkeypox cases statewide

Michigan health officials are tracking 225 confirmed or suspected monkeypox cases statewide.

of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services We track these cases and publish information about them. The latest figures come from Friday’s update.

If you have ever had monkeypox, you should: Please contact the nearest public health center About getting vaccinated.

Interactive map of monkeypox cases in Michigan

(Can’t see the map? click here.)

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read: US declares health emergency over monkeypox outbreak

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, according to the CDC.

This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but are milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal.

It was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks occurred in a colony of monkeys kept for research. The cause of the disease is still unknown. The first human cases were documented in 1970.

read: University of Michigan expert: What you need to know about monkeypox

How and when to test for monkeypox

If you think you have monkeypox or have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox, talk to your health care provider.

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When testing for monkeypox, always use a swab sample taken directly from the lesion (rash or growth), according to the FDA.

The FDA said it was not aware of any clinical data supporting samples from blood or saliva for monkeypox testing.

Symptoms of monkeypox

Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after infection. A rash may appear first, followed by other symptoms. Others will only get a rash.

Symptoms of monkeypox include:

• heat

• headache

• muscle pain and back pain

• swollen lymph nodes

• cold

• fatigue

• Pimple-like or blistering-like rashes that appear on other parts of the body, such as the face, mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, and anus.

What to do if you have symptoms

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider. CDC suggests reminding health care providers that monkeypox is prevalent.

Avoid close contact with other people until you are tested. You should also avoid close contact with pets and other animals.

If the test results are positive, the person should be quarantined until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of intact skin has formed.

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Previous: First Monkeypox Case in Subway Detroit: What You Need to Know

Is monkeypox fatal? how is that handled?

More than 99% of people with endemic types of monkeypox have a chance of surviving.

People with weakened immune systems and people under the age of 8 are more likely to become seriously ill or die.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. However, the CDC says antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox may be used to treat infections.

Antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be recommended for people who are more likely to develop severe disease, such as those with a weakened immune system.

Is there a monkeypox vaccine?

Two vaccines, licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are available to prevent monkeypox infection. Data on the effectiveness of these vaccines in the current outbreak are not yet available, according to the CDC.

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There is also post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for monkeypox. People infected with monkeypox can be vaccinated to prevent disease caused by the monkeypox virus. CDC recommends that the vaccine be given to her within 4 days of exposure for the best chance of preventing the onset of illness.

read more: Michigan’s Monkeypox Vaccine: Do I Need to Get Vaccinated? How Does It Work?

Michigan has received or will receive 8,878 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. As of August 24, 2022, 14,318 doses of the vaccine have been allocated, according to authorities. The vaccine has been or will be distributed to hubs that redistribute the vaccine to other parts of the state as needed.

Hubs are located in the following areas (phone numbers and links to county health departments are also provided):

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How does monkeypox spread?

It can be spread by direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted through prolonged face-to-face contact or sexual intercourse. Pregnant people can pass the virus on to their fetus through the placenta.

It can be spread through contagious rashes and objects that come in contact with bodily fluids (clothes and linens). A person can become infected with monkeypox by scratching or being bitten by an infected animal, eating meat, or using products from an infected animal.

If you don’t have symptoms, you can’t spread the virus. Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms begin until the rash has completely healed and a new layer of skin forms.

read: WHO: Monkeypox won’t become a pandemic, but many unknowns

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How to lower your risk at parties, clubs and festivals

If you plan to attend a party, club, or festival, the CDC suggests considering how close and personal skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur. If you feel unwell or have a rash, please do not attend the gathering.

Festivals, events, and concerts where participants are fully clothed and less likely to share skin-to-skin contact are safer.

If you’re attending a party with minimal clothing and direct personal contact, avoid the rash seen on other people.Try to minimize skin-to-skin contact.

Monkeypox is more likely to spread in enclosed spaces with anonymous physical contact with multiple people.

original: Everything You Need To Know About Monkeypox As Michigan Confirmed Cases Hit 14