(WWJ) - Health officials have identified another possible case of Monkeypox in Michigan on Friday, brining the total number of probable or confirmed cases of the virus up to three.
The Department of Health and Human Resources confirmed one resident in Wayne County and two in Oakland County have met the standard criteria for the viral disease, WWJ's Dr. Deanna Lites reports.
"MDHHS works closely with local health departments and providers across the state to protect the health of Michigan residents through rapid detection and response," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive said in a press release after the first case was identified in Michigan over a week ago.
According to the Center for Disease Control, the disease is relatively rare and has a low risk for being fatal. It is spread through direct contact with an infected person's rash, scabs, bodily fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact. It also spreads easily during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
The CDC added that people can contract the disease by touching items -- such as clothing or linens -- that previously touched an infectious rash or body fluids. Those who are pregnant can also spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
Monkeypox is zoonotic meaning it can spread from infected animals. Humans can contract the disease by being "scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal."
"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," Bagdasarian added.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
The CDC said symptoms can appear seven to 14 days after exposure and infection; the illness' signature rash can last anywhere from two to four weeks and can go through different stages before completely healing.
"It is important to note that anyone can contract and spread monkeypox, but early data from this outbreak suggest that men who have sex with men make up a high number of initial cases," the MDHHS stated.
For more information, visit CDC.gov/Monkeypox. Oakland County's Nurse on Call is available to answer questions Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com.
The Wayne County Health Department can be reached at 313-224-5030 or at www.waynecounty.com.
