DETROIT (WWJ) Wayne County confirmed a case Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
County health officials have not released any information about the individual affected, including what type of Mpox he or she has.
This is the first case for Wayne County since 2022, excluding in the city of Detroit.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); symptoms of Mpox typically start within three weeks of exposure. Flu-like symptoms may develop with a rash, that “resembles blisters” appearing one to four days later. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, headache and respiratory symptoms.
The rash may be found on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth or near the genitals, according to the CDC.
Health officials say a person is contagious from the onset of symptoms until the rash is “fully healed.” The illness usually lasts two to four weeks, according to the CDC.
Mpox is not airborne, and is spread through “direct skin-to-skin contact” with someone with the rash or scabs, bodily fluids, “intimate contact” and “prolonged face to face interaction.” It can also be spread through touching wild animals, or through clothing or bedding that had been used by someone with Mpox, the CDC said.
There’s no conclusive evidence that it can be spread through pools or hot tubs.
According to the CDC, health officials identified two subtypes of Mpox. Clade I; endemic to Central Africa; has been known to have a 10% death rate, although recently, the rate has been lower. Clade II; endemic to West Africa; has an overall survival rate of over 99.9%.
The CDC reported 32,000 cases of Clade II and 58 deaths in the U.S. between 2022 and 2023. Michigan saw 401 cases during that time.
WXYZ reports that 19 cases have been reported in Michigan in 2024.
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. Learn more about who the vaccine is recommended for here.