On July 23, 2022 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Monkeypox virus a public health emergency. This is a rare designation and it means that the WHO considers this outbreak significant and of international concern. As of Aug. 3, 2022, Michigan had 34 confirmed cases of Monkeypox. There are currently no confirmed cases in Jackson, Lenawee or Hillsdale counties.
It is important to note that the Monkeypox virus is very different than the COVID virus. Monkeypox is not nearly as contagious as COVID. Monkeypox is a virus that is in the same family of viruses as smallpox and is similar but milder (Henry Ford Health (HFH), 2022). |
| • | Fever |
| • | Chills |
| • | Headache |
| • | Body aches |
| • | Exhaustion |
| • | Swollen lymph nodes |
| • | Rash - looks like blisters (appears on the face and other body parts like hands, feet, chest, genitals) (HFH, 2022). |
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Monkeypox is spread via direct or indirect contact with infected rash, scabs or body fluids. Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has been fully healed. The illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks. Monkeypox is most often spread through sexual activity or prolonged contact with an infected area (HFH, 2022). It has been confirmed that men who have sex with men are at increased risk of contracting Monkeypox (HFH, 2022). |
You can protect yourself from getting Monkeypox by doing the following:
| • | Avoid close or skin to skin contact with people who have a rash or known Monkeypox. |
| • | Avoid touching or handling bedding, clothing or towels that a person with Monkeypox has used. |
| • | Do not touch, kiss, cuddle or have sex with a person with Monkeypox. |
| • | Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022). |
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The impact of the Monkeypox virus is not expected to be significant like that of the COVID virus on our health care system. Monkeypox cases are on the rise in Michigan and across the United States. At this time, it is not expected that a large number of individuals with Monkeypox will need inpatient care (HFH, 2022). The majority of cases thus far have been considered mild and can be treated at home. Those that have been admitted to the hospital have had other medical complications or are immunocompromised. |
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